Pertronix Versus DuraSpark II
The final answer...maybe

This is a debate that keeps going around and around and around. There are pro's and con's of each. I'll list the information I have and have experience with. I have personally run Pertronix and Duraspark 2 on my current 200CI engine with the same set up. I've run both with an MSD ignition.
In this corner, where a black stock cap:
Pertronix
And in this corner, where a red cap, with yellow wires:
DuraSpark2

PROS:

1) Almost Completely stock look. All that is not stock appearing from the outside, is the additional red wire for power to the pertronix.

2) Very simple install. Just pull the points and condensor, put in the pertronix, wire it up, and you're all set.

3) Generally only runs about $60.

PROS:

1) Larger cap with helps with arcing and ionizing.

2) Can use larger post style wires.

3) Stock parts that can be replaced at almost any autoparts stores.

4) More solid state, has a very consistang signal.

CONS:

1) Can only run up to 7mm wires with the stock cap.

2) Can only run the stock cap, which can have more problems with arcing and ionizing within the cap, especially with higher voltage coils. Not a serious concern for many daily drivers.

3) Pertronix units have had problems that have left people stranded. While these are few and far between, it is enough to warrant leaving the points in the back of car as a back-up.

4) You can not buy replacement units at common auto parts stores. All the dizzy parts are replacement, but the actual pertronix unit usually requires being quiet.

CONS:

1) Little bit higher install costs. Can be installed for about $80-100 total.

2) Non-stock appearance. Only an issue if you want to look original.

3) More complicated set up. Takes a little longer to set up and wires.

So which is better performance wise?

They both perform about the same. No noticable difference with similiar additional equipment. I've run the following combination:

1) Stock Pertronix with flamethrower coil
2) Stock Pertronix with flamethrower and MSD Digital 6+ with 7mm wires.
3) Stock DS2 with flamethrower with 8mm wires and GM module.
4) Stock DS2 with flamethrower with 8mm wires and MSD Digital 6+.

I can honestly say that options 1 and 3 perform almost the same, and 2 and 4 perform almost the as each other. No real difference in performance gains.

So which is better? That is ultimately up to you. Personally, I prefer the stock over the counter availability of the DS2 set up. I also like being about to run larger wires, especially as the performance of my engine keeps getting higher. either way, getting electronic ignition is a definite plus compared to the old points. It is an improvement either way. If this is your first modification, I would suggest pertronix as it is easy to install. DS2 is a little more complicated, but not much. Pertronix is a very nice modification. Performance wise, they perform the pretty much the same.

Good luck with your decision, either way you'll be making an improvement.

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