Points wear out. Points need adjustment. Points fail when you're 50 miles from home. Pertronix electronic ignition drops into your distributor and never needs maintenance.
Points-style ignition was cutting-edge in 1955. It's garbage in 2026. Electronic ignition gives you stronger spark, better starting, and zero maintenance. No more dwell angle adjustments.
The Pertronix Ignitor III is a drop-in replacement for points and condenser. It mounts inside your factory HEI or points distributor using the existing holes. No distributor swap required.
Pertronix Ignitor III kit: [Ignitor III for Chevy V8 HEI (31-74501)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JCVJZF0?tag=rusttoroad-20)
Pop the clips on the distributor cap and lift it off. Set it aside with the wires still attached—no need to disconnect them.
Pull the rotor straight up (it just pulls off). Remove the two screws holding the points and condenser. Disconnect the wires. Throw the points in the trash where they belong.
The Pertronix module mounts using the same two screw holes. The magnetic collar slips onto the distributor shaft under the reluctor wheel. Install the module, tighten the screws, and you're done.
Included in kit: Module, magnetic collar, and wiring harness
The Pertronix module has two wires: red and black. Red goes to the positive terminal on the coil. Black goes to the negative terminal (or ground, depending on your system). Five-minute job.
The factory coil works with Pertronix, but a high-output coil gives you even better spark. Pertronix makes a coil designed to work with the Ignitor III module.
Upgraded coil: [Pertronix Flame-Thrower III Coil (45,000 volts)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BYRP3C?tag=rusttoroad-20)
Reconnect the distributor cap. Start the engine. Use a timing light to set initial timing to 10-12 degrees BTDC (or whatever your engine builder spec'd). Lock down the distributor.
Timing light: [Innova Digital Timing Light (5568)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EVYGZA?tag=rusttoroad-20)
Drive it. The engine should start easier, idle smoother, and rev cleaner. You'll never touch the ignition system again.
- Pertronix Ignitor III: ~$180 - Flame-Thrower coil (optional): ~$70 - Timing light (if you don't own one): ~$40
Total: $290 in parts. The easiest upgrade you'll ever do.
Engine won't start after install: Check polarity. Red goes to coil positive, black to coil negative. If the wires are backwards, the module won't fire.
Weak spark: The factory coil might be worn out. Upgrade to a Flame-Thrower III coil. Test the old coil with a multimeter—resistance should be 1.5-3 ohms on the primary side.
Engine misfires at high RPM: The air gap between the module and reluctor might be wrong. It should be 0.030" (about the thickness of a business card). Loosen the module screws and adjust.
This is the best $180 you'll spend on your truck. No more roadside point adjustments. No more checking the dwell angle. Just reliable ignition that works every time you turn the key.
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