Optical/Pertronix Question - 1972 911

[daepp]

I am about to order the Ignitor (1) from our host. I have a couple of questions:

1) This is the only model that will work correct?
2) Do you have to remove the distributor to do the install?
3) Is there anything else I need to purchase at the same time?
4) Any tips/warnings etc? Any one ever done this on an early 911?

Any info would be very much appreciated - ignitions are not my specialty!

[mpetry]

The pertronix unit will replace the conventional contact breaker points in your dizzy with a hall-effect magnetic pickup.

I do not think it will work on a CIS-equipped car, and very sure it won't work on an 84 and later DME car. So if your car is a 72 or earlier, it might work.

The 356 gang uses these quite a lot with excellent results. However, many advocate carrying a spare set of points in your "travel kit" in case the unit fails.

Yes, you'll have to remove the dizzy, and you'll have to re-time the ignition after you install the pertronix. Be careful and read the instructions - there's a possibility of frying the unit if you install it backwards.

[Gogar]

I've done it, and it is easy.

You can definitely do it on CIS cars, up until SC distributors that don't need it.

Just check your distributor # and make sure you order the right one.


You - can - do it with the distributor in the car, but if you know how to set timing etc., it's much easier to pull it out instead.

You need some wiring stuff, maybe some heat shrink or barrel connectors or something, you need to get a power wire over to the fuse box.

Here's my most recent thread detailing the problems I had because I ordered the wrong one, and when I finally got it happening.

Pertronix and 008 distributor AGAIN

[kodioneill]

I'll get grief for this but here it goes anyway. THEY SUCK don't waste your money.

The black magnet that slips over the cam is to high and you have to trim down the rotor, it fits so tight that they some times break while sliding over the cam. No matter how may times I adjusted the two units I installed on on my 2.7 there was a slight stumble on acceleration caused by the pertonix. I and II. Points are cheap and they work fine.

[Gogar]

Originally Posted by kodioneill

The black magnet that slips over the cam is to high and you have to trim down the rotor, it fits so tight that they some times break while sliding over the cam. No matter how may times I adjusted the two units I installed on on my 2.7 there was a slight stumble on acceleration caused by the pertonix. I and II.

Mine fit perfect. Maybe the one for 2.7 distributors is not quite right.

Originally Posted by kodioneill

Points are cheap and they work fine.

That's true. I have mine in the glovebox, as everyone suggested for when the pertronix fails.

[daniel911T]

Originally Posted by kodioneill

I'll get grief for this but here it goes anyway. THEY SUCK don't waste your money.

The black magnet that slips over the cam is to high and you have to trim down the rotor, it fits so tight that they some times break while sliding over the cam. No matter how may times I adjusted the two units I installed on on my 2.7 there was a slight stumble on acceleration caused by the pertonix. I and II. Points are cheap and they work fine.

I installed on in a 006 installed on a 2.2 T/Eish engine. The first one was DOA, the second one fit perfect, installed easy, and fired right up. Pertronix customer support were very helpul about the DOA unit, and took care of the problem in less than a week, including shipping both ways.

Do it. There are no moving parts, it does not wear, and the timing stays where you put it. It's a great system.

-Dan

[cmcfaul]

Best upgrade EVER!

Points are such a PITA. I stalled the Petronics on my 73, 5+ years ago and never looked back. Fits perfect, installed in under an hour. Car runs great all the time (that just adjusted the points feel all the time).

Chris

73 911 E

[Walter_Middie]

The black magnet that slips over the cam is to high and you have to trim down the rotor,

Yes, they fit tight on a 2.7 distributor - the black part is plastic that holds 6 small magnets. I have always filed that part down so that it fits the distributor - only takes about 2 minutes.

I wouldn't trim the rotor - trim the Pertronix piece. Works great, even with CIS - but I'm not sure why CIS would make any difference???

[jpnovak]

I vote for the Crane optical. Mine has been bullet proof for the last 10 years. - In both cars!

There are no installation issues with the optical window wheel attaching to the distributor shaft.

Yes, getting rid of points is top of the list as far as upgrades are concerned.