Distribrutor brands...
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New User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15
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Distribrutor brands...
Hi all,
'78 F100, 400/C6, 2WD...rebuilt engine and when switching from points to electronic ignition put in a rebuilt 'stock' distributor. The thing leaks oil where it sets in the block and I figure I either nicked the upper o-ring or it's a loose fit.... Anyway, I'm looking to go and put an aftermarket distributor in and wanted to know the consensus of the experienced folks here...which brands work best with Ford trucks and what mods are necessary for those certain brands...e.g. new ignition module, coil, etc.? Of course, cost is always a factor!
Some brands I've looked at are; MSD, Accel, Mallory, and Proform....
Thanks,
Rick
'78 F100, 400/C6, 2WD...rebuilt engine and when switching from points to electronic ignition put in a rebuilt 'stock' distributor. The thing leaks oil where it sets in the block and I figure I either nicked the upper o-ring or it's a loose fit.... Anyway, I'm looking to go and put an aftermarket distributor in and wanted to know the consensus of the experienced folks here...which brands work best with Ford trucks and what mods are necessary for those certain brands...e.g. new ignition module, coil, etc.? Of course, cost is always a factor!
Some brands I've looked at are; MSD, Accel, Mallory, and Proform....
Thanks,
Rick
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
From: Huntersville
Distribrutor brands...
I went MSD all the way and love it. Advance curves are easy to plat with and no spark scatter. I had a rebuilt Duraspark in there to begin with and my timing marks jumped around a good bit. With the MSD they are steady.
Clint
Clint
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Distribrutor brands...
On some distributors and particularly the reman units the powdered metal "cam" is damaged with nicks and burrs. Clean those up with a fine file and it will help make your spark timing steady.
There are a number of threads on ignition systems here as well as in the engine forums. Use the search function to find them.
I use the stock units and blueprint them. I use MOTORCRAFT ignition modules which usually work better than aftermarket up to around 5500 rpm. If you have a racing application where you operate in the 5000+ rpm range most of the time then aftermarket MSD units are probably best. I use the stock units because testing service and replacements are available at parts stores.
Mount a MotorCraft ignition module with 1/4" spacers under it to allow room for cooling air under it.
There are a number of threads on ignition systems here as well as in the engine forums. Use the search function to find them.
I use the stock units and blueprint them. I use MOTORCRAFT ignition modules which usually work better than aftermarket up to around 5500 rpm. If you have a racing application where you operate in the 5000+ rpm range most of the time then aftermarket MSD units are probably best. I use the stock units because testing service and replacements are available at parts stores.
Mount a MotorCraft ignition module with 1/4" spacers under it to allow room for cooling air under it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 8,238
Likes: 3
From: Oregon
Distribrutor brands...
I've used almost them all, and now, I would use nothing but a Davies Unified Ignition. They custom curve them just for your application and the dizzy and HEI is all one piece. One wire hook up. Seems like guys have either bad luck or good luck with the MSDs. Have had my share of both. Can't recomend the DUI strongly enough.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Distribrutor brands...
The good thing about the DUI is that it uses std off the shelf GM HEI components. The GM HEI is solid "like a rock" -hehe!
There are only two bad things about the DUI setup. One is that you loose the approx 20 degree ignition retard function for easier starts that you have with the std Ford OEM systems. While that function is great under some conditions it is not always needed. The other thing is the $$$
There are only two bad things about the DUI setup. One is that you loose the approx 20 degree ignition retard function for easier starts that you have with the std Ford OEM systems. While that function is great under some conditions it is not always needed. The other thing is the $$$
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 8,238
Likes: 3
From: Oregon
Distribrutor brands...
HEI is one of the few things brand x ever had over Ford in my book. The DUI set up uses their own components that run hotter and are a bit better than standard fare, but can indeed be replaced by run of the mill chevy hei parts and run without a hitch. A big plus, aside from the shame of having chevy parts on your Ford 
It is $$$ but I've got enough grey hairs from tracking down electrical gremlins and testing and re-testing various electric ignition components to make it worth it.
It is $$$ but I've got enough grey hairs from tracking down electrical gremlins and testing and re-testing various electric ignition components to make it worth it.
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Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Distribrutor brands...
I know what you mean about the gray hairs, -I have progressed beyond that over the years to no hair!
I have no shame about putting "foreign" parts on my Ford when I feel they do a better job or fit better. I have a Mopar air box and I am putting a GMC front end under my truck...
I have no shame about putting "foreign" parts on my Ford when I feel they do a better job or fit better. I have a Mopar air box and I am putting a GMC front end under my truck...
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Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
Distribrutor brands...
Mallory Unilite is the best out there. It's modern technology compared to the 20 year old magnetic pick-up design that's used in the other M brand. No timing fluctuation even if the shaft gets a little play in the bushings.
Jimmy
Jimmy