The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Pertronics 2 and coil

Finally got converted to 12 volts with SI10 alternator and installed a pertronics 11 with their coil in my 1950 GMC 450 firetruck. Starts right up, even after sitting couple days. Engine pulls a lot better. It gained about 4-5 mph top end too. It will maintain 49-50 on a flat both directions now. I'm happy with it. Went to the Mt. Nebo Chicken fry with it, small car show.

Welcome eagleuh1! Glad you got your truck's performance improved that much,with such a small investment!! Not bad!! A friend,(Billy W.), installed one on his '59 Viking 60 bus,and we had a time getting it started. It's still real "poochy"-about 40 M.p.H.,down-hill,on the "Hi"-side! BUT>>> at the same time he replaced the coil/"Petronix" unit,he installed a different exhaust manifold. The seller of the manifold,told "Billy",that he WELDED the heat-riser CLOSED,and removed the spring! I'm thinking that the "Flapper needs to function,not only for a heat source,but also for proper engine breathing! He has brake issues,as well! Could the poor performance be due to lack of vacuum/excessive back-pressure?? Any thoughts?? THANKS!!

The brake problem could be a stuck check valve or an internally separated vacuum line,among other things. The lack of power is very likely due to having the heat riser welded SHUT. I've seen 'em wired,propped or welded OPEN before,and that's pretty harmless,except for making the carb warm up slower and susceptible to freezing under certain driving conditions. Don't ask how I know this. The added backpressure COULD burn valves,so it'd be a good idea to get it opened up very soon. If it's too screwed up to use,I think the parts (spring,rod,butterfly,and even bushings,etc.) are still available to replace it.
Speed

Yeh, don't know anything about that stuff yet. This is my first bolt. But I'm learning. I know after vacuum bleeding with my wife holding pedal in every so often, my brakes will put you through the windshield. That's pretty good for a 3 ton truck. Good luck. Jim

Also the 12 volts spinning the starter, it starts instantly, no more ether either after sitting.

I have two trucks with Pertronix and Flame thrower coils, I'll never go back to points unless I have too, no way. (I do keep a set in the truck just in case of failure.)