Was wondering what distributor to use in my 302 swap I heard of putting the duraspark in with the ignition control module. Not sure how hard it would be but I would like to get away from points and on a budget. thanks

 

If you're simply wanting to get rid of points, then go with a Pertronix or similar points replacement. That'll be about the most cost effective.
If you want to spend money for something that will be significantly better, then a duraspark distributor triggering an aftermarket box is the way to go.
Neither option should be hard. The second will require a little more wiring skills.
...and if you're on a budget, points really do work great and really aren't that much maintenance.

 

I was definitly wanting to go for something more reliable and have more spark and aint afraid of tackling wiring is it possible to use an icm from a 70's pickup for the time being just to get it running?

 

I just did a duraspark on my 65 mustang with a 289 its really easy to do and is a really good system. The diszy you want depends on the year of ur engine as the gear on the dizy is different material to match with the cam. But new the dizy is only about 50 dollars, then the duraspark 2 box has a blue grommet and is only about 20 dollars. Then you need a coil about 20 dollars. Its a simple one wire hookup u run your old coil wire to the red on the duraspark box. and the rest is a harness you get out of a duraspark car or truck. This does require a little thinking for wiring but their are many diagrams for the conversion. Its a great system their is also a wire for starting retard on the box so the engine can turn over easy.

This is the diagram i used
conversion

 

Something to think about? I installed a ''Pertrinix'' distributor module in my 351w!, it works
''Great'' and is very simple to install, just remove the old points system and put in the module'' takes all of 15 minutes and your done! price $70 bucks!, I keep a set of point's
in my truck just in case the module burns out? but have heard of people having them last for 10 to 15 years without any prob's!! or you could go with a Duraspark setup, but keep an extra module with you, and if you don't? and it go's bad your looking at a $100 dollar bill to get it back on the road!..I'm not a dealer for this product either, just believe it is the best way to save $ and have a modern setup on these old Trucks..my 2 cent's!

 

I just did a Pertronix ignition upgrade today into my regular ol distributor. ('66 F100 300/6). Like the man said, it took all of about 15 min. I'd read a dozen posts prior to doing it and the results were all over the map. Some had vehicles that wouldnt start, wouldnt stay running, ran poorly, hard starting but then ran great, timing off, and on and on. The instructions which you can easily Google (ie Pertronix instructions) are exactly what comes in the box so check it out and know what to do before you start. It was profoundly easy to install that and my new Flamethrower coil, which I found as a package deal for $113 (free shipping) on ebay. I just called Pertronix and gave them my details and they just rattled off the part numbers for my application. The result of my install was that my truck was idling a bit faster than normal but ran great. Now I just need to check and adjust my timing and hope its nothing more than that as opposed to carb or vacuum adjustment.

 

Well I got to get a distributor anyway is why I asked thanks for the info

 

Everything for the Duraspark II swap can be bought at NAPA, including the connectors to make your own harness. Just ask for all the parts for a 77-78 Ford 302. You could save a little money at a junk yard if you have that option. Original Motorcraft ignition modules are a lot more dependable, but higher priced than tha chinese knockoff's..

 

Yea ive been lookin at parts online it looks fairly cheap and easy

 

Been reading this post. I like pertronox for its low cost and simplicity. There are a couple of disadvantages you should be aware of. The first is your old distributor may have seen better days and need to be replaced. Second if you smoke your pertronix on sunday you wll not be able to replace it at the local NAPA. Keeping a set of points in the glove box is a good idea. I currently use Davis Unified Ignition one wire distributors. They are a bit spendy but will offer a lifetime of trouble free service. Parts are available on sunday, they are easy to install and by providing DUI with details about your engine they will taylor a perect distributor for your application. Being lazy and requiring absolute reliability I use DUI. Those cheapo ebay deals actually work well. They are not as reliable and may require some fitment (file, BFH) but are generally reliable. I like DUI because they are made in the USA. IMHO!