Duraspark conversion for 223 dist
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,493
Likes: 340
From: Bakersfield, CA
Duraspark conversion for 223 dist
I searched and just found discussions, not part numbers.
Is duraspark the Ford version of HEI? Is there an HEI dist I can use for my 223(after swapping gears and hex shaft)?
What years/models should I search under to find these parts?
Thanks ya'll
Should I be worried about advance curve differences? Does it matter how the gear is pressed on to the shaft, with respect to rotation?
Is duraspark the Ford version of HEI? Is there an HEI dist I can use for my 223(after swapping gears and hex shaft)?
What years/models should I search under to find these parts?
Thanks ya'll
Should I be worried about advance curve differences? Does it matter how the gear is pressed on to the shaft, with respect to rotation?
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 362
Likes: 78
mOROTBREATH,
Duraspark was the Ford version of HEI through the 80s and well into the 90s. But it was not without problems. (Improved over the years. Actually Duraspark started in the mid-70s as I think about it.)
MSD does a great job with updating older vehicles. (And it is easier than retrofitting original equipment, in most cases.) Can be pricey but well worth it, particularly if you intend to keep the vehicle a long time.
Duraspark was the Ford version of HEI through the 80s and well into the 90s. But it was not without problems. (Improved over the years. Actually Duraspark started in the mid-70s as I think about it.)
MSD does a great job with updating older vehicles. (And it is easier than retrofitting original equipment, in most cases.) Can be pricey but well worth it, particularly if you intend to keep the vehicle a long time.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 362
Likes: 78
I misspoke regarding the time frame for Dura-spark. It probably came out around 1975, but the end date was probably the early 80s. When Ford went to fuel injection, the Dura-spark was replaced by Electronic Engine Control (EEC)
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,493
Likes: 340
From: Bakersfield, CA
Thank you for the reply.
So is a points-style dizzy from a 1968 ford 300 not considered a Duraspark? Would you advise me to use an old points style 300 dizzy over a duraspark setup from the late 70's?
So is a points-style dizzy from a 1968 ford 300 not considered a Duraspark? Would you advise me to use an old points style 300 dizzy over a duraspark setup from the late 70's?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 124
Likes: 10
From: Chesapeake,Va.
The only problem with the Dura-spark system I have had is the module on the fender. I have run 77-79 Ford trucks for almost 40 years and have to replace only 4 modules on over 10 or so trucks. I don't remember the last time I had to do the pickup in the distributor. You can run a MSD 6 box with them also. I have done this on a couple of trucks. I will say that the new replacement modules today are not the same as the old Motorcraft or Standard Blue streak of yesteryear. I keep the older ones as back-ups if needed on the roadside, use it to get off the highway and put it back behind the seat when I get to a parts store.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,198
Likes: 4,807
From: Burbank, WA
I don't know what the distributor interchange is between the 223 and other engines. A late 60's 300 dizzy would not be a Duraspark, it would be points. Duraspark is Ford's name for their stand alone electronic ignition, used from 74-85ish, depending on the application when EEC, electronic engine control took over, so only those dizzy's so equipped would be Duraspark. If you've done the research and know you can put Duraspark guts into a 223 dizzy, that would be interesting and give you a strong and reliable ignition system.
Your advance curve is important, and is what makes the difference between a good running engine and one without power or poor running conditions and fuel economy. That can be checked and set by someone with a distributor machine. Your distributor driven gear does have to be placed correctly to mesh with the drive gear in the engine, with the correct tooth angle to fit and work properly without eating itself alive.
Your advance curve is important, and is what makes the difference between a good running engine and one without power or poor running conditions and fuel economy. That can be checked and set by someone with a distributor machine. Your distributor driven gear does have to be placed correctly to mesh with the drive gear in the engine, with the correct tooth angle to fit and work properly without eating itself alive.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2008
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From: Bakersfield, CA
I don't know what the distributor interchange is between the 223 and other engines. A late 60's 300 dizzy would not be a Duraspark, it would be points. Duraspark is Ford's name for their stand alone electronic ignition, used from 74-85ish, depending on the application when EEC, electronic engine control took over, so only those dizzy's so equipped would be Duraspark. If you've done the research and know you can put Duraspark guts into a 223 dizzy, that would be interesting and give you a strong and reliable ignition system.
Your advance curve is important, and is what makes the difference between a good running engine and one without power or poor running conditions and fuel economy. That can be checked and set by someone with a distributor machine. Your distributor driven gear does have to be placed correctly to mesh with the drive gear in the engine, with the correct tooth angle to fit and work properly without eating itself alive.
Your advance curve is important, and is what makes the difference between a good running engine and one without power or poor running conditions and fuel economy. That can be checked and set by someone with a distributor machine. Your distributor driven gear does have to be placed correctly to mesh with the drive gear in the engine, with the correct tooth angle to fit and work properly without eating itself alive.
I think I may just install a points dizzy from a 69' 300 and deal with the duraspark conversion later.
Thank you for the help.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,198
Likes: 4,807
From: Burbank, WA
Apparently you take a 300 dizzy and remove the gear, then install the gear from your 223 shaft onto it, after reaming the gear out to 17/32". Then it's plug and play as long as you have the other stuff.
I think I may just install a points dizzy from a 69' 300 and deal with the duraspark conversion later.
Thank you for the help.
I think I may just install a points dizzy from a 69' 300 and deal with the duraspark conversion later.
Thank you for the help.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,493
Likes: 340
From: Bakersfield, CA
Whats wrong with my LOM dizzy? Long story short, I have read a lot of good things about upgrading to mech/vac advance and I want to try it out.
Thank you for the diagram, I didn't know it was that simple and was afraid to try it out.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,780
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From: Kalispell, MT
I've messed around with duraspark some and have had 77ish pickups since they were new.
It's been awhile since I did this but if memory serves me, the most reliable module was the one with the brown connector.
The last one I did was swapping a 302 and wc T5 into an 82 Mustang that came with 2.3L. I remember it was simple to swap and a lot of fun to drive!
I have not tried it with a 6 cyl but I don't remember that the modules are specific.
It's been awhile since I did this but if memory serves me, the most reliable module was the one with the brown connector.
The last one I did was swapping a 302 and wc T5 into an 82 Mustang that came with 2.3L. I remember it was simple to swap and a lot of fun to drive!
I have not tried it with a 6 cyl but I don't remember that the modules are specific.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,198
Likes: 4,807
From: Burbank, WA
My understanding has always been the blue one is the one to use. Other colors are for different applications. According to this, the brown one is Duraspark III and needs an external computer. https://www.hotrodders.com/threads/w...4/post-1547705
For clarity, the system we're talking about for our applications is actually and more correctly referred to as Duraspark II.
For clarity, the system we're talking about for our applications is actually and more correctly referred to as Duraspark II.
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