I currently own a 1985 with the 4.9 and I am running into problems with getting it running right due to the TFI system that is currently in it. I bought a 4.9 engine last week for $220 (turns over and has head, crank, etc.) that I am looking into rebuilding then replacing my current engine and use the DUI distributor on the new motor. I've never been a fan of electrical anything and seeing that the DUI requires a 12v wire and that's it, this seems like this is as simple as it gets. I cannot find anywhere near me that has the wiring harness for the 4.9 for the DSII if I had considered that. Parts I am looking at using are:
- DUI Distributor w/ Live Wire
- Harland Sharp Roller Rockers
- Clifford Performance Valve Cover (bought this already over the summer)
- 268h Comp Cam Kit (includes valve springs, cam, lifters, timing gears)
- ARP Studs for head and connecting rods
- Offenhauser 4 Barrel Intake
- Quick Fuel 450cfm Carb Black Diamond Series
- Headman Headers
- Hughes Performance Heavy-Duty Towing Series Torque Converter (1,800 stall)
So the questions I have are the following:
1.) Are there any tricks that I should know going into this build? I have the shop manuals from Ford as well as a Haynes.
2.) Do I need to fabricate my own kick down linkage for the C6 to the carb?
3.) Does anyone know of anyone around Charlotte, NC that can magnaflux/bore/resurface the head and the block.
4.) I have seen plenty of forums on TFI to DSII, but not as many from TFI to DUI. I see where the wiring goes from the engine through the firewall (I haven't looked into once the wiring is in the cab, where it goes to) but what I am wondering is do I just unplug/take off everything in regard to the wiring that is connected to the TFI ignition system. With the TFI to DSII people talk about reusing the connections for their oil pressure sensor (and maybe water temp as well?), but if I'm going to use the DUI, what do I do with those connections for the oil pressure and whatnot.
I appreciate anyone's recommendations and would enjoy any useful feedback.

 

First welcome to the forum.
I have a question or 2.
This $200 motor is the one you will rebuild?
Checked if needs work to crank or bored and head work right?
The cam kit what is the RPM range it works in and will work with the stall of the converter of 1800 rpm?
I am also going to say that 450 carb is too big as I have seen 390 cfm be too big at times.

• I cant answer this. Have you checked out the 4.9 motor area posts yet? It has some good information in it.
• You may need to do some but if you go with a LoKar cable that would save you a lotof work.
• May also be listed in the 4.9 motor posts but there maybe someone that will post in here too.
• Idon’t know what the oil or temp senders have to do with a dist swap from TFI to DSII or HEI??? Do not touch them, leavethem alone. When swapping to a HEI, the dist. needs a full 12 volts to run right. The best way to wire this is using a relay that is triggered by the power wire of the TFI system. No need to remove any wires or trace back to inside the truck to unplug.
• What is wrong with your motor other than the TFI system & computer controlled carb that you want to rebuild a motor?

Dave ----

 

I see those Harland Sharp rockers mount to studs. Your engines now use bolts for the stock rockers correct? You are going to need to get the head modified to use studs and guide plates for the new rockers and you should also do this because of the non-stock camshaft. Then your valves will be adjustable and you can get all this aftermarket stuff to work.

P.S. The guide plates are also going to require new hardened pushrods.