Can I get your opinion and any suggestions you'd like to give?

I need to replace my TFI (Thick Foil Ignition) module on the distributer of my 1988 Conversion Van. There has been quite a serious problem with these getting too much heat from the distributer where they are attached and failing. (Of course when that happens you are stranded).

I've priced Motocraft TFI's. They retail at about $200 from the dealer.

In General what are some of the better aftermarket brands for electronic components? Could you share any experience you've had?

Thanks!

Paul

 

I want to say Dorman was dev'ing them a few years ago. Dorman usually takes a stock product and fixes it's common issues. It would be my first stop online.

Accel has been expanding their electrical line for sometime, they tend to be cheaper than normal aftermarket, but it comes at the price lower life spans.

So which way are you looking to go, cheaper price or better part?

 

Thanks ReAX,

I did a check for a Dorman module but it looks like they don't make one for that vehicle.

So far, from the calls and searches I've done on what is available near me, here are my choices. (There are also a couple more I probably need to check again on tomorrow when the store is open again).

Duralast - limited lifetime warranty - $48.99

Duralast/Ignition Control Module (F121) | 1988 Ford E150 1/2 ton Van 8 Cylinders N 5.0L FI | AutoZone.com

Borg Warner (BWD) - (Premium unit) at 56.99 (Priced higher - 91.40 - at a different store)

Master Pro - 39.99 - lifetime warranty

Delfi (spelling may be wrong) - 75.99

Seems like either the Duralast or Borg Warner might be the best so far. The Duralast addressed the heat issue (which is the major problem I understand with these going bad): some heat sinks on the transistors and thicker case.

Are these brands good compared to others?

Thanks!

Paul

 

Duralast is Autozone's house brand, they don't actually make anything. They get another manufacture (probably Standard or BWD) to put them in their boxes. I have a feeling Master pro is the same deal.

The only two manufactures I recognize are BWD and Delphi. Both are pretty good options with Delphi being a major OEM electronics brand making parts for Delco and Motorcraft. Quality wise, I would hand it to Delphi and BWD being my second choice.

 

Thanks! After watching this video I decided to go with Duralast, made by Wells.

Ignition Control Modules ICM by Wells featuring Sgt. Tech - YouTube

I found I have a second problem. Looks like no power to the PCM so it is not activating the ignition control module. Before I discovered that I thought I had a bad ICM so I bought a Borg Warner.

 

By the way, you don't know where the PCM power relay is located on an 88 E-150 do you? (5.0 liter).

Thanks!

Paul

 

On my 89 F150, there was a bank of relays attached coolant res bracket on the driver side fender right above the tire. On the van, I'm not sure, but it should be together with 2-3 others and somewhere half accessible.