The Petronics Ignitor® II converts the older points-type ignition system on classic cars, to a solid-state electronic ignition system that's completely concealed, providing a stock appearance. The kit includes new microcontroller that installs in just a few minutes. Generally, it installs just as easy as changing out the old points, as it only has two wires to hook up! The Petronics Ignitor II fits inside distributor without any alterations. Benefits include extended plug life, improved gas mileage, reduces misfires, quicker starts, and improved engine performance.
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The Ignitor II develops three times more energy between 3000 and 5000 RPM than the original Ignitor. The microcontroller senses current in the coil and automatically adjusts the dwell to maintain peak energy throughout the entire RPM range… providing more energy at high RPMs. Ignition energy is sustained with less heat buildup, which results in extended module and coil life. This also protects the module, coil and other components from heat damage. And it's legal in all 50 states and Canada.
Generally the kit runs about $120 bucks, which cost about the same as a Duraspark conversion. You'll also need a hotter coil, and we recommend upgrading to a set of performance wires as well, to get the best performance from the Petronics ingition. |
MAJOR DRAWBACKS
While the Petronics improves spark quality, your still stuck with the poor operation of the Load-O-Matic distributor. While this system may be adequate for stock motors, we highly recommend installing a Duraspark or DUI distributor for improved performance. The Duraspark and DUI, like most distributors, use mechanical advance (centifugal weights in the distributor) to compensate for changes in rpm, which immediately swing out when rpm is increased. Whereas the "Load-O-Matic" uses Venturi Vacuum, and a vacuum canister, which reacts slowly to the weak venturi vacuum signal. As such, the "Load-O-Matic" distributors are very slow to provide spark advance when the engine is accelerated under load.
The result is soggy acceleration, which the "Load-O-Matic" distributors are notorious for. For more information, see our tech article on "Load-O-Matic" distributors.
The second drawback with this ignition system (and a major one in our opinion), is that if the unit fails, it can not be repaired. If your on a road trip, this could leave you stranded, or spending your time sitting on the side of the road. Most parts stores don't stock Petronics units for Ford six applications, so more than likely you'll have to order it online and wait for it to show up, probably paying for overnight shipping as well. Therefore if you decide to install a Petronics, we recommend keeping an extra one in your glove box, especially if you take a lot of road trips or depend on your vehicle as a daily driver.
The only real advantage in our opinion, is that it keeps the ignition system looking completely stock, which is very important if your working on a restoration project. The Petronics will keep your distributor looking like it's in "original condition", while providing a little more power and reliability over the old point style ignition.
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