How to Install the Pertronix Electronic Ignition

[@bryanhufford7914]

From the factory ford installed a ballast resistor wire that reduces the voltage to around 6v while it is running. The I wire (the brown wire provides 12v only to start. When the key goes to run you are only receiving 6v+-. So from the ignition you will have to enlarge the wire, replacing the pink resistor wire, the ignition connection is a full 12v

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Got it.

[@josemedeiros007]

Great video Andy, replacement ignition points and condensers are so expensive now a days that a Pertronix igniter will pay for itself. A lot of people make the mistake of connecting it to the red wire coming off the ignition, and on the early Mustangs that is connected to the pink resistor wire that lowers the voltage to the Petronix igniter should be at a full 12 volts, I would contact their support just to be sure as the Pink resistor wire may lower the voltage when it is hot.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

You are correct, this Pertronix needs 12V. If someone needs to run these at 6V or if they need to run it at 6V or 12V but with a positive ground kit, they would need to reach out to Pertronix for that kit. :)

[@kamaseya]

In 1999 my point when out in my '66 Mustang GTand I installed this kit. My car engine was reborn with a different attitude. It made everything ignition better for everyday driving. For the price it was amazing. It did eventually brake after about 8yrs. Then I threw another one in it. It's worth it unless you want high performance. Again daily driving is were it shines.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yeah, I've heard a few people mention they've had to replace theirs down the road, and others say it's been going strong for over 20 years. Either way, this is a great, easy upgrade for these 60's and 70's vehicles! :)

[@hughphillips67Mustang]

I put the Pertronix on my 67 Mustang. Also put a MSD Streetfire system. Both have their own purpose. But one thing you didn't mention that I personally think is a good idea......is keep the points and condenser in the vehicle. The glove box, trunk, under the seat, somewhere. I have had Pertronix fail before. And you can swap it out with the old points with just a screw driver. That way your not stranded somewhere. Also, Alf's Mustang Garage has a more in depth "how to" video for people just learning. And wanting more in depth info. Great, video Andy. Thanks for sharing.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yeah, Alf's has been a resource for me before I was making videos for the Tube. :)

[@hughphillips67Mustang]

@@AndyKruseChannel agreed. Alex is a great person to learn from. Absolutely great guy off camera also.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

@@hughphillips67Mustang Yep. He swung by here last winter right before I took my car to paint, he was the last one to see it before the new color. :)

[@SmackeysGarage]

Nice addition. I ran one in my car for a few years before I switched out for an MSD setup.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yeah, some of us aren't ready to graduate to the big-boy toys. But when I do, I know who I'm calling first. :)

[@sergioacevedo2874]

Not sure if this has been mentioned but you may want to make sure you are getting 12 volts to the coil while running. Once you start initially there is a resistor wire that drops voltage to protect the OEM points but with pertronix you need full 12v all the time. So you may need to double check you are getting 12v after starting. But if you did already my bad just wanted to be sure. I’ve done a few msd and pertronix and I’ve always had to run a relay and 12v ignition keyed wire to those and bypass the oem positive wire. Or if it’s easy to get to cut out the resistor on the wire harness under the dash.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

You are correct, this Pertronix needs 12V. If someone needs to run these at 6V or if they need to run it at 6V or 12V but with a positive ground kit, they would need to reach out to Pertronix for that kit. :)

[@kdog622]

Big tip! I highly recommend adding a set of Pertronix Flame Thrower spark plug wires with your pertronix system. Regular resistor wires are about 6k ohm per foot. Pertronix wires are 500 ohm per foot. I put these on my 66 mustang, regapped my plugs to 45, and wow, what a fat blue spark. Very noticeable improvement in performance and no affect on radio reception! Thanks for your videos!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yeah, Pertronix makes a lot of great parts for us to upgrade to. :)

[@josemedeiros007]

Several vendors make Spiral Core Ignition Wires, I used Moroso's spiral core ignition wires back in 1983 on my 1965 and 1966 Mustang Fastback, MSD also makes high quality Spiral Core Ignition wires.

[@bclose710]

I had the pertronix ignition in my 66 mustang. I was having some issues where it didn’t seem to be running right. Ended up running a relay and switching to a pertronix III ignition module and coil and it has worked really well. Over current protection and rev limiter

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yeah, I've heard of a few people having issues and either needing to try what you did or go back to running points. I wish it was the exact same for all vehicles. :)

[@camt]

I was about to comment this. My idle was a little rocky in my 68 Mustang 302 with the Pertronix at first, but I ended up running it to a relay that gets signal from the ignition switch and now it idles smoother than it ever has. I would highly recommend the relay for anyone doing this upgrade.

[@bclose710]

@@camt yup, mine was idling poor and decided to run the relay and switch the the III at the same time. No issues now

[@josemedeiros007]

You probably did not have a full 12 volts to the Petronix igniter that is why you ran into issue's, the relay you added is the correct way to install it.

[@bclose710]

@@josemedeiros007 I checked with a multimeter that when it was running it had 12 volts, without it running it was about 6

[@kdog622]

Regap your plugs to 45, then readjust timing. You'll be amazed!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Noted. :)

[@rainman12345ful]

Good job!!!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks!!

[@leomd123]

Couple of tips - you need to address the resistor wire issue. If you run the petronix on a 6v voltage (less than 12v) you run the risk of burning it out prematurely. I believe your 68 truck runs a resistor wire that runs 6v to the coil. Also important , make sure once you put 12v to coil that you don't leave the ignition on without car running for a long period of time as that too will burn out your petronix module.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

You are correct, this Pertronix needs 12V. If someone needs to run these at 6V or if they need to run it at 6V or 12V but with a positive ground kit, they would need to reach out to Pertronix for that kit. :)

[@gartwilliams3347]

I run a Petronix II ignition in my 68 Mustang. However I keep a spare set of points and condenser in the trunk. Just in case👌

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Same, my Points are in a ziplock bag in the glove box, just in case. :)

[@yakmalxc]

Nice and simple

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thank you 😊

[@kornami8678]

Ahhh! Nothing like bringing a 20th century vehicle with 19th century ignition technology to the 21st century.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Working on it. 😀

[@andersandersen6430]

Shouldn't you check if the supply voltage for the coil is 6V or if there is a resistor wire that drops the voltage to below 12V. If I remember correctly Pertronix requires 12V...

[@AndyKruseChannel]

You are correct, this Pertronix needs 12V. If someone needs to run these at 6V or if they need to run it at 6V or 12V but with a positive ground kit, they would need to reach out to Pertronix for that kit. :)

[@kdog622]

Should be noted . If you wire up a pertronix I system backwards it's fried! Pertronix 2 and 3 are protected. Ask me how I know!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

How do you know? :)

[@kdog622]

@@AndyKruseChannel bonehead me got in a hurry and hooked it up backwards! Next day installed pertronix 2. Problem solved!