Anyone using Pertronix ignitions on small block chevy's? I want to get away from the thunderbolt IV I currently have on my new 383. I'd like to be able to set up with more base timing and less mechanical advance. With the Merc. V8-22 module I have right now I can only get away with 9 degrees base and it would start and idle a lot better with 13. Also wondering what coil, etc. others are running. Any particular place recommended to purchase from as well would be helpful. Thanks.

Switch to a V6 module. Gives about 10* of advance on a V8 engine with full advance by 2000rpms.

That or a V8-HP will give 20* with full advance at 3000rpms.

Curios as to why are you only running 31* of total advance???? Vortec heads????

That's about all this combo needs. 383 with old school milled, ported, and flowed 882 iron heads with flat tops (-6cc reliefs) 10.02:1 compression Comp xtreme marine 262H hyd. flat tappet cam with 1.5 roller rockers, and edelbrock 600 cfm carb. On the street I'd run more or if I was running past 5000 rpm, but in a boat that's the sweet spot with this one. I like the advance limiters in the pertronix setup and using the heavy springs I can bring it in slow enough to get past the heavy load of getting up on plane before full total advance to avoid detonation. I'm sure a D.U.I. or trying different Merc. modules would work great as well, I just like the ability to fine tune myself with this setup.

pertronix 2&3 are fairly cheep,they look good but the electronics are junk.it,s not will it fail,it,s when will it fail.

I have a pertronix distributor with igniter 2 in a small block. I got it because I need more initial timing without increasing total. But that was back before I knew about the v6 module for the thunderbolt iv. Knowing that now, I would go that route, and have with a friends engine.

I have one in an automotive application. (Big block Chrysler 440)
It has been good for the past few years. I used it to replace the points and condenser and maintain a stock appearance.

That said, I'd go the thunderbolt V6 route.

through the years i have installed a lot of the kits to eliminate the points with no returns with problems.the failures i have seen is when you install their complete dist.the igniter 2 in the 351 engines it the ski boats, seem to fail a lot for some reason.

Is there a better coil to run with the thunderbolt system then if the pertronix is not reliable? My automotive experience tells me there are much better ignition systems than thunderbolt, especially on startup spark strength, but trying to keep a marine rated system. If I stay with the thunderbolt, I'd like to maximize its ability.

If you want to realize your dreams, there is a system that works with the Tbolt IV. Few threads around here of it. Some members use it.

Scroll down to the marine system: http://www.daytona-sensors.com/CD1.html

Thanks, SB. Not a bad price if it's reliable. Anyone running this have feedback on what they were able to open up plug gaps too? I'm going to email and see what stock timing curves it supports.