pertronix questions

Which pertronix product are guys using for the dauntless? Where are you getting it? Does the MSD box have to be for an odd-fire or just for a V6?

 

Pertronix is the Brand name of the product. Kind of like people call all locking pliers Vice Grips.

You can get them through Summit Racing and some other places as well. You need one for the odd-fire V-6 and need to have the Delco points distributor NOT the Presto-lite. I think they still don't make a conversion for the Prestolite.

The MSD unit needs to be for the Odd-fire V-6. They make a special unit specifically for that application. Summit has them on special for $125 right now...
http://www.summitracing.com/search/...ions/Engine-Type/V6/?Ns=Rank|Asc&autoview=SKU

 

Thanks for moving this. Sorry about the hijack. I love this forum.

 

Tried for over an hour on the Summit site for the odd fire box for the conversion?? Do you have the make and model/part number for the odd fire conversion parts??

Thaks, Merry Christmas!!

John

 

What's the MSD box for? I want to do the Pertronix upgrade too. When I did it in my 1960 F100, I just used the module and the flame-thrower coil...no MSD box...?

 

The MSD module is a capacitive discharge electronic trigger that increases the spark voltage and length. It can trigger from either a Kettering trigger (points) or from the VR (variable reluctance) signal from a magnetic pickup like the Ford or Chevy electronic distributors. It is used in addition to an ignition coil and forms a triggered resonant LC circuit (for those out there that this means something to).

With an oddfire engine, the degrees of crank rotation over which the spark is produced must be reduced (from 20 to 10 degrees). MSD used to have a specific model for this.

MSD may have discontinued the oddfire-specific "6" box. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MSD-6246/ They now sell a MSD 6AL-2 that appears to cover the oddfire application. If you are considering buying a MSD module, I suggest that you call MSD and confirm applicability to the oddfire engines. Hre's the MSD instructions: http://www.msdignition.com/Products...igital/6421_-_MSD-6AL-2_Ignition_Control.aspx

 

Thanks for the info Timgr. I understand what it does now--I'm still learning a lot of this stuff as I go along. Here's the thing though...(in layman's terms) so the MSD box recharges the coil faster than an induction system allowing multiple sparks along that 20 degree rotation of the crankshaft, but still not fast enough to provide more than one spark at 3000+ rpms. Given that the odd fire would only benefit from the MSD over 10 degrees of rotation, can I assume that I would lose the multiple spark benefit at around 1500rpm? I'm guessing this is the case, since the camshaft spins at a constant 2:1 ratio to the crank, correct? If so, I couldn't justify the $280 cost of the MSD box for my personal use. Please comment because, like I said, I'm still learning all about how engines work...not sure if I'm thinking right about this.

 

http://www.summitracing.com/search/...ition-Components/Brand/PerTronix/?Ns=Rank|Asc

Regarding the MSD, I'd contact the company direct. It's a small market for the odd fire and they no longer show a listing, but do say on their website not all applications are listed.
Regarding the one spark, it's a longer and more dependable spark. I can attest from personal experience the Pertronix does make a difference as does the MSD. You can use one or both. With the MSD as a stand alone the points become strictly a trigger, nothing more, so they last a very long time. The rubbing block does still wear however and are susceptible to corrosion.

 

I'm not sure about the 1500 number... I expect there is benefit above that speed regardless. With the capaitors in the circuit, the energy storage is increased, and the operating voltage of the coil is raised. Even without the multi-spark feature, ignition will be improved. As Nick mentioned, you could call MSD and ask them about an oddfire application.

If the MSD module is too expensive, you could go with the Pertronix conversion and a hotter coil. If you are intrepid, resourceful and a little handy, you can convert your distributor to an electronic trigger using cheap off-the-shelf parts. Here's an example for a Delco distributor: http://www.junkyardgenius.com/ignition/chevy/magcon01.html Lots of possibilities for such upgrades. The Ford TFI coil is a very high quality EI coil that is likely the equal of hot-rod coils like MSD etc. These coils are plentiful and (should be) cheap in the yards.

 

There's your part number OrangeCJ5...1162A. Thanks for that Nickmil. I have some experience with the Pertronix setup--I'm running it in my '60 F-100. I used the Flame Thrower 40,000 volt epoxy-filled coil. I was just wondering why people were wanting to run the MSD box too--I guess if you were using the stock coil...but the Pertronix setup with the high-energy coil costs less than $120. To me, that's a good alternative to even the Junk Yard Genius method when you look at the time and cost involved in each option. I can't say I noticed a huge difference in using the Pertronix in my Ford, but that doesn't mean I don't want to do it in my Jeep too, if just for the reliability factor alone.

 

You've got that backwards. The cam spins at half the speed of the crank, or 1:2 ratio.

 

Right...got that part backwards...thanks

 

I called Summit and bought the drop in setup. I told him I needed one for a 225 v6 and he said something along the lines of, " Ok, this is for the Cj or Jeepster Jeep with the odd fire Buick and Delco distributor right, because it won't fit the Prestolite?"

They apparently have all the notes on their computer and knew exactly what it was for so when you go to buy one, don't worry about part #'s so much as talking to an actual person

 

I read a lot of horror stories about if you leave the key on without running the sngine, you will burn up the unit that replaces the points?? In the middle of no where, I can see this happening?? I going to go with the Pertronix HEI distributor for a few dollars more and not have that on my mind???

John

 

You are right, that can happen...but you can burn up a set of points doing the same thing too, that's why they put "ACC" on the ignition key with a turn left not right. It turns off the coil, but runs everything else like the lights,..etc

 

I left the key on once and boiled the oil of a flamethrower coil! Now, I make sure to remove the key between cranking the motor.