24-volt electronic ignition modules

[MSeriesRebuild]

Just got the invoice for module kits ordered last week. Our cost has gone up $10 per unit.

If you have been thinking of doing this upgrade, now is a good time. We have a few left at the old price of $155 plus $12 shipping and insurance. When these are gone, we'll have to raise our price by $10 to $165 to cover the manufactuer's price increase.

[Paul (in NH)]

Charles, call me a little uninformed, but what does this replace, and what are the advantages?

[MSeriesRebuild]

Charles, call me a little uninformed, but what does this replace, and what are the advantages?

We've been installing and selling these for several years. They replace points and condensor in the military 24-volt water-proof distributors. We have them for both the 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines. We can also do the upgrade in the distributor used in the larger engines in older 2 1/2 and 5-ton trucks that have gasoline engines.

I can ship the module kits for the Jeep distributors and light truck distributors, (M37 and M715) directly to you with instructions for self installation. We have to convert the ones on larger engines in house as they require precision machine work being done.


When installed into a distributor that is in otherwise excellent condition, you can expect a stronger spark. As a result, you can expect better starting, especially in cold weather, and better overall performance throughout the entire RPM range. I always try to tell potential customers that it is not a boxed miracle, installing it into a worn out distributor that needs an overhaul will of course not produce the best results. We advise that if the shaft bushings are worn or other issues exist that need attention, these items should be replaced at the same time the module kit is installed. If done correctly, it is a very worthwhile upgrade, money well spent. Once it is installed into a good condition distributor, it is adjustment free, no periodic maintenance as with keeping points clean and adjusted.

The module has a 30-month manufacturer's warranty. We have sold hundreds, have had only 1 report of a unit failure, which was replaced, no questions asked.

[Paul (in NH)]

Thanks for the info Charles.

[cuz]

There are some of us out here that have used them. Not all of us feel so strongly that they are worth the money for the lack of serious and measurable performance increases. Having run both I find that the performance is equal with two like condition distributors. The only real benefit is no longer being faced with the periodic servicing of the point type system. Some folks like the "maintenance free" prospects and some folks actually enjoy having a reason to visit the under hood area of the truck occasionally and while checking point gap and condition we also check timing and give the old girl a periodic overall inspection.

I know I am old fashion but my point is not everyone needs the same medicine.

[DJ]

I agree ,I still like fiddling with the points,getting the feeler gauge out and setting the points . I like keeping the old girl as stock as possible. Putting electronics in these old girls is kinda like grandma in a string bikini,it just ain't right.


DJ

[N1VSM]

For what it is worth...

I put one in my 24 V system and Am very happy I did. Would make the same choice again. Noticible better performance: she'll start right up at 20-deg below F.

My truck is "mostly" stock - only changes are the ignition unit, install alternator & 4 wheel disc brakes with 2 chamber M/C.

[cuz]

Ask anyone who has heard my M37 start and they'll tell you it fires right off every time hot or cold. I'm still using points! If a truck starts poorly with points and starts fabulously with the hall effect breakerless then there was clearly something wrong with your point installation and/or distributor which had it been corrected the truck would start just as well.

[M42Dodge]

I have considered, and still am considering the solid state ignition for my M42. I have been one to keep my truck as original as possible with no modification from it`s production state. Since the ignition module is not a visible improvement, the originality concept is not deeply effected in my opinion.

Out of the last five or so times I have seen M37s fail on the road, three were due to failure of the points in the distributor, the springs in particular. It was probably due to the inferior points many parts dealers sell these days. I have always used the "Blue Point" points and condensors in my truck and have been lucky with their reliability.

While many of us have learned to install and adjust points, the truth is that they can a weak point in vehicles that are not maintained on a regular basis and some of us tend not to stay on top of them to achieve maximun performance due to time constraints and possible lack of interest. Eliminating a possible point of failure by replacing it with a non moving device is logical. While there are reasons not to due the installation, as noted in previous posts, my fellow M37 owners who had their vehicles fail due to the points crapping out would surely wished they had the module instead of having to be towed even if it meant little or no change in the performance of the vehicle aside from point failure.

Tom Markert

[MSeriesRebuild]

I have considered, and still am considering the solid state ignition for my M42. I have been one to keep my truck as original as possible with no modification from it`s production state. Since the ignition module is not a visible improvement, the originality concept is not deeply effected in my opinion.

Out of the last five or so times I have seen M37s fail on the road, three were due to failure of the points in the distributor, the springs in particular. It was probably due to the inferior points many parts dealers sell these days. I have always used the "Blue Point" points and condensors in my truck and have been lucky with their reliability.

While many of us have learned to install and adjust points, the truth is that they can a weak point in vehicles that are not maintained on a regular basis and some of us tend not to stay on top of them to achieve maximun performance due to time constraints and possible lack of interest. Eliminating a possible point of failure by replacing it with a non moving device is logical. While there are reasons not to due the installation, as noted in previous posts, my fellow M37 owners who had their vehicles fail due to the points crapping out would surely wished they had the module instead of having to be towed even if it meant little or no change in the performance of the vehicle aside from point failure.

Tom Markert

It is getting much more difficult to obtain US made components. So much of the import stuff looks correct, fits, etc. The worst thing about it is they seem to be seriously lacking in quality control, even though it looks good, I have a certain element of doubt in some cases.

Petronix modules are US made, they do stand behind their products. We have been a dealer for their products for several years now, they have been fabulous to work with from our standpoint.

In relation to how well they work, results we've had from them have been outstanding. I can truthfully say overall performance will be effected in a positive way. For those of you who know anything about me, you know that I'm a sticker for Quality and workmanship done right. I don't say what I do about the electronic module kits just because we are a dealer for them. It is simply like this, I don't have a lot to say unless I've got proof concerning a product or method of doing something. In the majority of cases what I consider proof is a result of my own testing, and not someone elses word. If these modules were not a good quality product that I had used and feel 100% confident about a positive result, the simple fact is we would not sell them. #1, I don't need the bad publicity of pushing substandard products and workmanship, #2, if you ask my opinion of something, you will get the truth as I know it. If I honestly don't know, that's the answer you'll get.

[M42Dodge]

It seems to me the points that were troublesome were "Mexican" made and the rubbing blocks and springs would go bad. Many M37 parts dealers sold them. I started using USA made Blue Streak (not Blue Points) when my local parts dealer recommended them. That was six years ago and they are still in there. I will be ordering the module when I get my refund check...

Tom Markert

[scottc]

I will admit petronix makes a great product. I have only had one go out and put in about 150, they stood behind it no problem. I have been putting them in boats for 10 years, work great. Fighting points in a moist area is a fun thing, not. As for a performane thing, all they do is tell the coil to fire like a good set of points. Do not expect a performance change much, but you do get a reliable spark without adjusting things often. If you want a better (hotter) spark you got to change the coil.
I would recomend them as they are less trouble and getting good quality ing parts is getting hard to get

[Lifer]

It seems to me the points that were troublesome were "Mexican" made and the rubbing blocks and springs would go bad. Many M37 parts dealers sold them. I started using USA made Blue Streak (not Blue Points) when my local parts dealer recommended them. That was six years ago and they are still in there. I will be ordering the module when I get my refund check...

Tom Markert

I've been using Blue Streak points/condensers ever since I got my first car 48 years ago. Never had a problem with 'em. The last set of points I bought (10 years ago) is still moving my old '55 Pontiac down the road just fine, although it belongs to my son-in-law now. I had to teach him how to adjust and set them, but he caught on quick and keeps them "tweaked" like a good lad.

[cuz]

Makes you wish you had a Chevy windowed cap!!

I have no ill feelings towards the Pertronix units. They are an excellent product. If a guy is not good with feeler gages, doesn't have time and etc then mo power to him and go for it. I have only made two points in this thread.

1-I personally like spending time under the hood and the adjustment issue is a simple one for me and I will continue to do it.

2-There is no published data supporting any performance increase (horse power, fuel economy etc) with the Pertronix unit. Yes there is improved reliability and longevity but lets be honest here when we talk about performance on the highway we are talking about turning the key and pushing the long pedal. If you want more go then you need to buy more go. This means buy the HiPo coil and limit it's input voltage to 14 volts. In two perfectly equal distributors installed in two perfectly alike trucks neither will outperform the other. Of course 10,000 miles or so down the road (or more often on junk parts) you will be on a different set of points while your mate will be chugging along on the same Pertronix

[MSeriesRebuild]

Makes you wish you had a Chevy windowed cap!!

I have no ill feelings towards the Pertronix units. They are an excellent product. If a guy is not good with feeler gages, doesn't have time and etc then mo power to him and go for it. I have only made two points in this thread.

1-I personally like spending time under the hood and the adjustment issue is a simple one for me and I will continue to do it.

2-There is no published data supporting any performance increase (horse power, fuel economy etc) with the Pertronix unit. Yes there is improved reliability and longevity but lets be honest here when we talk about performance on the highway we are talking about turning the key and pushing the long pedal. If you want more go then you need to buy more go. This means buy the HiPo coil and limit it's input voltage to 14 volts. In two perfectly equal distributors installed in two perfectly alike trucks neither will outperform the other. Of course 10,000 miles or so down the road (or more often on junk parts) you will be on a different set of points while your mate will be chugging along on the same Pertronix

I don't quite get your words here, but if you happen to be saying that I have claimed either a horsepower boost or fuel economy boost after installing this upgrade, let me verify that I have done neither. It is not a high performance upgrade, nor is it claimed to be that by us. I can't speak for what someone else may have said, although I have not heard of any such claims being made by anyone. What I have seen personally is improved cranking, especially in cold weather, and a good condition engine will run better across the RPM range. Any gas engine with a top notch ignition system that this module provides does perform better. This has been my claim. It isn't a boxed miracle as I've said before, if something in your system is lacking, don't expect the best runner even with the upgrade. Not looking for an argument, this is what I have seen after making the upgrade in many. Points do start to deteriorate fairly quickly, due to corrosion, and the normal wear and breakdown of the actual contact points. Climate affects this greatly also in how fast or slow it may occur until points need readjustment or replacing. Other moving parts, sliding parts, spring, etc are also factors. That as you have said isn't an issue with the module as there are no wear parts involved. A good testament as to customer satisfaction came back to us from a buyer in Alaska just a few weeks back. I sold him one for a Jeep and 2 for M37's last winter, he called back to express his satisfaction and to say what a difference it made in the Alaska cold. We've had good luck with them, as many others have also expressed that just as the Alaskan customer did. Each person here has the right to their own opinion, and I have no beef at all with whatever that opinion may be. It's that this was beginning to look like I was getting misrepresented in the last post concerning my comments.

As far as checking under the hood, I agree with looking at things periodically or even as part of a walk around vehicle check prior to making a run. However wondering if I need to pop the top off the distributor to check, clean, or adjust point contacts frequently just doesn't thrill me that much. Points are an on going maintenance issue as anyone who has dealt with them knows well. Personally, I just like something better and more reliable for the long haul. I would rather raise the hood for the routine check out and not have to worry about the distributor too often. God didn't make the modules, they are man made, so failure is not impossible, but my experience has been it is a lot less likely to fail than points. If you have to be towed, 1 trip can easily more than pay for the electronic upgrade.