PerTronix II Installation Instructions

[Rob V.]

Good Morning--

I need to get a copy of the installation instructions for a PerTronix II electronic conversion unit for my stock GM/Chevrolet distributor installed in my 1964 Corvette (327 ci / 365 hp). Background: In November 2022, a professional mechanic at my request, replaced the Crane Cams electronic conversion unit in my car's distributor with the Pertronix II electronic conversion unit. At the time of installation of the PerTronix unit, I did not receive nor did I ask for the installation instructions that came with the unit. Now I have decided to replace the engine wiring harness, and need to know how to properly connect the new wiring with the "modified" distributor. I have checked the PerTronix website, and could not find a telephone number for Customer Service / Customer Support to make my simple request. (Had to create an email account and other B.S. before I could a ask my question). Thus my question if anybody has a copy of the subject instructions.

Thanks in advance.

[Gary C.]

Re: PerTronix II Installation Instructions

Rob,

Searched for Petronix Installation Instructions and found this link https://images.carid.com/pertronix/p...structions.pdf

Hope it helps you.

Gary
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[Rob V.]

Re: PerTronix II Installation Instructions

Thank you very much Gary!! I truly appreciate your help!!

[Mark E.]

Re: PerTronix II Installation Instructions

Unsolicited advice, but ditch the electronic conversion and reinstall the points. I've never seen any evidence aftermarket ignitions perform better, and personally never noticed improvement with the few I've installed.

But the real advantage of points is they won't suddenly fail and leave you on the side of the road.

[Rob V.]

Re: PerTronix II Installation Instructions

Thank you very much for your post Mark!!

Your suggestion/recommendation to return to a point type system was my first thought when I initially discovered the Crane Cams electronic conversion unit in my distributor; however, I was subsequently "persuaded" by knowledgeable corvette experts and professional mechanics that the "new, improved" electronic conversion units were the way to go. Reliability and performance are my primary concerns with this "Corvette from Hell," as I have had nothing but problems with it since I got it three (3) years ago. Unfortunately, I am not a mechanic or engineer, just a "parts changer," and thus I rely on people that have much more knowledge and technical/mechanical aptitude than I possess for such issues. Additionally, as a general point of interest/discussion, I bet there is a 50/50 split among NCRS members as to whether a point type distributor versus an electronic conversion unit would be recommended for a primarily street driven/non-judged vehicle.

As a further update, the new engine wiring harness will arrive tomorrow, and I will study the accompanying installation instructions and attempt to evaluate what has been "modified" in the old wiring to accommodate the use of the electronic conversion. Who knows; "the jury is not out," and I might ultimately decide to junk the new PerTronix II conversion unit, and return to the original points type system for the distributor. As you might have already discerned, I have pissed more money down this rat-hole, (i.e. Corvette), than I care to admit.

Thanks again for taking the time to write me--I truly appreciate it!

[William F.]

Re: PerTronix II Installation Instructions

Mark,
Respectfully disagree about returning to points. I've had and do have Pertronix in several Corvettes with no problems. Have a '62 340 hp with the M&H single wire conversion. Love it. Better idle, no more adjusting points, etc.

[Gary C.]

Re: PerTronix II Installation Instructions

Rob,

Had a Petronix in my '64 and drove it for 25 years and over 60,00 on NCRS Road Tours without any problem.

Gary
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[Mark E.]

Re: PerTronix II Installation Instructions

William and Rob,

I'm glad you've had good luck, but adding electronic ignition also adds a mode for sudden failure. Google "Pertronix failures" for examples. GM HEI modules are also nortorious for unexpectedly stranding you on the road.

Also don't understand the claim, nor is it my experience, that electronic ignition will improve idle compared to properly adjusted points. Maybe going from a worn out conventional ignition to a new electronic one...

[Rob V.]

Re: PerTronix II Installation Instructions

Good Afternoon Gary--

Thank you so very much for your response!! That is very encouraging information to hear, and I feel much better about the decision to have the PerTronix II electronic conversion unit installed in my car. After my wife and I install the new engine wiring harness; U.S. made voltage regulator; and have the non-original alternator checked, we are hopeful that all the gremlins will have been evicted from the car!!

Thanks again!!

[Tim G.]

Re: PerTronix II Installation Instructions

I've got Per Tronix in my non-TI cars, and it works well. I've had it in lots of mid years without issue and it's going into another car I just got this weekend. That being said, I hate working with points, so it's a lazy way out for me.