distributor with 12v pertronix modification

I have a pertronix unit but have the old distributor cap. How is this new one different. Anybody.........Does it fit with the 12 volt coil? How is it different........my rotor and cap need replacing.

your rotor and cap remain the same, but use a coil with the internal resistor, I use a standard uc-15 coil on my conversions for the Lincoln welders.

on any of the conversions I have done the cap and rotor stay stock, I think on the one for my SMTA I had to leave out the dust cover. Just be sure the pertronix unit is correct ground for your application. Your coil will probably work but but it needs to be right for the EI unit. Is your coil a 12 volt with internal resister? On my last 2 conversions I bought coil from pertoonix that they sugested as I knew it was right.

You don't need a resister with EI. You need the full 12 volts.
Only reason for resister is to keep from burning the points, and
with EI there gone.

Ron, Heres the deal:

1) The elec switch just replaces the old points as a current switch, so there's no difference in the dist cap and rotor UNLESS the dust cover needs removed to allow for more room.

2) As far as the coil is concerned, some gents use the old stock coil and if it's a 12 volt tractor they can use EITHER a full true 12 volt stock coil (NO external ballast required) ORRRRRRRRR if they have a 6 volt coil plus an external series voltage dropping (12 to 6) ballast resistor, in that case the coils ballast must still be used so a 6 volt coil sees only 6 not 12 volts.

NOTE so long as the coils (be it stock original or otherwise) current draw doesn't exceed what the elec switch can handle and is rated for switching, all should be fine. I've see many old original stock full true 12 volt (no external ballast) coils used with a new elec switch THAT HAS SUFFICIENT CURRENT CAPACITY and all is fine no problem

WARNING HOWEVER check with Pertronix (NONE of us here) to insure the switch you buy has BOTH the correct polarity plus the current carrying and switching capacity for either your old coil or one you buy from them !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3) If they go with an after market or so called "high energy" coil or a coil recommended by Pertronix such as one of their FLAME THROWER series ,,,,,,THEN IN THAT CASE CHECK WITH PERTRONIX for matching coils and ballast if any is required NOT WHAT WE SAY HERE because we don't know the make n model and current rating and specs of the elec switch or the coil.

SUMMARY a stock cap n rotor should be fine, but check with Pertronix to insure the switch you buy can handle the currentdraw of your coil or one they sell you AND IF THEY SAY YOU NEED BALLAST THEN BY ALL MEANS USE IT !!!!!!!!!!!

John T

You didn't say what you are putting it on but most use the original cap and rotor. I have installed a couple autolite/prestolite that required a different cap and rotor (I think they were on Case tractors). I ended up calling Pertronix to find the part # I needed. 98% use the original though.

On my Olivers with pertronix installed i used the originals and havent had any problems

Ron Tom Here is what Pertronix recommends. Lynn

.
The Ignitor is designed for 12-Volt negative ground systems.
2.
Leaving the ignition ?ON? with the engine ?OFF? for an extended period could result in permanent damage to
the Ignitor.
3.
See Chart on back page for coil recommendations.
4.
Four & Six cylinder engines require a minimum of 3.0 ohms of primary resistance. Do not remove resistors if
the coil primary resistance is less than 3.0 ohms.
5.
If your Ignition coil has the recommended primary resistance, remove or bypass all external resistors.