What do I need to know about electronic ignition for a 292?


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By 54MercMan - 8 Years Ago
OK, I think I'm ready to try a pointless ignition for my 292 c. i. (from a '61 but installed in a '54 Merc) but I have no knowledge of these systems.  Which product does anyone have?  How hard are they to install?  Do they take care of advancing the timing or do I still need the vacuum advance?  If this has been covered before, which I imagine it has, just point me in the right direction.  Thanks,
By Dobie - 8 Years Ago
54MercMan (8/29/2017)
OK, I think I'm ready to try a pointless ignition for my 292 c. i. (from a '61 but installed in a '54 Merc) but I have no knowledge of these systems.  Which product does anyone have?  How hard are they to install?  Do they take care of advancing the timing or do I still need the vacuum advance?  If this has been covered before, which I imagine it has, just point me in the right direction.  Thanks,

I run a Pertronix II. It's a piece of cake to install. You still need the vacuum advance, the Pertronix doesn't handle that part of it.
By charliemccraney - 8 Years Ago
If your '54 has the original carburetor, then you will not use the same source of vacuum for the '61 distributor.  For the '61 distributor with an original carburetor, your only options will be manifold vacuum or no vacuum - simply cap the advance unit port.  Vacuum is not mandatory for the newer distributor.  It is only an economy feature.

If you have a newer carburetor, then you will most likely have the options of manifold or ported vacuum or to cap the port.  In this case, I would not recommend capping it in this case.

The '61 distributor gear will not match the '54 cam so you will need to swap the gear from your old distributor to the new one.  The car is 63 years old, so check before you do that.  It could have had anything done to it by now.

There is no basic points conversion that I'm aware of which also controls timing so you will still need full functionality of the mechanical advance and it is your decision about the vacuum advance.
By oldcarmark - 8 Years Ago
Dobie (8/29/2017)
54MercMan (8/29/2017)
OK, I think I'm ready to try a pointless ignition for my 292 c. i. (from a '61 but installed in a '54 Merc) but I have no knowledge of these systems.  Which product does anyone have?  How hard are they to install?  Do they take care of advancing the timing or do I still need the vacuum advance?  If this has been covered before, which I imagine it has, just point me in the right direction.  Thanks,

I run a Pertronix II. It's a piece of cake to install. You still need the vacuum advance, the Pertronix doesn't handle that part of it.

If You do go with Pertronix ( which I have on mine) go with the Pertronix II not the original I. One will burn out if You leave the Key in the "On" Position without Engine running.  Easy to install.
By Talkwrench - 8 Years Ago
Firstly as Charlie said.. ^
Personally I'd try get the Pertronix ignitor 3  you wont pay much more for it and its a multi spark [full rev range] with rev limiter. Make sure you have the full 12 volts to the system and use the correct ohms coil . Don't put it in a flogged out dizzy!  If you want to go further you can modify your mechanical advance.
By Gene Purser - 8 Years Ago
-race oriented vehicle?
oldcarmark (8/30/2017)
Dobie (8/29/2017)
54MercMan (8/29/2017)
OK, I think I'm ready to try a pointless ignition for my 292 c. i. (from a '61 but installed in a '54 Merc) but I have no knowledge of these systems.  Which product does anyone have?  How hard are they to install?  Do they take care of advancing the timing or do I still need the vacuum advance?  If this has been covered before, which I imagine it has, just point me in the right direction.  Thanks,

I run a Pertronix II. It's a piece of cake to install. You still need the vacuum advance, the Pertronix doesn't handle that part of it.

If You do go with Pertronix ( which I have on mine) go with the Pertronix II not the original I. One will burn out if You leave the Key in the "On" Position without Engine running.  Easy to install.

What is the reasoning for not using the original, base Pertronix on a non-race vehicle?
By oldcarmark - 8 Years Ago
If You happen to be working on the Car and leave the Key "On" with Engine off it will burn out in short order. The Pertronix II was modified so this does not happen. Pertronix III is overkill for a non high Performance Engine IMO. Whatever Pointless Ignition Kit You purchase I would still carry the original Points Condenser and mounting Screws in a Bag in the Car. Would get You going in the Event the Electronic Ignition quits. There are other Conversion Kits available as I am sure will be Posted by Others.
By Daniel Jessup - 8 Years Ago
Go with Accel 2020... cheaper and most parts stores will carry what you need if you ever have trouble. Pertronix is not as readily available nationwide as Accel brand kits.