Ignition: Electronic ignition conversion kits

[don samborski]

I read on an earlier post that the Pertronix 1183 kit would work for my 58 Golden Hawk with Delco Remy distributor. I went to Pertronix web site and they said it would not fit. ??
I didn't so before I thought the ???? would get an answer...Does anyone know what kit I should use?

Don

[Bud]

I've used 1183 modules in the early Delco distributors and they work fine. Bud

[JoeHall]

I would call one of the several Stude vendors who carry the Pertronix. You will pay about the same, whether you buy it from a FLAPS, from Pertronix, or from a vendor. With a vendor, you will get the correct part, for about the same price,and support those who help us keep our cars on the road. When there's a big price difference, I am more likely to shop elsewhere. But SI, Dave T., Fairborn, and others usually get my business.

[53commander]

This is the response I received from Pertronix when I inquired about mine.

"Rich, Delco distributor #1110864 used kit #1183 (12-volt negative ground). One of the kits is an original Ignitor the other (LS) is a lobe sensor and does not require a magnet sleeve."

[kirkdob]

I have a kit in my 57 GH. Instructions allow use with or without ballast resistor. I ran without at first. The distributor rotor nuked itself to the point I couldn't believe the engine still ran. I decided to drop in a ballast resistor to cut the coil input voltage, thus reducing output. I should have saved the rotor and taken a picture. It was missing at least 3/8 inch from the tip being burned off.

[Bud]

I've had Pertronix coils fail due to not using a ballast resistor. Without the resistor, the coil gets overheated because of excessive voltage on the primary winding in the coil causing the coil to fail. I don't care what Pertronix says, I use a ballast resistor with their coils. I had 3 cars towed in last year with Pertronix coil failures. The Pertronix coils may put out a few more volts, but most Studebaker engines don't care. If the stock coil is good, I'll use it when I install a Pertronix module. Bud

[mjeansonne]

I've had Pertronix coils fail due to not using a ballast resistor. Without the resistor, the coil gets overheated because of excessive voltage on the primary winding in the coil causing the coil to fail. I don't care what Pertronix says, I use a ballast resistor with their coils. I had 3 cars towed in last year with Pertronix coil failures. The Pertronix coils may put out a few more volts, but most Studebaker engines don't care. If the stock coil is good, I'll use it when I install a Pertronix module. Bud

I agree with Bud. Had the same problem with the Pertronix coil... used no ballast resister and the top of the coil where the distributor wire attaches became swollen and fluid leaked out. Bought another Pertronix coil, but used a ballast resistor. Been on the car about 2 years now and no problems. Just installed a Mallory Distributor from Thibeault and it works great with the coil.

[63 R2 Hawk]

I'm using an MSD Blaster coil with Pertronix trigger, MSD 6-AL and MSD timing computer on my Hawk. No ballast resistor and I haven't had any issues in over 7 years/15,000 miles, even with the coil mounted horizontally. I do carry a spare coil though. I've only had the distributor cap off once years ago to check the pickup gap, maybe I'd better look and see if I still have a rotor.....

[RadioRoy]

Some coils have internal resistors and some do not. Hopefully they are marked as such.

[Paul Keller]

Same problem w/ Pertronix coil - Burned out the secondary (high) volt section - Oil all over the engine. This was after the Pert. rep said "do NOT use a ballast resister (HAH, so much for expert advice). They replaced the 1.5 ohm internal resistance coil w/ a 3.0 ohm unit - Stated it would run cooler. Seems they have a problem.
If I had a 1.5 ohm Pert. unit, I would definetly run a 1.5 ohm external resistor w/ it. I am also going to keep a spare coil in the car while the Pert. is in use.
Paul TK

[don samborski]

Thanks for all the input. Makes things a little easier without the bad decisions.

Don

[raprice]

Does anyone know which solid state ignition Dave Thiebault (not sure of the spelling) sells?
Rog

[Ted Preston]

It sounds like I'm not the only one who has had trouble with Pertronix. I've reached the point where I won't even consider using them again. I love the fact that they hide entirely inside the distributor and keep an antique engine compartment looking right, but they simply don't last long enough to justify the price.

Every aftermarket electronic system I've tried has ultimately failed and left me stranded alongside the road. Points have never done that, so I'm back to happily adjusting points and trusting my ignition system to get me home again.

[E. Davis]

I read on an earlier post that the Pertronix 1183 kit would work for my 58 Golden Hawk with Delco Remy distributor. I went to Pertronix web site and they said it would not fit. ??
I didn't so before I thought the ???? would get an answer...Does anyone know what kit I should use?

Don

The Mopar conversion has served me well for many many miles with no problems. I do, however, carry spare components in case of an on road malfunction but so far have had none. Parts are easily obtained at any good Auto Parts store. See Bob Johnstones tips section for how to instructions.