Pertornix Ignition Question

[copper]

I have a 69 911T and have to replace a set of well worn points. I am having a difficult time locating the right points and am considering the pertronix conversion.

Do any other '69 owners have the Pertronix installed?
What Pertronix part # are you using? (PE-1867 ?)
Should I upgrade the coil?

Any other advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.

The current distributor is a Marelli.

Thanks in advance.

Jim

[k9handler]

I used one on my 2.7 (1975) and it worked well with the original coil and was pretty simple to install.

[copper]

Do you remember what the part # was?
Does PE-1867 ring a bell?

What distributor are you running?

Jim

[k9handler]

I don't remember the specifics of either. I removed the distributor to install the unit, I did have to remove the plastic connection from the side so the rubber boot and wires for the pertronix could be routed through. The connections were pretty basic as one wire went to the coil, the other to a voltage source in the rear fuse box, and a ground wire if I remember correctly. I am sure someone will be able to assist you better.

[copper]

Thanks. Gives me hope.

Jim

[anthony]

I have one on my 914. It smoothed out the idle nicely. Pertronix though doesn't have the best reputation. Everybody says to keep a spare or a set of points in the glove box. Personally I think most of the failures are due to pilot error. One common error is not leaving enough slack in the wires so that the distributor's advance can function. Without some slack, the advance tugs on the wires and rubs them against something. Eventually they ground out and the car is dead.

Another friend killed his Pertronix by listening to the radio all day with the key in the on position while working on the car in the garage. Evidently, the Pertronix doesn't like that.

[poorsha]

Jim,
I installed the Pertronx in my 74.
Bought it from our host and received Pelican part # PEL-PT1867.
The Pertronix box simply states the part # as 1867.
The label attached by Pelican reads:
"Ignitor Electronic Ignition, 911E/911T/911S (1973 - 75) Distributor no. 0-231-184-001,002,00---(it ends here. Perhaps there should be a #3).
I checked out the Pertronix website and looked through the online catalog and there is no specific listing for your car.
May be worth a phone call to them on Tuesday: 909-599-5955 (cheap basta*ds, no 800#)
Hope this helps.

[Zeke]

Originally posted by anthony


Another friend killed his Pertronix by listening to the radio all day with the key in the on position while working on the car in the garage. Evidently, the Pertronix doesn't like that.

Absolutely! You can't leave the ignition on with Pertronix. I know this personally. I didn't do it because I knew the potential, but someone else didn't beleive it and fried a Pertronix. I was right there when it died.

Also, you can be unlucky enough to have to distributor stop with the points just a fraction open. Leaving power on in this situation can produce bad results, I'm told. I play it safe and don't turn on power until I need to start the car or am working on the dist doing a static time with a pilot light.

[911pcars]

The alternative to the Pertronix is the Crane XR700 (optical trigger and box). Many folks use it. It seems to be pretty reliable from all accounts here. I used one for many years, then added the Hi-6S box to it.

Sherwood

[copper]

Thanks for all the responses! You folks are great.

As for the XR700, I have a line on one right now. I was looking at it, but then I would also need to buy a distributor with an optical sensor right? Or is there a way to use the XR700 with my Marelli. If so, do I just need to buy the optical and an installation kit with the shutters?

Is this better than the Pertronix?

Should I upgrade at all, or just stick with a new set of points?
I'm having a heck of a time finding parts for my 69 911T. Many places don't even have listings for many parts for this specific year.


Jim

[911pcars]

I don't think the Crane optical unit will fit inside a Marelli (but don't quote me). I haven't seen an example of it. It's tight but it'll work in a Bosch.

Sherwood