First style Pertronix not 2

[Gene M.]

I just installed a Pertronix with the magnetic ring in my 427. Previous to install with points I had an after market coil that read 0.8 ohms and I also used a ballast resistor. Pertronix requires a 1.5 ohm resistance coil minimum. So I followed directions using another after market coil with 1.5 ohms still with ballast resistor.

My question is the final output to the plugs any different between the two coils based on the initial wound ohm reading or is it only in the secondary windings? or combination? Should I use a lower resistance ballast resistor from a 63? Also does the older Pertronix adjust dwell with RPM?

[Michael W.]

Re: First style Pertronix not 2

Final out put to the plugs is not controlled by the coil- the secondary field collapses as soon as there is enough energy for the spark to jump the gap. This typically means that coils never build a charge equivalent to their full rated capacity.

[Gene M.]

Re: First style Pertronix not 2

Mike
Would that mean that a wider plug gap say .045 would give a bigger flame or spark? Spec is .035. Assume that there is enough energy to start with does the Pertronix (first design) extend coil saturation time (dwell) compared to points?

Why would there be such a big difference in coil resistance from different suppliers? Any advantage being higher or lower?

[Michael W.]

Re: First style Pertronix not 2

In theory it takes more energy to jump a larger gap, so yes higher voltage is required. Does this translate to a hotter flame & more power?

No. Once the flame is lit, it's lit. It doesn't burn faster or slower based on what lit it in the first place.

Can't answer your question on the variable dwell time, I never got one to last long enough to measure anything- aside from how long I was stranded at the side of the road

Don't forget that the only 'point' to these units was simply to avoid the occasional need to adjust or replace the points and condenser. I'd sooner have something reliable that simply needs adjustment once a year (or less) than worry about having to pull over due to sudden failure.

Each to his own though.

[Stuart F.]

Re: First style Pertronix not 2

The original Pertronix does not have variable dwell. The II has.

Stu Fox

[Gene M.]

Re: First style Pertronix not 2

As soon as I can clear other projects from around it I'm going to throw a dwell meter on it and see what happens as I up RPM's weather it stays put or changes.

Changing plug gaps will have to wait till winter blows away to see any difference.