Pertronix ignition

[MrDynamic]

Can anyone give me their first-hand impressions of this unit? I've only read reviews in magazines, ads etc.

[imported_jrbartlett]

Had one on a '35 Auburn that performed well for several years. Then it died during a parade, and I was told that 6-volt positive ground units are no longer being made. I switched back to the old points and condensor set-up, since I can work on those.

[Silverghost]

I also had a unit fail... I Was told that a poor ground caused the failure. This was not the case!!! Ground was fine!!! Used their coil also!!! Good thing I had the points + condenser with me to replace the bad unit or I would have been stuck 300 miles from home on a Sunday!!! I hope this helps???

[imported_motoringicons]

A very timely post as I have been thinking about purchasing a Petronix conversion for my 1927 Springfield Phantom I (S274RM)(6 Volt Positive Ground) that I drive about 5000 miles a year. The problem with the current (original) point system is the need to be reset about every 400 miles. Not a problem, as the old points are straight forward and easy to reset, but a nuisance none the less. I have used the Petronix conversion on other antique cars with mixed results. One factor to keep in mind is that modern electronics (car, household, computer, etc) DO NOT react well to high heat situations and being exposed to extreme heat for extended periods of time will cause failure. Sometimes the failure will be immediate, sometimes gradual, sometimes off and on (which can be real confusing!!). I have unsuccessfully used Petronix conversions on Model A Fords where the distributor is on top of the hot cylinder head and the even hotter exhaust manifold. I used a Petronix unit on a 1929 Packard 645 and had great, trouble free results, and another on an 1922 HCS that also worked well, but in both of these cases the distributors were far enough away from any direct heat source and were located in a well ventilated part of the engine compartment. My Springfield RR ,of course, has two distributors located right behind the fan, so, in theory they should remain "cool and calm". Both distributors fire at the same time (no independent controls) so I really need to convert both. I guess I could change things around a bit and seperate the distributors making one original and one Petronix so I could choose between the two in case of failure. Any thoughts on this???? I have also been told that a parrallel "hot" wire from the battery needs to be added with the Petronix conversion on a six volt sytem in order to get enough "juice" for starting. By the way, six volt Positive ground Petronix units are stil available. It would be nice to hear from other people that have converted earlier cars to Petronix and get some more feedback.-Motoringicons

What a timely question as I also have been considering installing the Petronix in my 1947 Packard. I am wondering however whether, aside from the obvious convenience of no longer worrying about points which is not a big bother for me in any event, the Petronix offers any improvement in starting, performance or gas mileage? I have used a Crane Hi-6 in a point ignition Volvo and I do believe that the system helped in all three areas but I wonder whether a slow turning low compression Packard engine would benefit from a hotter spark or whatever else one of these units might offer.
I am also considering using a spare Crane Hi-6 multi spark unit but would need a 6 to 12 volt booster like MSD offers. Has the MSD unit proven to give performance benefits on old cars as well?

[Silverghost]

WHY do you find it necessary to re-set your Rolls-Royce Springfield PI points every 400 miles??? I have Springfield S 136PM and have not seen this sort of a problem!!! Are your points burning??? (Pitting...if so check for the proper condensor!!!) If they bounce out of adjustment you might need new distributor bearings!!! I find mine are good for several 3-4 thousand miles!!!

[thesnyder]

You've probably made your decision by now, but if your still on the fence, I can say this thing is a great device! I have them in three cars currently; a 67 skylark, a 64 LeSabre, and a lotus engined Jensen Healey. In all cases mileage and performance was improved considerably.

[imported_motoringicons]

What is happening is the fiber (composition ???) block on the points wears which, of course, changes the point gap. These points (and the spares I have) were purchased from one of the known RR parts suppliers. I don't know if these are aftermarket points or ??? Anyway, there is no play in the distributor shafts, nor any burrs, etc on the cam lobe that would cause wear, and there is no pitting in the points. Another possible option is retrofitting some sort of modern points with a nylon type contact block like they have for Model As, etc. Cheers!-Motoringicons

[Silverghost]

Hello again Motoringicons!!!
Do you have Bosch Distributors or the slightly later DeJon units??? NAPA, Filko,Blue Streak,Standard,Autolite/Motorcraft etc. still sell these points!!! I don't have the #s here but I can get them for you!!! They will "special Order" these for you....BUT they won't have the proper cross-reference for Springfields that old!!! These points were used for quite sone time in other applications!!!!
By the way do you use Dist. Cam lube???
You don't need to use much on the cam but it makes a big difference!!! Makes wear a thing of the past!!! You can still find this lube around, or you can use Hi-temp Ignition dielectric grease!!! Permatex makes both!!! Pep Boys, Auto Zone,NAPA,etc!!!
If you want some part #s let me know if Bosch or DeJon ???
Always glad to help a fellow R~R Springfield Ghost/Phantom I owner!!!
These are SUPER Cars!!!

[imported_motoringicons]

Thanks for your advice. I have the early American Bosch distributors. I do use cam lube. It would be great to get the part numbers so I could buy the points directly from an auto parts store. Maybe they are better than the point I have. Yes, these are great cars. I drive S274RM alot and in the almost three years I have owned it have driven it some 14,000 miles. Thanks again for your help!

[Pat_n_Pat]

We have used Pertronix in our '41 Packard 120 (6v, positive ground) that competed in the 2005 Great Race from Washington, D.C. to Tacoma Washington...a total of 4300 hard miles. It performed perfectly. In addition, we have been running pertronix in our '56 T-Bird (12v negative ground)for four years with no problems. We just ran the Bird in the 2006 Great Race.

I was surprised when we needed to move the '41 and it would not start! No spark! I have tried to call Pertronix twice to get some info on checking their product. Left messages both times, but no return calls. I finally found the old points and plate, and will put that back in.

Pertronix does give a 30-month warranty. I would definitely recommend Pertronix, just make sure you carry your old points for backup!