Pertronix Ignitor

Bringing my question to the masses . I've had an e-mail request in to Petronix for a week now with no response . Want to add Ignitor ignition to my '63 , F-head . Engine is actually a '55 M38A1 replacement engine , distributor is Auto-Lite # 1AD4008 . I can find a listing for 1AD4008A , calling for kit 2541 . Does anyone know if this is compatible , or if there is a different number , or if nothing is available at all ? Thanks

 

According to their site the jeep section shows 1940 - 1959 with the Autolite IAD-4008 uses module 2541 for ignitor or 92541 for ignitor II. Keep in mind that most of those years were for 6 volt systems and you need to request either a 6-volt module or a 12-volt module, depending on your electrical system.

 

Autolite IAD-4008A uses module # 1541 for ignitor and 91541 for ignitor II.

 

Am I bad , forgot to mention , already converted to 12 volt .

 

Your lucky I have an Autolite IAT-4405 vacuum advance distributor in my Jeep and Petronix wants $300.00 to figure out a kit for me.

 

Ouch ! That hurts . By the way , how did you get hold of them ? They still haven't gotten back to me .

 

Personally, when I figured out which Pertronix module kit I needed, I went to one of the local speed shops and ordered one.

 

I guess I wouldn't want to get involved with a company or product that shows that kind of attitude. Doesn't speak well to me about future customer support.

 

Depends. If it is a "one off" application that requires a lot of work, research, development, etc. with little chance of a reasonable return on investment, where is the value for them to put forth the investment? Been there, done that, several times. It was a labor of love for me but no way could it have been profitable for me. Why should they support a potentially losing proposition? Doesn't make good business sense and they are a business.
Frankly I'm surprised at how many applications they DO support.

We are lucky at how many businesses do support our vehicles considering the age and variables.

 

Fair enough.

But even so it would seem the individual jeep owner is still asking for trouble trying to participate in that equation from the losing end.
A set of points is ten bucks - why go looking for trouble?

 

What trouble would you be referring to? Not having to set point gap? Not having to keep an eye on the wear block? Not having to keep the Distributor cam lubricated?

In my experience, with a number of different applications so far, the pertronix units are basically, install, set, and forget. I periodically recheck the airgap on the pickup, but as of yet, even after having one in one particular vehicle for close to 20 years, I've never had to reset it.

Yes, points work. And if you're of a mind that you like doing maintenance, great. But I've got better things to do with my time than having to worry about a set of points every time I take something out of the garage. And if you're of a mind, the pertronix units *can* simplify things, as you can eliminate the ballast resistor if you don't need it for something else, *and* you can run a full 12V to the Ignition from the coil, and Run a High Energy Coil, which can certainly help both starting, and combustion.

I'm still trying to figure out why you're so dead set to point out why they're awful, or people should steer clear. It's not like I'm paid by the company to endorse their product, but I've had nothing but good experiences with them, and they've been around a *long* time.

 

Wasn't intending to discuss the technical aspects in this instance. Although I will admit to being a traditionalist, that is a different discussion.

My point here was only that the company seems to have no time or interest in helping you, or the supporting the jeep application.
My experience has been that if I have to twist someone's arm to get what I want, I'm probably not dealing with the right person, or product, etc.

Over the years I have grown wary of pushing myself into such a dynamic. Kind of zen thing.

I wish you only good luck with your choices.

 

So.......... , if my distributor is 1AD-4008 , running on 12 volts , do I use a 2541 kit ?

 

Based on the catalog, yes.

 

Just remember to request the 12-volt kit.

 

Well I can tell you why I want a Petronix Trigger in my Vacuum Advance Distributor. I am hot rodding my engine plain and simple.

Head shaved .035"
Block decked .004"
Block bore to .060" over
Hardened Valve seats installed
3 angle valve job
Aluminum intake manifold a custom modification of a MG 1500cc manifold
Weber DGV 32/36 progressive two barrel carb Custom linkage
Fresh intake and K&N style free flow filter
Custom made header type exhaust with 2.25" D mandrel bent tail pipe and Dynomax Performance Round Turbo muffler
Electric Fan
Holley Blue electric Fuel pump Holley pressure regulator Fram cartridge type fuel filter
NOS Gear Drive Cam NOS Tappets NOS valve springs NOS Valves new retainers and keepers
Mildon oil pump new float and float support

And hopefully an Autolite IAT-4405 Vacuum advance distributor with Magnetic trigger and tuned advance curves
Accel Performance coil, and Accel performance wires
MSD-6A Captive discharge spark box.

I have a 9.25" clutch and a completely redesigned clutch and brake shaft assembly all bushed and fitted with multiple zerts
completely new inside T-90 professionally rebuilt
I have a completely rebuilt 1.25" D-18 twin stick transfer case I even have custom made shift knobs!!!

Rear Axle is a Dana 44 30 spline flanged with everything but the housing and the axle shafts new. Including the Eaton E-Locker
11" wagoneer brakes all around with Jeep Dual Master cylinder on my own design mount.
Saginaw 525 manual steering box with all Borgenson and Ididit steering column
100amp Delco 10si Marine Alternator

I'm currently building the body a few parts from the original tub a whole lot of new parts from Classic Enterprises and a bunch of local sourced raw steel to make both replacement parts and a custom designed rear floor and tool box.

So as you can see I simply need a magnetic trigger to go in my HOT ROD Willys

 

Mark , first let me say , I'm envious ! My wife would freak if I suggested any of that. Barely got purchase of the " Heep" by her . It died on me a few weeks ago , took me a while to figure out points hold down screw had loosened up . That's when I decided a pertronix upgrade might be a good idea .

 

Well we live a pretty bill free kind of life. We are grandparents and the house is almost paid for. I drive dump truck for a living and do pretty well. I been working on the Willys since I dragged it home out of dads shed in 2004. I didn't mess with it for a few years in the middle and now I am on the push to the finish. the shopping list of needed parts is shorter then a single sheet of note book paper and Once work cranks back up for the season the last of the parts will be easy to pickup (the time to work on it not so much) I took a small loan against my 401K to jump start this last frenzy of work that took care of rebuilding the engine tranny and transfer case and got a bunch of the lessor stuff done. Then I made the decision to stop cutting bait and get to serious fishing and I sold off my 66 Chevelle Project I have been holding on to since I bought it in 96. This took care of the ATV 30% OD the Dana 44 almost all the New Steering And a pile more small parts. The money I squirreled away over this last summer took care of buying up all the new sheet metal (over 2/3's of the Tub will be NEW) And I am now down to a short list of parts. I'm hoping to get started on building the new Tub Thursday after completely cleaning up the shop today and taking care of my CDL Medical tomorrow. SO in a month I could have a new Tub.

Once construction season starts up good in about April I'll just have an hour or two in the evenings and maybe a day each weekend to work on it so I am hoping to have the major body work done soon so I can just dabble while I'm working 60 hrs a week. Then this coming Winter I'll get it finished up. And then start on the Aluminum top I have designed for it.