Picking a Distributor?

This page contains everything you need to know about PerTronix's line of distributors and their differences. Once you've decided on an option, we recommend navigating back up to the year-make-model search below.

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    Whether you’re after all-out performance, a factory-original look, or a simple high-energy upgrade, every PerTronix distributor starts with the same foundation: modern, maintenance-free electronic ignition that eliminates points and delivers a strong, consistent spark for better performance, reliability, and drivability.

    They’re all built from brand-new components with precisely phased advance curves, high-quality caps and rotors with brass terminals, and they’re legal to run in all 50 states and Canada (C.A.R.B. E.O. #D-57-23).

    On this page, we’ll break down the differences so you can find the perfect fit for your build.

    Billet
    Billet distributors deliver maximum precision and high-RPM performance in a polished CNC-machined housing.
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    "Stock Look" Cast
    Stock-Look cast distributors hide modern electronics inside an OEM-style body for sleeper builds.
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    HEI
    HEI distributors combine the coil and electronics in one large-cap unit for simple, high-energy ignition up to race-level RPM.
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    Housing
    CNC billet aluminum, polished
    Cast aluminum, OEM-style
    Large HEI cap, coil-in-cap
    Look
    Show-quality aftermarket
    Original factory look
    Distinct GM HEI style
    Electronics
    Ignitor® II or Ignitor® III
    Ignitor®, Ignitor® II, or Ignitor® III
    HEI Module (Street or Race)
    Coil Type
    External Flame-Thrower recommended (not included)
    External (not included)
    Built-in coil included
    RPM Capability
    High RPM stability
    Optimized for street/drivability
    Street: up to ~7,500 RPM / Race: up to ~8,500 RPM
    Best For
    Performance & show builds
    Restorations and sleeper builds
    GM-style high-energy street/track

    Not Sure Which Ignitor® to Pick?

    If you're shopping for a Billet or "Stock Look" Cast Distributor, many applications come with a choice on the Ignitor® module inside your distributor. Use the chart below to compare features.

    IGNITOR®
    Available on "Stock Look" Cast Distributors
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    IGNITOR® II
    Available on Billet & "Stock Look" Cast Distributors
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    IGNITOR® III
    Available on Billet & "Stock Look" Cast Distributors
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    Technology type
    Basic Hall Effect sensor replacing mechanical points.
    Advanced microcontroller with adaptive dwell algorithms.​
    Includes multi-spark technology and a digital rev-limiter.
    Adaptive dwell technology
    Adjusts dwell time to maintain peak energy throughout the RPM range, enhancing high RPM performance.
    Adjusts dwell time to maintain peak energy throughout the RPM range, enhancing high RPM performance.
    Multi-spark functionality
    Delivers multiple sparks from idle through redline for improved combustion efficiency.​
    Digital rev limiter
    Built-in digital rev limiter for engine protection.
    Reverse polarity and over-current protection
    Features built-in protections to prevent component damage.
    Features built-in protections to prevent component damage.
    Spark retard during start-up
    Provides a four-degree spark retard to ease start-up in high-compression engines.
    Provides a four-degree spark retard to ease start-up in high-compression engines.
    Compatibility
    Designed for use with most point-type coils; optimal performance with Flame-Thrower 40,000-volt coil.​
    Compatible with any induction coil; optimal performance with Flame-Thrower II super low resistance (0.6 ohms) 45,000-volt coil.
    Best performance achieved when used with low-resistance PerTronix Flame-Thrower III coil.​
    Installation
    Fits entirely inside the distributor; no external boxes; simple wiring.
    Fits entirely inside the distributor; no external boxes; simple wiring.
    Fits entirely inside the distributor; no external boxes; simple wiring.