Duraspark II Conversion - How To
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
The one I got came off a 83 F150 4.9
I believe the 4.9 came in alot of vehicles. I would check any truck, van made in 1983 and prior. But some of these were EEC or some hybrid or something back in 1980 for California vehicles.
I believe the 4.9 came in alot of vehicles. I would check any truck, van made in 1983 and prior. But some of these were EEC or some hybrid or something back in 1980 for California vehicles.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 531
Likes: 1
That's what I'm encountering hybrids, etc (82, 83 or so)...I'm not sure how early I can go back 78, 79 or how late you can go(83)/cant I also use a V8 harness too...will any harness hooked-up to a Blue module work???????
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
I dont know about the V8 harnesses but your right with the blue module.
I dont know how early either but the latest you can go is 1983 for any 4.9 300 engine. After that its a nogo because my 1984 F250's with inline 6's are EEC IV and the F150 would be too. 1983 was the last year for the Duraspark 2 ignition for the 4.9 Inline 6. 1984 on for the Inline 6's are fully computer controlled with the EEC IV.
Only thing I can think of, is would to be double check those 82 and 83's. You never know, someone could have replaced something with the wrong part like the carb and distributor and make it appear like an California truck. I would double check the wire harness and examine it closesly if I were in the junkyard again. Its a long shot thou.
Someone here should be able to tell you about those late 70's models and the V8 harnesses.
I dont know how early either but the latest you can go is 1983 for any 4.9 300 engine. After that its a nogo because my 1984 F250's with inline 6's are EEC IV and the F150 would be too. 1983 was the last year for the Duraspark 2 ignition for the 4.9 Inline 6. 1984 on for the Inline 6's are fully computer controlled with the EEC IV.
Only thing I can think of, is would to be double check those 82 and 83's. You never know, someone could have replaced something with the wrong part like the carb and distributor and make it appear like an California truck. I would double check the wire harness and examine it closesly if I were in the junkyard again. Its a long shot thou.
Someone here should be able to tell you about those late 70's models and the V8 harnesses.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 104
From: Boise, Idaho
I believe the DuraSpark II started somewhere around 75 or 76, so you are safe to at least go back to the late 70s. In the 70s trucks, the ignition module was bolted to the fender, instead of the plastic wheel well.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 531
Likes: 1
I'm mostly interested in finding a harness. Will a V8 harness work...will a harness out a Bronco work (on a F150)...what other vehicles can I look at??
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,477
Likes: 19
From: Sheffield, AL
Ford vans for sure.
Don't forget Granadas, Mavericks, Mercury Monarchs and Comets. They had small block six cylinders [200 and 250], but the ignition wiring might be close enough in length to work.
Don't forget Granadas, Mavericks, Mercury Monarchs and Comets. They had small block six cylinders [200 and 250], but the ignition wiring might be close enough in length to work.
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Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 104
From: Boise, Idaho
Anything that came with the 300 will work (Broncos, F-150s, 250s, 350s, etc.) if it has the DuraSpark II. They're all the same.
As for the V8, I *think* they'll work but I can't tell you for sure. I also have no clue on if one from a small six would work either. It'd be interesting if someone could confirm that.
But, the easiest way I've found is just to walk down the junk yard line and look under all the hoods until I find a 300 without all the feedback wiring.
As for the V8, I *think* they'll work but I can't tell you for sure. I also have no clue on if one from a small six would work either. It'd be interesting if someone could confirm that.
But, the easiest way I've found is just to walk down the junk yard line and look under all the hoods until I find a 300 without all the feedback wiring.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 531
Likes: 1
Anything that came with the 300 will work (Broncos, F-150s, 250s, 350s, etc.) if it has the DuraSpark II. They're all the same.
As for the V8, I *think* they'll work but I can't tell you for sure. I also have no clue on if one from a small six would work either. It'd be interesting if someone could confirm that.
But, the easiest way I've found is just to walk down the junk yard line and look under all the hoods until I find a 300 without all the feedback wiring.
As for the V8, I *think* they'll work but I can't tell you for sure. I also have no clue on if one from a small six would work either. It'd be interesting if someone could confirm that.
But, the easiest way I've found is just to walk down the junk yard line and look under all the hoods until I find a 300 without all the feedback wiring.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
The concern with the different engines is with the lengths of the various wires. For example, the I-6 has the oil-pressure sender way in the back on the passenger side; the 460 and 351M/400 have it on the back-center behind the intake manifold; the 302 & 351W have it down near the oil filter.
There are similar differences with the water temperature sender, proximity of the coil to the distributor, etc.
But the ignition system hooks up the exact same way in all cases... just the wiring lengths are different.
There are similar differences with the water temperature sender, proximity of the coil to the distributor, etc.
But the ignition system hooks up the exact same way in all cases... just the wiring lengths are different.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 531
Likes: 1
The concern with the different engines is with the lengths of the various wires. For example, the I-6 has the oil-pressure sender way in the back on the passenger side; the 460 and 351M/400 have it on the back-center behind the intake manifold; the 302 & 351W have it down near the oil filter.
There are similar differences with the water temperature sender, proximity of the coil to the distributor, etc.
But the ignition system hooks up the exact same way in all cases... just the wiring lengths are different.
There are similar differences with the water temperature sender, proximity of the coil to the distributor, etc.
But the ignition system hooks up the exact same way in all cases... just the wiring lengths are different.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Wires that are too long can have the excess coiled up and zip-tied.
Wires that are too short can be lengthened - get yourself a soldering iron, some solder, and some heat-shrink tubing and learn how to solder (lots of youtube videos and instructional stuff on the 'net for that) if you don't know how.
DO NOT use butt-type crimp connectors, DO NOT use (electrical) tape, none of that type of wiring is weather/gas/oil/dirt/crud-resistant and you WILL eventually have no-start or poor-running problems if you go that route, it's guaranteed.
Point being, given that these things are hard to find, use what you can get and adapt as necessary.
Wires that are too short can be lengthened - get yourself a soldering iron, some solder, and some heat-shrink tubing and learn how to solder (lots of youtube videos and instructional stuff on the 'net for that) if you don't know how.
DO NOT use butt-type crimp connectors, DO NOT use (electrical) tape, none of that type of wiring is weather/gas/oil/dirt/crud-resistant and you WILL eventually have no-start or poor-running problems if you go that route, it's guaranteed.
Point being, given that these things are hard to find, use what you can get and adapt as necessary.