I have a 90's 302 I put in my 49 F1 about 5 years ago.. I installed a new Proform 1 wire distributor at that time. After about 3 years the module failed, the last couple of years I've been going thru 1 or 2 modules a year. Sometimes it will go 6 months. The last one was 3 months. I called Proform and was told to try a new coil (which is part of the distributor cap). Anyone have had similar probelms? I'm thinking of spending the money on a different distributor, any recommendation would be appreciated.

 

Only a suggestion but the first thing that comes to mind for me is a bad ground. You may have to run an additional wire from the dist to block and from block to frame. I have seen more things ruined from poor grounds.

 

Does the Proform ignition module mount on the breaker plate inside the distributor? If so did you use a heat transferring type of paste, like they use in electronics, such as heat sinking paste or compound? Just wondering if heat is killing it due to lack of thermal transfer.

 

In my f1 with a 460 it would literally fry the distributor module from the hot soak heat after driving even with leaving the electric fan running. The hot air was trapped and could not get out.
The paste with high quality modules and louvering the hood seemed to solve the problem .

 

This is difficult as I am finding virtually no on-line info for the Proform HEI module. I does look to be a knock-off of a pertronix unit so let's review some of the installation requirements for that:
Use heat sink compound under the module to help with heat
Ensure the factory HEI noise filter capacitor is intact and correctly mounted
Check the grounds (plate to distributor, distributor to motor/battery)
Do not use solid core ignition wire
Remove the ballast resistor

Some of these may not apply to your Proform, so check your instruction sheet.

I'd say most likely to have been missed is the noise capacitor. I doubt your truck came with one. But, it is entirely possible that the HEI unit was designed assuming an external capacitor would be present. This can have important benefits to the longevity of the HEI module in that a capacitor will significantly reduce high-voltage spikes on the power to the module. Lower-cost electronics is often not designed to survive such voltage fluctuations. This is where I'd start, by scouring your instruction sheet for any mention or assumption of a noise filter capacitor. Or, if the instruction are actually targeting a newer vehicle find out what capacitor is used there.

 

If you're looking for potential alternatives to your current system, don't overlook the simplicity and durability of the factory Ford Duraspark II ignition. It's pretty much bulletproof and will work as good as any system for street use. With your roller cam, the 85 Mustang GT 5 speed dist will be perfect and is available reman from any typical parts store. Pair that with the correct, matching Motorcraft module and you're good to go.

 

I switched to the Duraspark II ignition on my 87 5.0 after burning through 2 modules (Mallory Unilite) within 2 years.....ignition modules don't like voltage spikes, heat, bad grounds... and don't forget to unplug it if you're planning to do any welding. Real happy with the Ford DSII so far.

 

Yes on the several new modules I've put in I've cleaned the surface and applied the new grease supplied. I'll look into the alternatives given here.

 

If you are seeking reliability and not all out performance, install a Duraspark II setup. You can get a rebuilt distributor, new Duraspark ignition module and coil from places like NAPA auto parts. Painless wiring makes a plug and play type wire harness to install a Duraspark ignition system. Crane makes advance spring kits and adjustable vacuum advance units if you desire to tailor the advance curve a little.

Be certain you know what type of distributor gear material is compatible with your camshaft.

In the end, whatever you decide, my 2 cents is get away from the imported Proform setup. Poor quality may be causing all your issues.

 

I had a proform in my 351w for ten years and 30,000 miles . never had a problem