What Is It:
Pertronix Ignitor III rev-limiter with multi-spark ignition HC coil
Bottom Line:
Low cost, increased spark, and easy to install
When we first completed the small-block swap into our '72 Nova, we left the ignition duties to a Pertronix Ignitor II distributor with an HV coil. While this system has been working flawless, we wanted to check out Pertronix's latest offering: the Ignitor III.
If you didn't already know, the Ignitor II has a microcontroller that senses coil current and adjusts dwell to maintain peak coil energy throughout the entire rpm range. Impressive as it is, Pertronix took it to the next level with their Ignitor III module by adding multi-spark capability throughout the entire rpm range, whereas most traditional ignition boxes drop the multi-spark function at 3,000 rpm. Additionally, the Ignitor III has five times the spark energy over a conventional points system. One of our favorite features is the trick built-in digital rev limiter that's located underneath the cap.
North Hollywood High School...
North Hollywood High School Advanced Auto Tech
Huge thanks go to the students of North Hollywood High School Advanced Auto Shop class. Under the direction of their fearless auto shop teacher Al Jimenez, they made good progress working side by side during the install of the new Pertronix Ignitor III distributor along with an HC coil. The advanced class jumped right in and was eager to get to work.
When it came to installing our ignition upgrade, we went to Al Jimenez, who is an advanced auto shop teacher at North Hollywood High. Jimenez was kind enough to offer up his well equipped facility, along with the knowledge his current advanced auto shop students have obtained. Follow along as we swap out the previous setup for the new Ignitor III module and HC coil.
Shopping Cart
| DESCRIPTION |
PN |
COST |
| Ignitor III module |
71181 |
143 |
| Flame-Thrower HC coil |
60103 |
73 |
|
TOTAL |
$216 |
Getting a jump on the installation,...
Getting a jump on the installation, the easiest way to access the distributor is by removing the hood. Chris Aguilar scribed the location of the hood and used a 9/16-inch socket and ratchet to loosen and remove the bolts.
Keeping the spark plug wires...
Keeping the spark plug wires in order, Nestor Escamilla labeled each plug wire from the cap with tape. Escamilla also kept the wires from each bank of cylinders together so their reinstallation would be a breeze.
A Phillips screwdriver is...
A Phillips screwdriver is used to remove the distributor cap.
The surrounding baseplate...
The surrounding baseplate that mounts the older module (Ignitor II) to the distributor must be removed in order to install the new Ignitor III module. We used a smaller Phillips screwdriver to remove the plate. Note: the rotor may need to be turned to access the screws.
While it isn't required, we...
While it isn't required, we opted to remove the distributor. With the distributor out, we could remove the old module with minimal hassle and feed the new wires from the Ignitor III module to the coil.
To center the Ignitor III...
To center the Ignitor III module, a dowel pin makes the install onto the distributor easy and trouble free.