Distributor Compatibility

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Jan 5, 2012 | 04:07 PM

camelchop

Thread Starter

Trailering

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 18

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Distributor Compatibility

Is a distributor from a '92 E150 EFI 4.9L compatible with an older non-EFI I6? Do I just need to change the drive gear? What all is involved? I am working on a build for my stepson and would like to avoid points. I have done some digging and it seems a lot of performance guys on a budget use the Duraspark II package. I have a header and intake manifold from Clifford along with the Holley 390 carb. Looking at investing in a cam upgrade which still respects the 300 I6 being built for torque. Recommendations there? Clifford recommends a 256 it seems. Appreciating in advance....

Jan 5, 2012 | 09:30 PM

mark a.

Lead Driver

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 8,922

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When you change a distributor gear or a whole distributor you need to check/set the end play for the gear. If you don't have enough you will loose the cam, block & distributor. I strip the distributor down to just the shaft and housing, tap the gear on and set up a dial gauge on a magnetic stand. Then carefully tap it down and recheck clearance till I get it within .005 -.008 of clearance with it clamped down.

Jan 6, 2012 | 08:59 AM

camelchop

Thread Starter

Trailering

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 18

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Distributor Compatibility

I appreciate the words of wisdom Mark. So is the Duraspark II conversion the best solution on a shoestring budget? And will the distributor from the '92 work? Am I looking at a gear exchange?

Jan 6, 2012 | 11:48 AM

gfw1985

Cranky Old Guy

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 3,562

Likes: 6

From: Raphine, Virginia

Your best bet for an answer will be in the six cyl engine forum. As far as Clifford's, I stay away from them period. Poor customer support and too many quality problems I know of. Plus, same parts can be bought elsewhere cheaper. But, just my opinion.