Installing a Pertronix Ignitor

Article by Otto Bartsch

Simplest installation of electronically triggered ignition in a GT is to purchase and use Pertronix/Hot-Spark trigger and stock coil. Here's how:

1. Remove cap, rotor, points and condenser with green wire from distributor and disconnect green "condenser/points" wire from coil. Leave everything else connected as-is.
2. Install Pertronix/Hot-Spark trigger amp module where points were, do not tighten mounting screws yet.
3. Run red and black module wires out "points wire" hole in side of distributor and install grommet in "points wire" hole, leaving a bit of slack on both wires inside of distributor.
4. Push black plastic magnet unit onto distributor shaft and seat over points cam.
5. Adjust trigger amp module to magnet unit clearance using clear plastic gauge that is provided and tighten trigger module screws.
6. Replace rotor and cap . . . you're now done with the distributor.
7. Connect black Pertronix/Hot-Spark wire to coil contact from which you removed the green points wire.
8. Cut an 18" length of 16/18 gauge red wire, strip both ends ~1/4" and crimp on a 1/4" female spade connector on one end.
9. Locate clear (resistance) wire at front of fuse #3 (from passenger side) of the fuse box and attach red wire terminal on an extra lug there. This is your switched 12V (turns on with ignition key) source for powering Pertronix/Hot-Spark.
10. Run the other end of the red wire through the firewall at the windshield washer foot pump hose grommet.
11. Crimp 1/4" male spade connector to red wire now underhood and connect to matching Pertronix/Hot-Spark red wire female spade terminal.
12. To paraphrase our own SouthWest Airlines: "You're now free to move about the country!"