The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks HEI vs Pertronics

I've seen both discussed, but not compared. I'm ready to replace the points in my 65 C-10 230-L6, but not sure which way to go. Any advice whould be appreciated.

Thanks

I'd install the GM factory HEI. Check out the HEIs available from Langdon's Stovebolt site, can't beat his price either.
www.stoveboltengineco.com
http://www.stoveboltengineco.com/acartpro/category.asp?catcode=19

Pertronics in my '58 no complaints just keeps on humming.

I'd say from a reliability standpoint it's a toss up. Stock HEI or Pertronics are both completely dependable.

About 20 years ago I built my 350 with a Mallory Unilite which was horribly unreliable. That convinced me I didn't want anything fancy, just something that worked - so I switched to a stock GM HEI and have never had a bit of trouble. And parts are available everywhere which is a plus.

On my 68 Ford 360 a Pertronics kit was the cheapest option, so I put one in and it has performed flawlessly for about 5 years now. If I were to do a V8 now, I'd probably lean toward the Pertronics, since it will fit in a small cap distributor, look more vintage, and provide better clearance than a large cap HEI. With an inline six, I'd go with whichever is less expensive since they both perform equally well.

I use the HEI when there are no clearance problems. I use the petronics when it is close to the firewall like 55-59.

both will work very well but you can have the pertronix installed and running in 15 minutes......... very simple to hook up and keeps the underhood area lookking stock if that's an issue for you.
The biggest issue I've dealt with is when guys leave the key in the "ON" position with the engine off. This will burn out the pertronix.

Thanks for the info. Reliability is the issue, so I think I'll go with the HEI. I've got plenty of space under the hood with a 230.