Recently I did a Duraspark conversion on my 1984 F-150 4x4 4.9. I used an American Autowire Harness, a Spectra Premium Distributor, and a BWD ignition module, and coil. I also used a Crystler ballast resistor since i completely bypassed all the old ignition wiring. I was able to drive it fine the first day or so afterwards but then it started misfiring and eventually shutting off while driving-kinda like you took the key out while driving. So far i tried the coil, adding a Mopar ballast resistor, taking the Crystler and Mopar resistors out and using 2 NAPA 12 to 6 volt converters, replacing the distributor, and subsequently the ignition module from it just frying. When I put in the 2 12 to 6 volt reducers it ran fine like it did at first the after about 20-30 min of driving it started acting up and not long after it was misfiring and died soon after. However when it dies it is able to be restarted immediately. Also when I replaced the distributor it quit acting up for a while then went back to its old tricks. I suspected that the pickup coil in the distributor got fried but I have no idea why. Im guessing it was still getting too much voltage and even after dropping it down a tad it still didn' wanna run right.

 

6V is not too much. Typically it is in the 8V range stock. I have done this . . .I used a Duraspark distributor and a GM HEI module. The modules are $20 or so. They do a better job than the Ford box and can handle all the voltage. You just have to mount the module. I did it on aluminum. Some actually gut a Ford box and hide it inside.

 

Thanks, Im in college and ill definetely try that....so all you're saying it to just swap out the Ford module for the GM one?

 

That and a bit of wiring, but not difficult.

 

I would not run some sort of 6v converter in this system. That still may supply too much current when the coil is calling for power, the resistor works differently, the more current demand, the more voltage drop it has.

 

oH U GUYS R DOING JUST FINE.........