Whats your thoughts on Pertronix Ignition.

[1976 TN Porsche]

Im thinking about buying Pertronix ignition to replace my points. I would like your thoughts. Thanks.

[berettafan]

Installed yesterday and drove today. Somewhat more stable idle (not hugely so but was already pretty good on my car) and definitely somewhat smoother.

I will double check timing a few times just to be sure but really looking forward to not constantly adjusting points.

[mholbrook38]

I have used Petronix ignition in several BMW 2002's and a 71 Plymouth 318 v8. Worked great in every case. Ez to install and no more points to deal with. Hotter ignition too.

Just my .02 worth....

[zotman72]

I have had one in my '72 for 10+ years. Set and forget. There were some build quality problems a couple years back if I recall. YMMV

[74-911]

Installed mine about 7 years ago. Essentially haven't touched it since then. One of the best upgrades you can make IMHO anyway.

[gsmith660]

I had a petronix in my dist. for a short time worked great but decided to replace the whole ignition with EDIS controlled by megasquirt the old cdi and dizzy,s ( both off of 77 motors) will be on my parts thread soon.

[docrodg]

Let's see... play with points constantly and the headache of adjusting points, timing, dwell, timing, dwell, timing... you get the picture; OR install pertronix and not have to mess with it anymore. Yes, some problems can happen with the unit, but overall the issues are less than points and the adjustment (or lack thereof) is definitely worth it time wise.

[haycait911]

love pertronix. makes for a simple ignition system I'm simple so I like that. dizzy and a coil. period.

[Rich Lambert]

I resisted changing over from something as simple as points for a long time and that was time wasted. I've never had as many ignition points related issues as I've had with this car. I don't know if this is gospel or not, but it was explained to me that the quality of metal used in the pads of todays points is not the same as days gone by. I would hazzard a guess that they're made up the street from where the silver coils are manufactured.

[tmctguer]

i changed mine about a year ago. i am sorry i waited so long. my car runs SO much smoother and i do not have to fiddle with points any more. don't put it off a long time like i did.

here is the thread i posted showing how i did it.

Pertronix Installation in '73 911E -- complete with photos

be careful of the connections to a CDI unit. you have to use the diagram posted on Pertronix site (i attached it as an FYI).

[47silver]

put one in and no problems, may get a second for a spare, in lieu of carrying a set of points.

[dicklague]

I installed one on my 1973 about 3 years ago. this was after messing with the points for many years......very worthwhile upgrade. Now I just don't mess with points, and the timing does not vary and the 911 runs so much better.

The diagram in what you need to follow. It is NOT in your Pertronix box.

All you really need to remember is that you have to add switched 12vdc to the red wire. the rest stays the same.

I carry a spare Pertronix and a spare set of points. have never needed either.

[Gene Smith]

I bought a cheap $59.95 "Hot Spark" on ebay for my '69 911S.

I had used after market electronic ignition on my Bavaria and Z-cars as a kid.
It was not Hall Sensor, it was optical. I don't remember what brand but I'd guess it was from JC Whitney. It worked great and was priced right. It had a box with a big transistor (1977!)

I have Pertronix on my Atomic 4 gas engine in my sailboat. I had hesitated to install something electronic when points were so bullet-proof... I'm very happy with the electronic. Smooth and strong! It has no box and is entirely within the distributer protected from moisture.

There wasn't a 6 cylinder app for Porsche when I got mine so I was on my own as far as installation. Now Hot Spark indeed does have a 911 app!

Electronic Ignition for Porsche 911, 911S, E, T Carrera:eBay Motors (item 320446823288 end time Dec-09-09 09:36:19 PST)

In the '69S the point setting is .012" to let the coil build up spark power for 7300 RPM. I always felt the 012" setting was much too finicky... Just a little wear on the points plastic cam wiper and the points could close up. This happened to a friend of mine in the Holland Tunnel! He wasn't familiar with setting the points and it was quite a mess.

I decided to buy two Hot Spark units so I could have a spare for the 911.
It has performed perfectly for two years now.
The engine ran so much smoother the car seemed slower- It is NOT slower!

With my 40 year old S there could be some bearing runout or cam wear in the distributer that might make points set so close at .012 run erratically- The electronic unit isn't bothered by a little runout- It doesn't seem to affect the Hall Sensor.
There was some concern with overloading some coils... I haven't had a problem.

I would say go to electronic. There is NO downside unless you love messing with points. I'd rather DRIVE.