Hello,

I have a 66 Coupe with a 289. The problem I am having is that I keep burning up the points. They literally only last a month or two before they need to be replaced. I was told I could switch to the Petronix and it wouldn't get burned up. Well that only lasted a couple months too. I have replaced the coil with no luck. I want to get another petronix kit but not before I fix this issue. I was told I should replace the voltage regulator. Anyone have any other suggestions on what I should check? Thanks...

 

The wire from the ignition sw to the dist should have a resistor on it that brings the voltage to the points to an acceptable level.If this wire has been replaced then a new resistor needs to be added.The resistor part is just a fat part on the wire under the dash.

 

there should be a capacitor next to the breaker contact.
Are you changing this one as well ? or do you just change the contacts ?

 

here's a set I have lying around. It's the silver tube on the right

[IMG]local://upfiles/52145/6FB66CD520E842F1B22884080D434169.jpg[/IMG]

 

Where exactly is the resistor under the dash? I did replace the points and condensor.

 

Trace the wire that runs from your ignition switch to the positive terminal of the coil.It is brown I believe.

 

should be approx 3 inches or so from igntion switch and pink colered,,will have a buldge in it ( the resistoer)

 

Can I find a replacement resistor in a auto parts store or mustang catalog?

 

Use a voltmeter and check voltage to your coil. If 12 volts someone bypassed the resistor - could have burned out like mine did. If getting 12 I would change coil out to Pertonix flame thrower - expects 12 volts not 6 like factory. Bypassing resistor is a pretty common mod.With this and pertronix ignitor should be good to go.

On a side note when mine burned out and before I switched over could not find one for a mustang but autoparts guy found one from another car that I rigged up. Maybe able to find at radio shack.

 

when I got my pertronix,they told me not to go the full 12 volts.problem is 12 volts is nominal and can go as high as 14 v.Dodge had a ballast resistor on the firewall to do the same job.you could use one of those and hide it under dash.Ive heard of this but I would worry about heat(I dont know how warm they get)You could find out about that.Dodge guys are everywhere.