T-bird 56 , electronic Ignition recommendations

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peter dantzer

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Sep 8, 2019
Thunderbird Year
1956
Electronic Ignition recommendations
Have just switched breaker points and capacitor in my 56 thunderbird.
But they keep sparking and after some time they get burn marks and the car starts to have a hard time starting when it is cold.

I am therefore considering replacing breaker points with an electronic ignition - is that a good idea and what can be recommended? My distributor is a dual vacuum advance distributor - if that matters.
 

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Pertronix Electronic Ignition for Ford Thunderbird 1955-1974

There are 2 kits available for the Ford Thunderbirds . One will be for the stock distributor that will fit the 1955-1956 Y-blocks. Some people replaced the stock distributor with the newer distributor because it was a better distributor. The other kit is for the 1957-1974 Ford 8 cylinder...
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peter dantzer said:
Electronic Ignition recommendations
Have just switched breaker points and capacitor in my 56 thunderbird.
But they keep sparking and after some time they get burn marks and the car starts to have a hard time starting when it is cold.

I am therefore considering replacing breaker points with an electronic ignition - is that a good idea and what can be recommended? My distributor is a dual vacuum advance distributor - if that matters.
Click to expand...
Pertronix electronic ignition. Easy install and more reliable than points
 
This assumes that you did not have this problem of sparking prior to your change of parts. If installed correctly and no other changes you should not have the problem now. I suggest you check your work first. If you have some other problem, changing to electronic ignition will probably not correct your problem. I have Pertronix on several cars including my 57 Bird. I have had to replace the Pertronix once in about 20 years. I am quite happy with their products.
 
Did you check your coil resistor? It's supposed to drop the voltage / amps to the points to keep them from burning.
 
Another strong recommendation for Petronix electronic conversion.
also install their hi output coil.
whole project less than an hour.
you’ll never regret it.
 
peter dantzer said:
Resistor is about 2 ohm - i suppose thats is ok,
Click to expand...
I just checked the shop manual and the primary circuit resistance should be between 1.30-1.40ohms @ 75 Degrees. That is if it's hooked up properly on the right terminal on the coil or at the ignition switch. The resistor is by-passed on starting and then the power is run through it in the run position.
 
would your recommend the pentrix over the Holly kit or others?
 
In my experience the Pertronix is the only way to go. I have one in my '62, and a 70 F600, and a 76 L900. Totally trouble free.
 
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