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1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Slick Sixties Ford Truck

Distributor question????

Old Nov 8, 2010 | 08:59 AM
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Distributor question????

Can I replace my points style distributor is my 66 i6 300, with a non-points distributor from an 86 f100 I6 300? I would think it would just be a direct replacement. Am I missing something? The 86 distributor is just $45. I have been thinking that my old distributor is the cause of some of my problems and this would eliminate the distributor and get rid of the points all at once. Thanks.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 10:43 AM
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I believe you can, but you also need to upgrade to the brain box associated with the non-points/Duraspark distributors. Doing this will also require you open up teh gap on your plugs.
--Mike
 
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 12:12 PM
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MSD 6A box

So you are saying I'll have to get a MSD box, MSD blaster coil and then adjust my plug gaps? Do you think the MSD 6A is the way to go? Thanks.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 12:49 PM
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I believe that is route others have taken and is common, but I do not know that I would spend that kind of cash on an I6 system. If you were dumping 400hp+ to the ground through 8 cylinders, then you could justify the expense. When I did the switch on my 390, I used a GM control module and the stock coil. Search this site for the way to go, many folks have converted.
Just my $.02's.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 01:10 PM
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Thanks

From what I just read, I should get a 1983 Ford F150 distributor, ignition module, ignition coil, and grab a wiring harness from the junkyard on a 1980-1983 Ford F150. Unless I'm told diferently, I guess that's what I'll do. It seems like the cheapest way to go if I don't want to just buy a Pertronix module. Thanks for the help.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 09:16 PM
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This will work as you said but I fail to see how it is cheeper?
1) A six cyl duraspark cap is $19 here. A points one is $11.
2) Rotor, distributor, coil, wires, and parts for duraspark are also more.
3) A one time purchase of $90 does nearly the same thing.
The duraspark brainbox is prone to failure. They cost $35 and it is usualy advised that you carry a spare on long trips.

Add in a hotter coil for $35 and you can run a .045 gap. I used a plain pertronix I in my 85 with a 72 dist and a stock points coil and ran a .040 gap?

Parts for the points stuff is cheeper and a pertronix gives you 90% of the duraspark advantage for 20% of the hastle and 1/2 the cost.

Though you are right, the parts you listed are what you need if you want a durapark setup.

Not trying to stop you. Duraspark is an ok system, but it is more complex and expensive in reality.
 
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 02:22 AM
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Do yourself a favor and go get a pertronix points eliminator. It's cheaper than a duraspark, retains the original look of the engine bay, and takes away the points system. Problem solved.
 
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 06:45 AM
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I have ran the pertronix for 15 years and have had no problems, it is a simple and easy install.
 
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 09:58 AM
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Im with the last two posters on here! do yourself a huge favor and and get the pertronix system!!! its fast simple and easy to install!
 
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 11:53 AM
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Thanks

Thanks fellas. I'll look into it. I was just worried that my distributor itself was the problem. Even if it was, I could pick up a new one and add the Pertronix for less than going with the ignition box and all of the other stuff. Thanks.
 
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 12:14 PM
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my 2 cents, i did this same up grade on all 3 of my 300 six's .best thing that ever happened to the motor. better performance. but i also agree that they are prone to failure. i have had three of the modules fail on me in the last 10 years,if i were to do it again it would definately be the duraspark or comparable. Dutch
 
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 03:20 PM
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I had a Pertronix die on me. Now I use a Duraspark trigger with an aftermarket box and it eats the Pertronix for lunch. So far it hasn't died on me.
 
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Old Nov 11, 2010 | 09:01 AM
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Made a decision

My buddy's daughter works at advanced auto parts. She gave me 40% off on my parts. I got an 83 distributor, mad 6a box, plug wires, blaster 3 coil for $240. I couldn't pass it up. We'll see how it works. I'm out of town this weekend so it'll have to be next weekend. Thanks for the input fellas.
 
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