have seen this mod done all over the place with great success. I'm replacing the busted Duraspark on my 1980 w/ 302 with an HEI module and coil I picked up at the junk yard for less than $20.

Ive seen a lot of variations in wiring and wondered if anyone could tell me which of the following is correct, if I actually need a diode and condenser, or if there are any secrets or tricks I need to be aware of.

 

I don't see a diode or condenser in any of the diagrams above?

 

I don't see a diode but the middle diagram has what looks like a drawing of a condenser.
The condenser is really not needed it just helps if you have radio noise.

What coil did you bring home from the junk yard?

The diagram in the middle will work best for you as you currently have a DS2 harness on the truck.

If your just going to use a round DS2 coil anyway, then I would just swap in a DS2 IGN module and call it fixed.

Jim

 

You do know they actually make a HEI distributor specifically for a 302... Roller or flat tappet. I'm running with it. It was around $50 and you don't need to do anything except connect a keyed 12v to it, unless you have a tach, then you can connect it to the other connection. So far, I've had it in my truck for about 1.5 years, but I really don't drive mine much at all. I've been trying lately but have been running into brake problems.

I want to say mine is an Accel brand.

 

I've seen another version of the top schematic where an in-line diode was used going from "B" back to the white wire on the harness side. -However this one shows to not be used so maybe it's optional? I do not have a harness in my truck. Just the plugs that come out of the fire wall. So ill be running wires and either splicing them in or making quick connects. I've got a 4 point TFI coil from a early 90s chevy that I'm running all this with.
-I have seen the aftermarket HEI distributors which are pretty much plug and play. But my distributor is fairly new (to me) and the mad scientist in me wants to make this work.

 

No need for a diode, just wire it per the top image.

Also, do not use the bottom one as you should never should use a TFI coil with a DS2 IGN module, duraspark needs all the correct parts, not a mix and match of what you have on hand.

Jim

 

My friends at the office say.. We'll no wonder it runs... it has the heart of a Chevy! Whatever...

 

...which is why I would *never* run a GM-style HEI ignition on a Ford.

To begin with, the HEI ignition module and/or distributor is not an "upgrade" over the Duraspark II. Secondly, the HEI distributor with the coil and the module all piled on top has to be the UGLIEST monstrosity of a distributor I have ever seen. At least in a GM it is hidden in the back. On Fords, the distributor is in the front, so that thing will be the new centerpiece of your engine.

 

Did you have any problems with it fitting in place? I have heard rumors of the larger cap hitting thermostat housings, air cleaners, etc.

 

I've not had any issues with that at all. The only issue I do have is that due to the coil being mounted on top, I cannot place your spark plug wires the way I would like and cross them over the top.

 

I've heard this can be a problem. -another reason I'm trying to keep the stock Distributor And Just adapting the module.

 

I've got an HEI distributor from DUI on the 302 in my Bronco. It was not $50. But I didn't have any trouble fitting it either. I don't recall if it hits stuff as it turns, but I didn't have any trouble setting the timing where I wanted.

Here are a couple of pictures that were of other things, but the HEI shows up in them (I know, it's hard to hide).