Re: Has anyone used a Petronix in their 356 engine?

Posted by su8overdrive On 2021/12/6 18:06:29
Owen, HH56 and t'others give solid advice.
Can only add that in the late '90s succumbed to all the Pertronix hype, bought one, dropped it and a spare distributor off with my retired mechanic, who after running motor pools in War II Pacific, worked in Packard dealership service department before my '47 Super Clipper was built, then Hudson (set up winning cars for the Capitol and Sacramento speedways) and GM shops before starting his own shop.
Wayne Ballerstein took one look at the Pertronix unit, pronounced it "Okie," his dismissal of anything cheap or bush league.

When Pertronix fails, you're stuck. With points, you can always limp home.
Make sure those wee "pigtail" wires atop the distributor plate aren't abraded, as suggested.

If working on your car, never leave your ignition key on without blipping the starter to make sure your amneter needle centered so you don't saute your points.

800 cold cranking amp Optima Red Top battery, solid double aught copper cables, ends crimped and soldered, maybe an extra ground from engine, and even with timing 9, even 10 degrees BTDC as many of us with 356 engines run, you'll start and run like a fool.

All these characters with Pertronix, front disc brake conversions; just retro rod lite. Packard knew what they were doing, tho' i prefer my 55-amp, 6-volt, positive ground alternator, a bolt-in, no butcher proposition. Had Packard survived, that's what service depts. would've installed. Some tow trucks, emergency vehicles had 6-volt alternators since War II.

Make sure your battery disconnect switch--every old car should have on--rated for more amps than your starter draws. I used and use a brass, marine grade Cole Hersee switch available at any NAPA store in my Packards.

Pardon missive's length, but all this aftermarket dumbed down crapola tell us too many just want a shiny old car but don't really care about the engineering, the charm of or capacity to appreciate the real thing.

Keep it simple, or buy a "retro rod"
imposter.

This Post was from: https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=239319