Pertronix 2 into 68' 318

[jimharold]

Hey All,

Just thought I would post what happened to me in case it helps someone else. Put a Pertronix 2 into my 68 with a 318. I also went with the Flamethrower 2 Coil so no more ballast resister. At first it failed to start and run more that 10 seconds. Then after looking on the internet I found out the timing would be off. I had just put in new points and timed the engine last week which prompted me to get the Pertronix. The plate for the pertronix in the distrib throws off the #1 plug tower. Once I got it to stay running the timing was way off in the BTDC direction (30-40 degrees). I rotated the distrib until the vacuum advance hit the bulkhead and still had about 20 degrees BTDC at idle. This made me have to shift the plug wires one position over on the cap. Timing went okay after that. I can't tell if it's better now or not. It seems to start slower. I did have this thing firing off fast. Now not so fast. May need a little more tinkering. Have not drove at highway speed yet. Hope this helps the next guy down the Pertronix road.

Jimharold

[rmansberger]

Hi Jim, I just purchased the same two parts. I am worried now after readING your post.


Did you get the kinks worked out

[Jhollett]

Huh. My motor was just assembled with that..... hope it works for me!

[jimharold]

I am out of town at this time but will be driving the truck later this week. Once I figure it all out I'll post what happens.

[jimharold]

Went for a drive last night after putting new weatherstripping on the drivers door. Nice and quiet now.

The truck still starts harder than before but, from a stand still I have to let up on the gas or the tire just spins (3.91 non-posi). Once moving a second gear scat comes in and she pulls hard until I let up at about 70MPH. Cops in the area. She is on her way to being hyperactive. Now I'll work at little changes to the timing. Wish me luck.

Jimharold

[Jhollett]

Good luck! Hope you get it figured out, cause I'm going to need your help probably! Lol

[my5thmopar]

What carb? You on the ported vacuum?

[Jhollett]

Is the ballast resistor necessary with just a flamethrower cold and the pertronix 2 conversion?

[jimharold]

Carb is a Stromberg WW2 and the port for distributor vacuum is from the back of carb.
The Flamethrower 2 coil doesn't need the ballast resistor. I modified the ballast by swapping out the resistive wire for a solid wire to keep the stock appearances.

[longbed67]

I put one in my 67 it runs great I did use a flame thrower coil but I got the one that does away with the ballast I started first try and ran so much better

[Cody100]

I just picked up the Pertronix II yesterday, should I also get the flamethrower coil? I wasn't planning on it but that seems to be the way most people on this forum are going. Will the pertronix alone be a good upgrade?