Hey folks,
Can anyone tell me the pro's and cons of the pertronix and HEI? Which is better? Thanks,
kevin d

If I had the choice I'd go with the HEI. The Pertronix is a fine conversion for the money (I have one on my 68). Pro's of the Pertronix are the look of originality with the maintenance free electronics. It also is good for clearance problems (supercharger, firewall interference). However it is just an upgrade to an old distributor. The HEI is self contained, no problems looking for a place to mount the coil, has a large cap to help eliminate crossfiring and tracking inside the body, and probally puts out more voltage too. My .02 Bob

Bob said it all. The HEI is probably the best as far as firepower. The PerTronix (and I have installed more than I can ever count) does just like Bob says. It allows you to RETAIN an original point type dist and upgrade to electronics. If a PerTronix is installed and a high voltage coil such as MSD Blaster 2 or PerTronix new Flamethrower (40,000vt) is added, you can regap the plugs from .035 to .040-.045. The other nice thing about the PerTronix is that it is ALL contained inside the dist cap, no external boxes. I have 5 engines with point type dist and PerTronix, zero problems. I used to buy the MSD Blaster 2 (which is red and painted it black like a Delco), but since PerTronix has a new black 40,000vt coil, that is my choice. I just put a PerTronix in a customer's 59 Corvette last night.
So, if you have an original, or nearly original early GM engine and want to retain original appearance, go PerTronix. If looks or room doesn't matter, definitely go HEI.

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Are there more than one type of pertronix? or are they all the same. Can you take one from a Ford and install it in a chevy?

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Gold Member #164

The ring of eight magnets that triggers the ignition module screws onto the same screws as the rotor. I don't know if that would be interchangeable with other makes or not. The electronic part should be the same; I would think. Bob

The principal function and the electronic module is the same on all units. There is a difference in physical design of components for different dist, such as Ford, Chrysler and GM, therefore they do not interchange. But within the GM Delco line of dist, the V8s, such as Chev, Pont, Cad etc, will, for the most part, use the same unit which is an 1181. Even though you can't stick an Olds dist into a Chev engine, everything within the dist cap is identical. It's just the end that goes into the engine that's different.

I would like to mention something here again. I have talked a lot about the PerTronix electronic conversion unit for point type dist here for some time. I DO NOT advocate the use of, or promote their product. If ANYONE HAS a preference to a stock, HEI, Unilite or whatever distributor or distributor conversion unit, that's OK by me. I have continued to mention the PerTronix conversion because up to this time it is (as far as I know) THE ONLY electronic conversion unit for point type distributors that is TOTALLY CONTAINED inside the dist cap which allows the use of an original stock dist without the addition of any external box or module. And, as has been mentioned elsewhere, if space is important, this will help out. Also the PerTronix does help to increase firepower to the plugs, especially when a high output coil is added. The MSD Blaster 2 is good, it is red and if you want the Delco black look, you have to paint it. PerTronix just introduced a new black or chrome coils called the Flamethrower which is an advertised 40,000volts. I use this coil because it is already black and the price is good. If you like to dress up with a little, or a lot, of chrome, they have a chrome one.

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[This message has been edited by DZAUTO (edited 06-30-99).]

Kev,

I ust picked up a new curved "small base" distrib with Pertronix for 1. the stock look and 2. the clearance problem with HEI and a tripower mani. Otherwise I would've stuck with the HEI and an aftermarket module.

I remember reading , when HEI first came out, ( yeah I'm a youngin'!) that the bigger volume of the cap would lessen the chance of electrical prblems. Probably somewhat true. Plus I always liked the wire hold down ring.

To me , no diff other than clearance and originality.

Hey Kevin
Since I know a little bit more about your car than the rest of the people here I would have to recommend a HEI for your motor. That is unless you are going to have problems with manifold clearance. But the HEI is rather cheap and parts for it can be found just about anywhere. An added plus is that the HEI can be upgraded to the point that it will work to over 7000rpm but I don't think you'll be attempting that anytime soon! The Petronix is a good system and is perfect when trying to keep that stock look to a show car.
If ya wanna know of some cheap places to get a good HEI or to see if ya have room for a HEI just stop by sometime.

J.J. Fig

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MCC member #256