classiccars

I'm installing a "Pointless" Pertronix Igniter unit in my distributor. (1966 289)
The instructions state that one of the wires needs to be connected to a 12 volts supply.
My question is: Where is the best place to connect (pick off) 12 volts from? I would assume that the 12 volts is needed in the "Start" and "Run" position of the ignition switch. (Off when the key is off.)
Thanks Ken

kalli

most classic cars only supply 8V to the coil+ it's not enough for the pertronix module (at least the one you're having). so

get a voltmeter! (borrow one if you have to)
measure with ignition on the voltage from coil+ to battery-. if it's around 12V you are good to go. just connect the pertronix module to coil (coil+ red and coil- black).

if it's only 8V you can connect the same way, but you will have to bypass your pink resistor wire behind the dash. This is very easy to do.
basically at ignition switch you have full 12V. that goes from ignition switch into a quick disconnect (one inch behind ignition switch) and connects to a pink wire. that pink wire is going to the firewall and through that connector to coi+

what you can do is to tap in to the start of the pink wire and the end of the pink wire and run a normal cable just parallel to it. electricity will take the easiest route (your new cable) and then you'll have the full 12V at coil+

this thing is meant to be connected to coil+ and coil-. they're writing this note to make sure you actually have 12V at the coil

Kalli

groho

Exactly what Kalli said. I made a Y connector to put in place at the bullet connector between the red/green wire and the pink resister wire. That way it continues to provide the 8-9V the coil is looking for, and provides 12V to your pertronix from the ignition.

msmith

That is exactly what I did... just tapped on the 12V side of the resistor wire and made a solder splice, then ran the wire to the engine compartment to feed the Pertronix Ignitor. The coil still sees the reduced voltage from the resistor wire, but the Ignitor gets a full 12V+.

67t5ponycoupe

I don't know what you guys are talking about. I have installed 4 pertronixs now and have hooked them all up the original wire feeding the coil and they all work fantastic. No bypassing the resister wire for finding another source of power. Am I missing something?

Oxnard Montalvo

The Pertronix module is supposed to have a 12v supply to work properly. They seem to run fine when supplied with 8v, but it's not "within spec."
It may never fail at 8v, but why take that chance. I ran mine for a year that way until I finally bypassed the resistor. I sleep better now.

The only reason 8v was supplied in the first place was to keep the points from burning up. The coil should get the 12v too.

kalli

i think there's different petronix versions and what they need. pertronix 1 might want 8V stock and pertronix 2 might need 12V. i'd keep it the way the manufacturer wants it

msmith

Not all coils are happy with 12V. The original style "yellow-top" (and those designed to replace it), for example.

If you're upgrading to a Pertronix or other coil, that's a different story.

msmith

I use the original "Ignitor", not the "II" or "III" and it's very happy with 12V feeding it.