Hey y'all, I've got a 1976 F250 ranger XLT. It's got the stock 360 v8, C6 automatic, and the divorced np-203. I've been trying unsuccessfully for a year and a half to track down the electrical issue that it's had since the day I got it. It runs like a scalded dog for 2 minutes and then a heat related electrical short will short and it'll loose spark. After letting it sit for 2 minutes she'll fire up at the first key bump, but not before. I've replaced the ignition switch, module, pick up, voltage regulator and nothing has changed it. Thus I'm fed up and ready to just ditch everything and drop in a HEI distributor, and run new wires from the existing MSD box to the ignition switch and back because this truck will be on the road if it's the death of me. I'm here because I need recommendations on which HEI to go with and then a wiring diagram would be amazing. Can anyone please help this fed up guy.

 

Could be the coil. could also be the ballast wire breaking down.

HEI's are great and they solve a lot of problems, didn't know they made a Ford version though. problem is most if not all of them these days use Chinese junk components. they ain't what they used to be.

I'd try everything on you motorcrap system before you go to an HEI if it were me. try running a proper voltage mopar style ballast resistor on the feed wire to your coil, and maybe another coil.

 

Hmm, I wouldn't be surprised if the MSD box is at fault.

It isn't needed anyway in a stock engine.

If you have the patience to test the coil etc as suggested, test or bypass the MSD box too, and ensure that all wires are 100%, otherwise lookee here :

https://www.summitracing.com/int/sea...8%2B4294944556

I'd probably choose the summit one, especially as aftermarket parts are readily available.

Price is way higher than for the 351, 400 or 460 !

I'm a big fan of the HEI, and it gets rid of all the clutter.

One wire goes to the switched ignition source ( NO resistance wire/resistor required and must be disgarded if installed already), and the other wire goes to a tachometer if installed.

A pigtail is a neat addition : https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/acc-170072

 

Here's an explanatory video to watch :

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+...TF-8#kpvalbx=1

 

I missed the MSD box part, MSD should change their name to POS.

Since you need an ignition system HEI makes sense then. don't forget you'll need the right plug wires too.

 

Coil is new too. How do I test the ballast wire?

 

What is the voltage to the coil when it's running? and what is it when it dies?

I believe ford uses a resistor wire, if not then it would be a resistor coil. Mopar used a ballast resistor on the firewall and that's an option if you want to bypass the factory wiring, unless your system requires a full 12v as some aftermarket ones do.

 

The MSD box is junk, it also shouldn't be using a resistor. You can just swap in a HEI, I did the large cap HEI on my 360 but did the small cap on my 390 because of air cleaner fitment. Here is the small cap I used Click Here they also have the large cap but you do need a air cleaner spacer.

 

wow, that's kind of a no brainer. it's even blue so it sort of look stock.

If my motorcrap ignition gives me any trouble that's where I'm going.

 

Do you bypass the ignition module?,

 

With the HEI yes you remove the stock ignition module. The new distributor has the chip installed inside.