Does anyone use a Pertronix Distributor?

[Argess]

I am thinking of purchasing a Pertronix D133701 as I want to try a vacuum distributor vs my existing mech one:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PN...1/?image=large

I don't have a lot of room due to twin carbs, so I need the max diameter of the dist. Preferably the cap base outside diameter, not including the mounting bosses.

I contacted Pertronix on this and they came back with 5" which seems excessive (and won't work for me) considering they advertise it as having a "small, high-dielectric strength cap and rotor for applications with little clearance."

I think they made a mistake, either picked the wrong dist, or the measurement was to the outside of the cap hold-down bosses. Why? Well, looking at the picture, the cap size in realtion to the dist gear looks the same as my Mallory dist. The Mallory dist has a small dia. cap.

Thank-you.

[86Sebring]

I have been running a Pertronix for 2 years, no problems, no complaints
here is a picture
http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...0/IMG_5207.jpg

[Argess]

Oooh...that does look a little fat copared to what I thought. Currently the Mallory I am using is about 3.7 inches across the distributor bowl and I have at most, about 1/2" front ( overflow tank) and rear (front carb) for clearance.

I wanted to go with the Pertronix as I have a Pertronix unit in my Mallory and it was the best upgrade I did so far. Very reliable and smoother accelration (none of those little misfires that are hard to hear but let you know it's not smooth).

I'm still not sure it will fit my engine, but Thank-you for your response.

[Argess]

I found the measurement in the Pertronix catalog. 5 inches. But it measured to the outside of the cap mounting lugs, so I am still nto sure it will fit, but it's not looking good. Any other distributors that might fit a 2x4 Offy manifold with twin holleys besides Mallory?

[Rich A]

Argess,
I used a Pertronix Ignitor for 10 years before I sold the car and had no problems.
The Ignitor fit inside the stock distributor, if a stock distributor fix the space this might be an option.

[Argess]

Thanks Rich A. I am currently using a Pertronix unit in my Mallory YL. What a great upgrade! However, I am thinking of trying a vacuum dist to keep the heat down at idle and adjust the spark advance more appropriately depending on how hard I want to accelerate.

I can get a Mallory with vacuum, but:

1/ I have to re-pin the gear to handle the HV oil pump

2/ Even then, I have doubts as the gear is an easy slip fit on the dist shaft (should be a light press-fit) and the split pins may eventually fatigue and break

3/ I have a squeal (maybe a high pitched whistle)from my engine when run for over an hour.....I think it's the top dist bushing, but can't seem to pinpoint it. For now, I blame the dist.

Everything else I see, appears to be too big to install. I like the Accel unit because the vacuum advance can is adjustable, but it seems to big too. Pertronix obviously works well, as I am using ignitor unit with great success. MSD?....Summit "no-name"?? I'll keep investigating.

Kind of a pain being in Canada, ordering from the US, and then wanting to return it if it doesn't fit (plus most parts suppliers don't want to take electrical items back).

[PANAVIA]

We have had the split pins break on the pertronix distribs. - the gear was a loose lip fit.

--we have removed them from service.