I am also considering going to a pertronix but I heard it can shut down the tach on my original rally-pac. Any input on this?

 

I have pertronix and original rally-pac and absolutely no problems for over a year. Yes it was easy to install and definitely starts easier.

 

Thanks.....I am going for it! Will advise.....

 

I like your idea twister. Who makes the aersol school bus yellow paint? Also...What is the correct spark plug gap when using this set up. Standard timing? Thanks....Ed

 

Sounds more like your fuel bowls are emptied when you try to start it, and the pump has to push the fuel back to the carb before it will fire. Might want to check that next time it does it. Just pop the air cleaner lid off, move the throttle and see if any fuel come out the squirters, do it a couple times to be sure it wasnt just whats left in the diaphragm.

If it is leaking down, then the gas is either going back into the line or getting into the open cylinders and seeping past the rings. Does your oil smell like gas when you change it?

As for ignitions, the pertronics setup is pretty good. MSD makes a similar type that drops in, and also a full on distributor, ignition, and coil. A hotter coil is always a good idea, it will light a larger gap at the plug and wont blow out with high rpm/compression/boost. A hotter spark should do a better job ignitiing the mix, might not make more power but it should help with mileage and starting.

 

Well mine usually takes 1-2 secs to start. still pretty fast for an old car.

 

Then you have other problems not related to the pertronix system. No, I am not lucky, I just have my engine and carb tuned properly. All carbs and timing on each engine is different.

 

I've been using the Pertronics unit with a stock distributor now for 20,000 miles. Never one problem. I've "exercised" the system on many occasions, and it hangs in there until the valves start to float... This on a moderately built up motor with a 500CFM Performer carb and intake manifold with a "street" cam. Once I got the mixture on the Performer leaned out, it even idles... For all you guys using the performers, they come set up RICH from the factory. Pick up a tuning kit and try leaner and leaner rods till you get a flat spot, then either turn down the last one till it stops, or back up one size. You'll get better mileage and make more power to boot!
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.