Tuning Pertronix ignition in '77 Spider

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Tuning Pertronix ignition in '77 Spider

Laurence Huber

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Pertronix ignition -- should I install it in my '77 Spider which I only use 2 1/2 weeks per year in Door County, Wisconsin? I successfully replaced the two set of points last year and it ran fine. Mechanics up there all require appointments in advance so they will be of no help. Anyone know any Fiat guys in Door County? It is a beautiful peninsula north of Green Bay and it is sports car heaven. Having an old Spider to use up there is fabulous, even if it is only 2 1/2 weeks per year. LTH
 
Update -- I installed Pertronix in the Spider and it ran fabulously and started the moment the ignition key was turned. I initially set the dual points, dwell and timing and it ran great but did not start readily. At that point, I decided to try the Pertronix. I'm glad I did.
 
Are you still running the Pertronix Ignitor in you Spider, and how's that working out?
 
As I mentioned, I only drive my '77 Spider 2-3 weeks per year! It serves as my summer vacation runabout in scenic Door County, Wisconsin. The Pertronix was great for two summers, (about 5 weeks total use). Last summer, after several days of perfect performance, the engine quit for no apparent reason and would not restart. I had a professional mechanic try to no avail. He installed a new Pertronix but could not get the engine to run well. We re-installed the old dual point system and it ran great. When the engine is warmed up then shut off, it does not start as quickly with the points as it did with Pertronix. Some people recommend the installation of a new all-electronic distributor. I will probably just leave the old points in if it runs well this summer.
PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE THREE OTHER ANTIQUE CARS WHICH I DRIVE REGULARLY THAT RUN GREAT WITH PERTRONIX.
 
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