I am rebuilding a 351W that will go into an F150 4x4. The new engine will put out a lot of power (both hp and torque). I have been told that everything with regards to the distributor is computer controlled and that buying a new one won't really gain me anything. Is that correct? I am wondering if I should buy a new one as part of my rebuild.

Thanks.

 

you can always upgrade the TFI module (i think thats what its called) its where your harness hooks into the distributor you can upgrade that and the cap and rotor and you should be fine

 

I think the only time I would worry about the distributor is if you think something on it is wearing out or broken. The ignition is computer controlled on these trucks, but the distributor still works the same.

Maybe I don't quite understand what you are asking.

 

Their is no computer control for the distributor.
The ICM (AKA TFI) is computer controlled with the SPOUT in.
The computer tells the ICM how much to adjust the timing and the ICM fires the coil by the adjustment (offset) it gets from the computer by way of the SPOUT wire based on the PIP it got from the distributor. If the SPOUT is open (jumper pulled) then the ICM will fire the coil when it sees a PIP from the distributor (base timing, no computer involved).
For the Ignition system the PIP is only used by the ICM.
The computer does use the PIP for other things but not for the Ignition system other than SPOUT adjustment.

You need to replace the distributor only if the bushings are wore out or it has a bad PIP sensor in the stator. The stator is mounted inside the distributor. There is no pick-up coil in the distributor only a PIP sensor (switch).

 

I would keep the distributor , but a custom tune would be good for your build , its worth the money....Lew

 

Thanks everyone, I know what to do with this.

 

I agree, keep the distributor.