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Opinions are like belly buttons;everybody's got one. Here's mine regarding your question. A 6 volt system is marginal at best and every component in the primary ignition circuit must me kept in top notch condition/adjustment in order to get reliable starting and running performance (Ref: Internal Combustion Engines by E.F. Obert, 2nd Ed, p.479-480). A 12 V system is more forgiving of maintenance lapses, dirty connections, worn or misadjusted points, worn plugs, etc.(See Ref.) My TO-30 is a working machine on our ranch and I have enough experience adjuting points that i don't ned anymore, etc so I converted to a Pertonix ignition system and am pleased with the results. My -30 was all ready converted to 12V when I bought it so it was a simple change. I get quick starts and a smoother idle with the Pertronix and no points to fiddle with. Regarding plug wires, I would advise using metal core conductors and stay away from graphite impregnated cores. The latter are designed for RFI suppression for automobiles and do not hold up as well as metal core wires for tractor service and provide a higher resistance and thus a weaker spark for the typical tractor ignition systems, especially in a 6V application.(Modern cars have a much higher energy ignition system than your 50+ year old tractor.) Now having said this, you can maintain the originallity of your TEA-20 by sticking with the original 6V positive ground system. Just be prepared to be to do more maintenance on the ignition system to make sure that the engine starts and runs reliably. These are the facts as I see them. The decision to convert to 12V or not is all yours.
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