Personally, I have never experienced a Pertronix ignition failure. But I know they do fail, because there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that they leave people stranded and fail hot sometimes. I have personally experienced MSD failures, and other electronic box failures from OE to aftermarket. IMO, it's a risk, benefit puzzle, simple as that. For stock engines and mild performance builds, especially a Pontiac which runs at lower RPM's, it's hard to make a case for needing a "Hotter" ignition. Points are very low risk of failure and provide adequate ignition energy. All the electronic stuff, whether using a box or all integrated is just like a light bulb. They are fantastic, until they are not and your on the phone looking for a tow truck. Higher risk, higher reward. My street car absolutely starts better, warms up more cleanly and the plugs stay cleaner with an MSD than a point ignition. Performance wise, I doubt there would be a difference on the drag strip. But I run the MSD understanding that I might have to install the point ignition distributor I keep in the trunk if it dies on the road some day. Just like keeping a spare light bulb in the closet.
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