Originally Posted By mopars4ever
I did read somewhere that they fail if you leave the key on (not running) for a period of time.


Correct: that and do not continually try to get away with a weak battery in the car, as it will also kill the unit (personal experience).

I have 2 cars with Pertronix- one for 15 years and the other for 4.

User their coil
Bypass the resistor
Don't leave the key on/not running (at least for P1/PII units)
Don't stress it with low voltage

Follow these points and you'll be fine. If you need a recurve (highly recommended), then get the plate from 4secondsflat: with a little research here and a few hours in the shop you can do it yourself.

Ed
EastCoast Land Yacht Assoc.
1967 Newport Conv: 440/4 speed
1969 GTX: 440/4 speed, TX9/TX9, A34, N96
1970 Super Bee: 383/4 speed, B5/B7
1970 Coronet RT: 440/4 speed, A34, N96
1970 Coronet RT: 440/auto, A36, N96
1970 Road Runner convertible: 383/4 speed TX9/D6XW
1970 GTX: 440+6/727, A32, N96
2001 Dodge 2500 HO CTD, 6 speed, 4x4 quad cab long bed
"The early bird may get the worm, but the 2nd mouse gets the cheese".