pertronix question

[steve fritz]

Can I just eliminate my external resistor when installing the pertronix eliminator? I have a 67 Ford with stock 302 and original distributor. I would run the pertronix wires to either side of the coil and run the ignition wire to the pos side of coil, rather than through the old external resisitor.

[Ford blue blood]

I don't think so, the one that went into my 62 Bird still had the resistor in the circuit.....been a while so I'm not 00% sure....

[steve fritz]

The reason I am asking is that I thought the main reason for the external resistor was the reduction of voltage to the points system. So if we are eliminating the points with the Pertronics set up , then why run the ignition voltage through that resister???
Can't seem to get anybody at Pertronics to reply to my question, so I thought there might be some experienced Ford guys that might have the answer.

Anybody else have a comment?

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

Run the resistor. Saves the current flow through the PERTRONIXS for a longer life

[steve fritz]

Bubba.....ok I will take your advise. Now, can I just run the pertronix wire to the + side of the coil or do I need to run it to the ignition switch side of the external resistor. Reason I ask , is the terminal on this pertronix lead wire is a loop end and would fasten to the coil stud easily. The resistor terminal is a single male spade so I would have to fashion a dual attachment to run the petronix wire and the ignition switch wire to it.

[desotoguy]

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Better wait on the tech at Pertronix, you have too many questions.

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

Originally Posted by steve fritz

Bubba.....ok I will take your advise. Now, can I just run the pertronix wire to the + side of the coil or do I need to run it to the ignition switch side of the external resistor. Reason I ask , is the terminal on this pertronix lead wire is a loop end and would fasten to the coil stud easily. The resistor terminal is a single male spade so I would have to fashion a dual attachment to run the petronix wire and the ignition switch wire to it.

Should work fine hooked to coil..

[jkeesey]

I believe the instructions from petronix state to hook both wires directly to the coil. I've done a handful and that's what I recall at least.

[dantucker]

The instructions I used indicated you could eliminate the resistor when using the petronix coil, everything is working fine on my setup!

[jkeesey]

As per what dan said I've never used a resistor either.

[rick55]

This topic has had a life of its own on the yblocks forever forum. You won't cause any issue using it with a resistor but if you remove it and don't use the correct coil you will destroy the pertronix unit. The early units don't tolerate the ignition left on either. The later units this has been addressed.
You say your coil has a spade lug but every one I have seen, the spade lug is held on with a nut to the coil. I personally prefer a coil with nuts as spade lugs become loose and then get hot.
Just my two cents worth.
Regards

[steve fritz]

Rick.......My external resistor has the spade terminal, not the coil.
Steve

[rick55]

Sorry about that Steve, most resistors have spade lugs. Connect your Pertronix across the coil if you are using a resistor. If you are not using the correct coil it is cheap insurance.
Regards

[steve fritz]

I did hear back from the Pertronix Tech hot line this morning and they confirmed that you can eliminate the external resistor and go directly to the coil with the ignitor leads as long you have a coil with 1.5 Ohms resistance between the two terminals. So I will check that out first and go from there. THANKS A LOT TO ALL THAT RESPONDED!

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by rick55

The early units don't tolerate the ignition left on either. The later units this has been addressed.

Ain't that the truth... I was using an early unit to trigger a MSD 6A and left the ignition on to do some minor adjustments and then... no spark. Didn't take long.

Now back to using points as my trigger, but thats another story.

Back to the question... The Ignitor instructions basically states that if your ignition originally had a ballast resistor, use it. If not, don't add one. It also mentions the bit about 1.5 ohms across the coil and if not 1.5 ohms add a 1.5 ohm ballast resistor. Kind of confusing...

It goes on to say you can also purchase their Flame Thrower coil that has a internal resistance of 1.5 ohms.

You don't state which model Pertronix you are using. here is a link to the Ignitor Instructions that I used. Ignitor Instructions