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Duraspark II Conversion - How To

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Old Feb 4, 2014 | 10:46 PM
  #61  
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Originally Posted by Sean_Reno
So, anything w/the I6-300 (vans, Broncos, F-Series) will be a direct fit?
Assuming it uses the blue-grommet Duraspark II module, yes. DSI and DSIII modules don't count; California-emissions-equipped vehicles don't count.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2014 | 10:49 PM
  #62  
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I can solder, but if I have to buy one from a yard, then I want it to be a direct-fit.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2014 | 10:57 PM
  #63  
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Originally Posted by Sean_Reno
I can solder, but if I have to buy one from a yard, then I want it to be a direct-fit.
I understand... But doing that is necessarily going to lengthen the amount of time it takes to find a "good" one. You see, much of the wiring I've run across in junk yards is crap - exposed copper wires, melted insulation, broken connectors, hacked by a PO, etc.

Do what you want and I can appreciate wanting the direct-fit (I'm generally the same way) but the fact remains it's likely going to be a while before you find exactly what you want.... you have been warned.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2014 | 10:59 PM
  #64  
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Originally Posted by ctubutis
Assuming it uses the blue-grommet Duraspark II module, yes. DSI and DSIII modules don't count; California-emissions-equipped vehicles don't count.
How can I tell, if they are Something other then DSII...won't vehicles withe the 2-plug Blue Module...be DSII??
 
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Old Feb 4, 2014 | 11:10 PM
  #65  
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That's a good question....

DSI came about in the mid-70s IIRC (1975 sounds about right) so don't use anything from pre-1977... I seem to recall the DSI modules looking very much the same but my memory of them is hazy and I certainly don't remember the specifics, just avoid it if it's questionable.

DSIII Came out in 1980 *mostly in California vehicles* (and possibly high-altitude configurations but this is another thing I can't be positive on) and EEC-IV came about in 1984.

Best thing I can offer is, yes, the two-plug, blue-grommet box 1977-1983 49-state is what you are looking for, avoid anything else.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2014 | 11:17 PM
  #66  
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I accept the warning...I'm not in a super hurry, to find a harness. I will wait to find one from an I6. I've actually found a couple online, but they wanted me to buy the whole engine harness $100+ shipping.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2014 | 11:42 PM
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Using an MSD Box, I have on my shelf is another option. I'm just not sure what I would remove/keep with this set-up.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2014 | 04:59 AM
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I have an 85...does anyone know what year trucks, I need a harness from (78-79...look different)??
 
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Old Feb 17, 2014 | 09:28 AM
  #69  
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Originally Posted by Sean_Reno
I have an 85...does anyone know what year trucks, I need a harness from (78-79...look different)??
For a proper fit without modifications, you will need a harness from a 1980 - 1983 F100, F150, or Bronco that has an I6 engine. [Except for California models that used Duraspark III] these years still used Duraspark II.

Be aware that some models had a tachometer, and some didn't. A harness for a truck that has a factory tach on it will have an extra plug, and the ones that didn't have a tach will not have the extra plug in the harness.

Capiche?
 
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Old Feb 17, 2014 | 11:57 AM
  #70  
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Originally Posted by LARIAT 85
For a proper fit without modifications, you will need a harness from a 1980 - 1983 F100, F150, or Bronco that has an I6 engine. [Except for California models that used Duraspark III] these years still used Duraspark II.

Be aware that some models had a tachometer, and some didn't. A harness for a truck that has a factory tach on it will have an extra plug, and the ones that didn't have a tach will not have the extra plug in the harness.

Capiche?
I don't believe this is correct. The wiring harness is pretty much the same from about 76/77 - 83.

The wiring harness in my '84 came from a 78, I believe.

Not only that, but nothing is different between a tach and a non-tach version. The only difference between a tach and non-tach equipped truck is the circuit board on the back side of the instrument cluster. The signals are all still there whether you have a tach or not.

My '81 came without a tach, and I simply swapped in an instrument cluster that had one and it worked immediately.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2014 | 12:05 PM
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To all: I have a harness off of a 79 F150 I6-300. The problem is, it has a large duraspark connection and a different Gray connection on the module side. I have a 4-pin, 3-pin and a 2-pin plug on my engine harness!!??
 
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Old Feb 17, 2014 | 12:31 PM
  #72  
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Originally Posted by Sean_Reno
To all: I have a harness off of a 79 F150 I6-300. The problem is, it has a large duraspark connection and a different Gray connection on the module side. I have a 4-pin, 3-pin and a 2-pin plug on my engine harness!!??
Pictures, please?
 
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Old Feb 17, 2014 | 01:13 PM
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Old Feb 17, 2014 | 01:14 PM
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Old Feb 17, 2014 | 01:15 PM
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The first pic, is of the engine wiring harness plugs. The second pic, is of the ignition module plug ends (module side).
 
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