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does anyone have the correct pertronix part # for a 1955 engine , but converting to 12 volt ? the catalog says # 1168 , but that is for 1954 ( 6 v ) all the way to 1962 ( 12 v ) . or is voltage not a concern , it works on either ? thx. frank

Frank,

The 1168 works with 12v negative ground 235/261 (and others). Pertronix has it incorrectly identified and 54-62 (it should be identified as 55-2nd through 62).

I think there are still two versions of the 6v 1167, one for 6v negative ground and one for 6v positive ground.

Yes, it does make a difference.

Tim

a big thanks tim ! now i know what to order : ) frank

The early 261 1954-1955 uses the pertronix #1167 and that is for the 12 volt system. I called pertronix and double checked mine,i have a 1954 261 engine.

I was told that the early 261 and late 261 took a different size of magnet that slips on the distributor cam.The sales rep at pertronix said,the later 261 distributor cam is a different diameter.I don't know if they are smaller or larger ? Maybe someone can chime in on this.

I think we are all partially wrong, even Pertronix.

The 1168 fits the 1954-1962 distributor cam but is for use on a 12v system. There is a special part number for use of this cam-size with the standard 1954/55 6v electrical system: 1168N6 (for negative ground, 6v system).

The 1167 is for the earlier 1941-1953 216/235 distributor cam and the original 6v system (the smaller cam was never used on a 261 and there was no 261 in 1953). The 1167P12 is for an earlier distributor/cam on a vehicle/system that has been converted to 12v.

Check out Jim Carter\'s years for distributors.

Take a look at the years/engines/voltage in the Pertronix Catalog. The notes for the 1167 & 1168 units are confusing and partially incorrect. GMC units are even more confusing and incorrectly described, I think.

I have an 1168 in my 1960 261 (12v) engine and an 1168N6 in my 1954 235 (6v) engine.

I think it is all confussing. That's why i opted to call pertronix direct.The #1167 fits my cam on my 1954 261 engine.I have'nt started the new motor up yet,so who knows ??

thanks all for clearing up the confusion .i ordered the 1168 . if it is the wrong one , i will post it here. frank