Duraspark Swap in 68 F100?
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Duraspark Swap in 68 F100?
I am wanting to swap a duraspark ignition into my 68 f100. Is it an easy swap? The truck does not have an Fe, otherwise I would just do a pertronix swap. Someone swapped in a 400M and a mallory distributor, and the mallory dizzy is old and has gone bad. So I am just looking for a easy out to get it running good. What would I need to do the swap. I already have a module, so would I just need a dizzy out of a 351M or 400 or 460?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
It is really an easy swap if you can harvest all the parts from a donor truck. Or at least get the wiring harness the dizzy, coil and box can all be had new for super cheap. Just make sure when wiring it to remove the stock resistance wire you need more than 8 volts to the unit. I am also pretty hooked on the new Summitracing ignition system its a full kit all you need is a new coil and it will work with the DuraSpark dizzly http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-850610/?rtype=10
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So I have the coil and a couple of spare modules. So now I guess all I really need is the dizzy hmm? So how do you hook it into the truck wiring harness? I know the late 70s ford has like a 2 wire connector going into the truck wiring harness. Do I just have to run new wires?
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,511
Likes: 8
From: hinckley ohio
I hooked mine up useing the 7-8 volt from the stock points coil to the new duraspark coil.On the module there is two plugs one goes to dist. other has two wires one goes to 12 volt key on other wire is 12 volts key in the start position.I hooked those two wires into wires from ignition switch.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,170
Likes: 5
From: The hills of No. Calif.
Here's a wiring diagram from my gallery:
If you'll notice, the coil is actually marked on the diagram as a TFI coil. That's because the TFI col from a later model Ford vehicle with EFI and Tfi ignition is a good upgrade, it's what I did on my '68 F250 when I installed the Duraspark system. Gives a nice hot spark. However, if you already have a stock Duraspark coil (or good aftermarket coil) you can just use that in it's place.
As for the distributor itself, you can use one from either a 351m or a 400, there's no difference. I can't recall if the 460 distributor is the same, perhaps someone else knows...?
If you'll notice, the coil is actually marked on the diagram as a TFI coil. That's because the TFI col from a later model Ford vehicle with EFI and Tfi ignition is a good upgrade, it's what I did on my '68 F250 when I installed the Duraspark system. Gives a nice hot spark. However, if you already have a stock Duraspark coil (or good aftermarket coil) you can just use that in it's place.
As for the distributor itself, you can use one from either a 351m or a 400, there's no difference. I can't recall if the 460 distributor is the same, perhaps someone else knows...?
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
I did a similar hookup, except that I used the factory ignition wire to switch a relay and gave the box a full 12v straight off the battery. The TFI coils can handle it, and the boxes can handle it as long as you don't leave the key on with the engine off for very long.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 618
Likes: 1
From: central oregon
i had to replace the wire that came from the ing. switch to coil on mine .it kept getting hot an almost melted. then when the stock coil gave out the parts house sold me an accel coil because i wanted to eliminate the slide on connection. but it was the wrong one . it burned up in about 1/2 hour . found out it was a points coil only so . i ended up using a msd coil. no more problems
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Hey thanks for the good info! I got a dizzy and a wiring harness from a 78 400 today at a wrecking yard. It was like $40. My dad had a module hanging on the wall in the barn, and I have a Duraspark coil, so I think I am good to go! 
I am really not sure what happened to the Mallory that is in it. It just randomly dies and will not start till you smack the distributor a couple times. Anyhow, I will keep everyone posted!!
I am really not sure what happened to the Mallory that is in it. It just randomly dies and will not start till you smack the distributor a couple times. Anyhow, I will keep everyone posted!!
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