[Z69GP]

I have, to this point, unsuccessfully tried to convert my stock distributor from points using a Pertronix kit and new coil. I have a '69 GP w/400 motor. I am not getting
spark at all. I am running a direct 12v line to the coil. Nothing.

Is their a trick to these installs?? It seemed pretty
straightforward to me. I took out a set of points that were working
fine...

[gtofreek]

Have you checked to be sure the distributor has a good ground? Painted retainer or distributor housing may weaken the ground. The Pertronix is usually pretty straight forward and simple to deal with.

IIRC, some old points distributors had a small braided copper ground strap that grounded the breaker plate to the distributor housing. Might check that.

[Doug Hopkins]

Try your old coil, maybe the new one is toast. Then check your connections and grounds. I have used the Petronix module on a 65 2+2 and a 67 Firebird with the stock coils with only one issue, I had to turn the key on and wait about 10 seconds before cranking. Hookup is pretty straight forward, and if you find the problem you will like it. It actually improved the performance on the 2+2 by quite a bit.

[pfilean]

Pertronix is really straight forward. Problem most people have is trying to use the stock ignition wire which has a resistor in it and doesn't deliver a full 12V. Pertronix wants a full 12V. But as you say you already have 12v then check the other items mentioned above.

[60man]

Originally Posted by pfilean

Pertronix is really straight forward. Problem most people have is trying to use the stock ignition wire which has a resistor in it and doesn't deliver a full 12V. Pertronix wants a full 12V. But as you say you already have 12v then check the other items mentioned above.

Yep.....I used the stock power wire when I did my street car....had the delay start feature...wire in a direct 12v wire.....delay gone..

[Z69GP]

I have tried everything....using my stock coil, installing washer to reduce gap on the magnet, direct wire to 12v. Nothing. No spark. I have eliminated all other possibilities. Either I have TWO bad coils, or the Pertronix converter is bad. Is their a quick banch test to check the coil??

[gtofreek]

Put a coil wire in it and place close to ground. Then add 12 volts to the + side of coil, then momentarily ground the - side of the coil, on and off. It should spark when you relaese the ground.

[moontower69]

You might have fried the pickup inadvertently or sometimes petronix units can be bad out of the box....

[hpp]

I had one fail not to long after the intall bought another and it was bad right out of the box. I haven't used them in a long time but thought about trying them out one more time on the OHC engine just not sure yet.

[firstyearta]

I'm curious if they can have issues to the point they work but not well. In my case, my car runs but feels like it has a bad set of points (does not run smooth). I am wondering if this recent conversion to Pertronix might have something to do with it?

[bsblguy]

Put a pertronix unit in a '68 bird, ran fine for a while then started to miss at higher rpm's. shimmed it closer, ran fine again, for a while. Lost a $25,000 sale because of the pertronix unit. Put in summit hei and no more problems. Old distributor with pertronix unit in it resting peacefully in my attic.

[fatguyterry]

x2 with latech, end play is the key to setting it up, and bearing play comes into play also. I installed one in my gto with 16-20 thousands clearance and it works great.

[jonmachota78]

a friend/forum member tried to install a petronix conversion last year. Never sparked. They told him that he fried the module by leaving the ignition switch on too long. ended up going back to points.

[shaker455]

Originally Posted by Z69GP

I have, to this point, unsuccessfully tried to convert my stock distributor from points using a Pertronix kit and new coil. I have a '69 GP w/400 motor. I am not getting
spark at all. I am running a direct 12v line to the coil. Nothing.

Is their a trick to these installs?? It seemed pretty
straightforward to me. I took out a set of points that were working
fine...

Send it back & get another one.

[john65ss]

I have also tried the original Pertronix (with magnet ring) on two different cars. Both ended up going back to points. Never again.

I am wondering if the Mallory e-spark kits are any better?

[jonathonar89]

I've had zero issues with my Pertronix HEI besides cracking the cap (my fault). It now has a MSD cap and rotor.

[Schurkey]

Originally Posted by john65ss

I have also tried the original Pertronix (with magnet ring) on two different cars. Both ended up going back to points. Never again.

The last non-functioning Pertronix I looked at had the + and - wires reversed. Not surprisingly, when I corrected the previous installer's wiring fault, it still didn't work.

Originally Posted by john65ss

I am wondering if the Mallory e-spark kits are any better?

Aren't those the same as the old Unilite module? The Unilite was a fragile POS. Even Mallory suggests you buy a $40 "Power Filter" to prevent frying the Unilite module.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/maa-29351

[ahnuld]

Mines great, I have a few thousand miles on mine

[DANTIP]

I used the Lectric Limited. It uses just one wire and looks completely stock once installed. Best mod I've ever done!!!

http://www.lectriclimited.com/breakerless_se.htm

[66 Gas Tires Oil]

how are you picking up your 12 Volt? some fuse block terminals are switched off during crank. not like a chevy. found that out when converting my 66.

Jim