Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

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I know this has already been discussed but, i was just wondering if this upgrade is worth the money. I would like the car to have a little more performance and run a little smoother. What all will I need for this to work? Will i need a better coil? if so what coil? my dad has a spare MSD blaster, will that work?

Sorry and thanks in advance!

looked through the forums.... ordered it.... $71 after shipping for 1741 pertronix

Import_sounds-of-mid-GA wrote:i was just wondering if this upgrade is worth the money...

Not really.

The Nissan matchbox dizzy is a much better upgrade, and not alot more expensive...

I used a pertronics before I went to my current whizz bang ignition. One of the things I like about the system is that it retards the advance to zero degrees until around 400 rpm which makes starting real easy. I have no knowledge if the above system does this. Make sure you use the proper coil setup with the ignitor. I believe you use a ballast resistor with a stock coil. I did not and the coil would get toasty hot but the spark would jump about an inch (ouch). I carried another coil and points for worst case scenario but never needed 'em.

spyder wrote:I used a pertronics before I went to my current whizz bang ignition...

My point exactly... Everyone seems to say "I had that once...". As if no one ever actually keeps it on their car for very long...

What do you consider very long? I used it around 5 years until I replaced it for a pricy crank triggered system for a more precise timing on a hi compression setup. It worked well with no problems, I just wanted to take out the two timing chain slop.

spyder wrote:What do you consider very long? I used it around 5 years

Maybe 5 years?

It worked well with no problems...

I used mine for two years, replaced it three times due to failures in the unit. I have heard several similar stories, but also heard just as many similar stories to yours. It seems to be a 50/50 proposition. I have never heard of a Nissan matchbox dizzy failure that wasn't operator error. And every one I have installed was 15-20 years old when I got it. Yes, the Pertronix may work fine and last 15-20 years. And it may not.

That "maybe" is not worth $75 to me...

But as the man said, "Your mileage may vary".

Hey Evan, why do you guys put narrow tires on the front of drag strip bound cars?

lightweight and the wind goes around em easy.... and they arent used much for traction so they dont need to have much surface area. But my dad said the cars handle better with treaded tires on the front rather than the mickey thompson front drag skinnies

Import_sounds-of-mid-GA wrote:lightweight and the wind goes around em easy....

Also lower rolling resistance, so less HP is used to push them down the track. On a drag car, every HP counts...

yeah, that too.... we are rebuilding the motor hoping it will go a 9.30.... when it was running a 9.48!

The pertronix arrives 2morrow..... any tips on installing it??? Should i go ahead and put a MSD blaster 2 coil in it?? I dont need a relay right??

Import_sounds-of-mid-GA wrote:Should i go ahead and put a MSD blaster 2 coil in it??

Nope. Always replace one thing at a time. That way if it doesn't work, you know what's not working.

OK, so I hooked it all up.... correct im pretty sure, and the blaster coil in the shed was calling my name, so i hooked it up too. I turned over the car it has good fire, the battery is up, and its getting gas, but it wont run unless the throttle is wide open and then the RPMs are lower than idle...... whats keeping it from running???
My thoughts.....
1. Timing is off
2. The "air gap" isnt set right

What do yall think?

The original Pertronix unit was limited to 1 amp(?) I think.

If you put on the Blaster coil without the ballast resistor there is a good chance you've cooked the Pertronix unit.

Put the original coil back on and try that first.

Read the instructions with the Pertronix where it states the amp limit and recommended coil resistance and test yours.

You must have a multimeter..........

Unless you are very, very sure.....Replace one thing at a time!