Petronix labor costs

JasonNC
JasonNC Expert Adviser
edited November -1 in HUDSON
I sent an email to Petronix asking how much would it cost to have them install one of their Ignitor ignition system in my Hudson distributor. I was quoted a price of $350.00 with a six week turnaround. Since the 1362 unit only costs $143.00, that leaves labor at $207.00 bucks for what seems like, based on their installation instructions on their web page, a rather simple operation. Is it me, or is that just a little outrageous? I ordered the unit and a coil and hope the instructions that come with it will help me and a buddy to figure out how to install it.

Jason

Comments

  • Uncle Josh
    Uncle Josh Senior Contributor
    Apparently they just want to sell 'em, and are not set up to install 'em.
  • stbryson
    stbryson Senior Contributor
    Hello Jason,



    Another option is to have 21st Century Hudson do the Pertronix conversion on your distributor. Here is a link to their website:



    http://21stcenturyhudson.net/



    Take care,



    Steve Bryson
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    You can make your own HEI by using a Ford TFI module hooked up to your original distributor. This is what I'm doing on my Packards, mainly because it's cheaper, you can get the parts anywhere, and you can hook the points back up to original configuration to "limp home mode" if you need to. I wouldn't waste my money on the Pertronix, personally. You do have to have a 12v system to use the Ford module, though.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Jason: Using the instructions provided you should be able to successfully install the module in an hour. :)
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Tpackman:

    Could you make us a list of parts we would need to pickup to install the HEI in our Hudson distributors? Thanks for a real good idea, Bob
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    bobdriveshudson wrote:
    Tpackman:

    Could you make us a list of parts we would need to pickup to install the HEI in our Hudson distributors? Thanks for a real good idea, Bob



    Scour the junkyard for a '94 or so T-Bird, Cougar, and get the remote TFI module (with the heat sink) off of it, along with as much wiring from the connector as you can. Then, mount the heat sink and module up under the grille out of sight, but in good airflow. (you can mount it anywhere, but I'd mount it where you can get the best airflow possible) Then, follow these instructions and you now have a good HEI unit using the stock points and distributor. Just make sure you remove the condenser and put it in the glove box, you can use it to "limp home" if the TFI goes out at 2am in the middle of nowhere on a Sunday. The nice thing is, this is cheap to do, uses easily available parts, and can be removed to go back to stock points. Also, the only thing on the points that will now wear out is the fiber rubbing block, as the points don't carry the voltage that they used to. The ONLY downside is you have to have your car 12V.
  • 50C8DAN
    50C8DAN Senior Contributor
    I wanted a Pertronix on my C8. Thought the Packard one would work since they basically use an almost identical distributor to the H8. Pertronix said it would not work since the rotation is the opposite of the Packard. However they would make me a custom version for about $400! Such a deal.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    That's the nice thing about the Ford TFI, it doesn't care what the rotation is, or how many cylinders your engine has. It works with all points distributors.
  • LanceB
    LanceB Senior Contributor
    I installed mine and it was no problem.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    LanceB wrote:
    I installed mine and it was no problem.



    Did you use the Ignitor, Ignitor II, Ignitor III? Did you also use the Flame-Thrower 40,000 Volt Canister Coils? Installed yourself? Are you a mechanic? What difference if any have you noticed?



    I am intrigued by the story petronix tells, but have learned to take any after market performance part company claims with a bag of salt. I much rather hear from experienced users. Thanks.
  • LanceB
    LanceB Senior Contributor
    I will have to look at which one I got but I think it was Ignitor II, and yes I did use the Flame-Thrower. Yes I installed it myself, no I am not a mechanic, maybe a shade-tree one, though I am a mechanical engineer. I had installed this right off and had not run my PU with just points, sorry.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    LanceB wrote:
    I will have to look at which one I got but I think it was Ignitor II, and yes I did use the Flame-Thrower. Yes I installed it myself, no I am not a mechanic, maybe a shade-tree one, though I am a mechanical engineer. I had installed this right off and had not run my PU with just points, sorry.



    What made you make the leap to an electronic ignition system?

    Have you been happy with it?
  • LanceB
    LanceB Senior Contributor
    I did not want to mess with points and condensors, having done that with cars in high school.

    Yes I have been happy.
  • jjbubaboy
    jjbubaboy Senior Contributor
    Hey,

    I put one in an older (Chev) 'other make' car some years ago as well as an I/O boat I used to have that had a Volvo engine in it. I loved them both afterwords!

    So much so that I just got a different model dist to put in my 36T just so I could put the Pertronix in it as well and no more points!

    Its simple, easy, and no maintenance. Highly reccomend it.



    Jeff
  • JasonNC
    JasonNC Expert Adviser
    Heart_Of_Texas wrote:
    Jason: Using the instructions provided you should be able to successfully install the module in an hour. :)



    Ken,

    It appears that I am going to have to remove the L-shaped terminal where the coil wires and points were attached in order for the plate to set flat. The rotor apparatus has a green cover on it, do I need to remove it also?

    Thanks,

    Jason
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