Just ordered Progression Ignition Bluetooth controlled distributor

My first thought was that is pretty cool.

my second thought, after skimming through the video, is I don’t think that is going to fit on a Cleveland installed in a Pantera.

I guess we will find out. 😁

Larry

I’m happy to hear of someone giving it a try!  Good luck to you with this test program!

Keep us posted!

I have run a big cap distributor on my car - it fit between the block and window.  This was on a standard Ford distributor body.

Conceptually, pretty cool.  I am concerned about the circuit boards longevity in the extreme ozone environment.  I am always amazed at the degree of corrosion found inside the distributor beneath the cap.  A bit problematic over the long term for a circuit board.

Jtpantera, I suffered exactly that problem with an Accel dual sync distributor. The engine suddenly began running rough and the problem turned out to be the circuit board in the dual sync distributor. Apparently, it was a common problem. Luckily, my dealer had spares in stock.

My long term solution was to ditch the distributor and run distributorless, with separate cam and crank position sensors. For the cam sync signal, I used a Price Motorsport Cam Synchronizer, which uses an OEM Ford Hall Effect sensor. For the crank signal, I used a GM style 60-2 tooth trigger wheel and Hall Effect sensor. 

I have one in my 393C but not in a Pantera, 10.2:1 with aussi heads, RPM airbag and a roller cam setup and I was done with the "run of the mill" distributors not working well with the setup. Dropped it in, set base timing and had my son driving while I made  adjustments with my tablet or phone. It's slick and I'm  pretty happy with it. I'm sure it's not cammed correctly and the other distributors I just couldn't get dialed in, was either pinging or sluggish beforehand. Only a few more bucks over a  MSD.

@jmardy posted:

I ran across these guys: https://progressionignition.com/

They seem to be a new player but this seems WAY better than fighting with advance springs, stop posts and vacuum valves. Looks pretty impressive!
https://www.youtube.com/embed/neiyDK0wQRM

AND now I don't have to try to get the f****** snap ring off the MSD to replace the vacuum can.
Will let you guys know how it goes.

So, how'd it work out?  "Inquiring minds want to know!"

1. Does it fit under the stock Pantera engine cover/screen?
2. How tall is it from the top of the cap to the ring that seats on the block?

Hey @garth66. It fits under the screen and with the factory air cleaner. Seems to be about the same dimensions as the MSD Billet it replaced.
I've done about 250 miles with it so far and couldn't be happier.I really like being able to watch my timing while I drive.
I'm still playing with settings but so far I'm super impressed.

What happens with the tach/tach connection with it? I'm running a Ford Duraspark II with the Pantera Electronics Ignition Controller. The "controller" takes care of the tach connection.

I'll have to check with the Professor to see if he thinks it is compatible?

I like the idea of the anti-theft built into the system.

Hey Doug, I guess I got lucky, I installed it in place of the MSD 8350 and did nothing else and tach worked fine. So whatever was done by the PO's shop to make the MSD work.

Being able to easily set the redline is nice too, in case you let one of your friends drive the car who are, well, you know. :D

@jmardy posted:

Hey Doug, I guess I got lucky, I installed it in place of the MSD 8350 and did nothing else and tach worked fine. So whatever was done by the PO's shop to make the MSD work.

Being able to easily set the redline is nice too, in case you let one of your friends drive the car who are, well, you know. :D

Do you mean that you would consider shutting it off from a distance?

No, its range is only Bluetooth so not far. I meant, before you hand it over to your lead-footed friend you could lower the rev limiter.

Kid wants to drive? Sure. Rev limit 3500.

I have an MSD ignition (distributor, box, and coil) and it works well.  It was easy to install and configure, and it has worked flawlessly.  This Progression ignition adds several features that I do not have and can benefit from.  They are:

- Timing retard at startup.  My car is hard to start when the engine is hot.

- Rev limiter.  My MSD box is older and does not have this.

- Ability to change the advance curve with software.  MSD can do this with springs, weights, bushings.  I do not mess with my current setup because it is adequate.  Changing it is another project.

MSD provides solutions to all of the above.  But doing it with MSD is complicated and somewhat pricy.  

I am considering changing to the Progression ignition from a practicality perspective.  Perhaps it is time to move on.