Pertronix Electronic Ignition for Ford Thunderbird 1955-1974

[mplamothe440]

I recently purchased a ‘55 and considering to convert to electronic ignition. I have included a picture of the top of the distributor: the red arrow points to the flat link from the vac unit. A previous post said this link should be a rod ,on a ‘55,and based on that info gives a part number for the Pertronix conversion kit Should I order that kit or is there another kit more suitable for a ‘55. Also should install a new coil as well? The engine starts and idles ok but I think it could be better. New to this vintage car thing so go easy on me😉

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[mplamothe440]

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 distributors.

The way you can tell the difference is the 55-56 stock distributor has a round rod coming into the distributor from the vacuum advance unit, it takes Pertronix Electronic Ignition Kit #1282. Purchase on Amazon here or Ebay here.

If the system is a 1955 6-volt it takes Pertronix Electronic Ignition Kit #1282P6. Purchase on Ebay here.

The 57-74 distributor has a flat rod coming in from the vacuum unit, it takes Pertronix Electronic Ignition Kit #1281. Purchase on Amazon here or Ebay here

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Thanks for the reply. If I read it correctly my ‘55 T bird has something other than a ‘55 distributor installed, is this assumption correct?

 

[OctaviousMonk]

I have a bone stock 1966 with a 390. Which Pertronix ignitor should I get, original (1281) or ii (91281)? Also my coil sits horizontal, if I buy the Pertronix 0.6 ohm coil should I get the epoxy filled or relocate it and get oil filled?
Thanks

 

[dustymtn]

I have a bone stock 1966 with a 390. Which Pertronix ignitor should I get, original (1281) or ii (91281)? Also my coil sits horizontal, if I buy the Pertronix 0.6 ohm coil should I get the epoxy filled or relocate it and get oil filled?
Thanks

I've had originals in three classics over 25 years & they work fine. Pertronix says that the oil filled coil needs to be vertical, so I'd get the epoxy. I had one oil filled mounted horizontally a few years ago, & it burned a hole in the bottom edge.