ignitor II, Pertronics fixes burnout problem? Options

[swl]

I've read a number of threads here about the pertronics module and how the 'aw shit' factor comes in. Looks like they have listened.

QUOTE

Senses incorrectly wired Ignitor II or a “key left on” condition and shuts down the system protecting the coil and other components from damage.

[lapuwali]

QUOTE (swl @ Dec 28 2005, 08:57 AM)

Do you think all this dwell control and exta goodies of the II will actually accomplish anything or is it just bling? I'm talking about a stock engine not a Raby screamer. The good Cap'ns dry wit makes sense - properly maintained points have worked for 30 years. I'm considering the pertronix just to make maintenance easier and ensure that starts are reliable.

It's really hard to say. Points are crude, but they're effective. If they're treated well, they can last for well over 20,000 miles, meaning you'd have to adjust the valves 3-4 times between points replacement, so the maintenance isn't really improved all that much. On a conservatively tuned engine, you'd probably not notice the difference between new-ish points and any Pertronix.

The whole "high precision" thing can be taken too far. I recently checked the timing on my 912, with a fresh distributor and fresh points. At idle, the timing was pretty rock solid. By 4000rpm (normal cruising speed on this engine), the spark scatter was so bad the timing mark was blurry and actual timing was somewhere in a 5-8 degree window from event to event. Pretty much puts paid to the whole idea of getting timing set within one degree.

I'd venture that unless you're going all the way to multi-coil crank-triggered ignition, the differences are too small to bother with on most street engines between one type of ignition and another. Being able to accurately keep the timing within a degree and get the coil charge exactly right, etc., is no doubt useful when you're building a very high performance engine, as you can tune the thing a lot closer to the point of blowing up w/o crossing that line. On a mild daily driver, however, the difference is a lot less important.