update to old technology

66fastback · 07-08-1999, 01:47 AM

The main advantage to the Petronix or any other type of electronic ignition, is to eliminate the points. This means you never have to set points again, and you get a more consistant spark, which can have a performance and mileage benifit.

I don't see eliminating the remote solinoid on the starter as an upgrade. To me it's a step in the wrong direction. I know plenty of Chevy owners who change over to the Ford remote solenoid, because the one on the starter heat-soaks and then they can't start their car.

As far as the alternator goes, I may get beaten fiercely for this suggestion, but what I did was swap over to a GM alternator. I just ordered one through JC Whitney for cheap, and I had a single wire 80 amp alt. I used to have all sorts of problems with the old ford units not charging well enough, and my lights would dim when I was at a stop or worse yet, they would pulse. Never have had any more problems since I put on the GM. Just be sure to use a larger wire to the solenoid, as Ford never intended to move many amps with the old alternators.

Something else that I did that doesn't get mentioned much, is I moved my battery to the trunk. Here in Texas where our summers are LONG and HOT, I used to wear out batteries every couple of years. Now my battery is not only cleaner, but it is removed from the intense engine heat. Never had to buy another battery since the conversion....cleans up the engine compartment too. Of course I am planning on putting on EFI, and the space is greatly appreciated.

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66 GT Fastback 5.0, 5-speed, 3.40 gears, Fuel Injection soon

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07-08-1999, 01:47 AM	#5
66fastback Registered Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 208	The main advantage to the Petronix or any other type of electronic ignition, is to eliminate the points. This means you never have to set points again, and you get a more consistant spark, which can have a performance and mileage benifit. I don't see eliminating the remote solinoid on the starter as an upgrade. To me it's a step in the wrong direction. I know plenty of Chevy owners who change over to the Ford remote solenoid, because the one on the starter heat-soaks and then they can't start their car. As far as the alternator goes, I may get beaten fiercely for this suggestion, but what I did was swap over to a GM alternator. I just ordered one through JC Whitney for cheap, and I had a single wire 80 amp alt. I used to have all sorts of problems with the old ford units not charging well enough, and my lights would dim when I was at a stop or worse yet, they would pulse. Never have had any more problems since I put on the GM. Just be sure to use a larger wire to the solenoid, as Ford never intended to move many amps with the old alternators. Something else that I did that doesn't get mentioned much, is I moved my battery to the trunk. Here in Texas where our summers are LONG and HOT, I used to wear out batteries every couple of years. Now my battery is not only cleaner, but it is removed from the intense engine heat. Never had to buy another battery since the conversion....cleans up the engine compartment too. Of course I am planning on putting on EFI, and the space is greatly appreciated. ------------------ 66 GT Fastback 5.0, 5-speed, 3.40 gears, Fuel Injection soon