Just installed and tuned a Pony Carbs autolite 1100, and installed Pertronix ignition in the distributor. Car starts immediately now, no grinding and grinding like before. Car also performs much better now and doesn't stall on heavy acceleration, etc. But the last few days it has developed a problem where sometimes (not often, just sometimes) while ideling in drive the engine cuts off. Doesn't slow down, sputter, etc., just immediately stops dead. When this happens I put it in Park and start it, it starts fine, but as soon as I put it in Drive it immediately stops, unless I pump the gas pedal right before I put it in Drive. I've checked the idles with a tach and they are where they're supposed to be. Could it be dirt in the carb, electrical problem, gremlin, ????????? ALSO, I can't start the car in Neutral (never could). Could this have anything to do with this????

 

Will it turn over in neutral? As far as the cutting out, check fuel pump pressure and make sure the needle valve and seat are clean.

 

I am just going to ask the stupid question here, you guys do not think there is anything wrong with his Pertonix Ignition? Just the usual suspects?

 

Check to make sure you have a good connection with the + side of the coil. A lot of times, especially when it's a new harness, the added wires on the + side, make it juuuust high enough to make irregular contact, cutting ign on and off at will. A real bugger to find the first time. Seen it more than once. Just run it at idle, wiggle that on the coil.

No start in neutral is a different problem.

 

No loose wires, but I did switch them top to bottom just to see what happens. Will not start in neutral.

 

Won't start in neutral. Fuel pump pressure appears OK.

 

the won't start in neutral problem is not related. i've seen quite a few cars that won't start in neutral, but in park. as long as it starts in park I won't worry. the neutral problem is related to the 'neutral saftety switch' and some even have such a layout that you can only start in park. Or it's dodgy and you have to wiggle the shifter a bit.
In any case this will only stop you from cranking in neutral. it should not affect you driving (engine running) in neutral

 

Is the air gap still where it needs to be for the Pertronix to work?