I installed a Pertronix in my 1954 pick up with 235 and 12 volts about 6 years ago and have not had any problems. The instructions that come with the Pertronix say the unit may be damaged if the ignition switch is left in the on position without the engine running. The tech support at Pertronix says the original model Pertronix (with black ignitor)is the one that may be damaged with the ignition left in the on position. The Pertronix model II and model III will cut off to protect the unit if the ignition is left on. The model II has a red ignitor. The model III has a black "flat" ignitor that looks different than the other models. Tech support says a tach should work with Pertronix and to check that the connections are clean and tight. Tech says if the tach works but rpm"s seem to be off then a diode or resistor should be installed in series between the coil and tach. The reason I installed a Pertonix is just to avoid the extra maintenance of installing points and timing. I have not noticed any improved performance from the Pertronix and Flame Thrower hot coil combination.
Last edited by truckcamper43; 11/14/2011 7:44 PM.
