duraspark conversion
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 33
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From: JBLM, WA
duraspark conversion
So let me get this straight, I can use my original distributor on this conversion? I guess I'm a bit confused, all I need is is the duraspark "box"? If not what else? Also I heard that the early duraspark models where no good, can anyone tell me what year the early models are that I should stay away from?
Thanks a bunch. Staples76
Thanks a bunch. Staples76
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Pryor, OK USA
Hey Staples76
i do beleive that you will need the distributor as well as the box. I am unsure of the early models of durasparks being faulty. I have heard that these are some of the best distibutors for our motors. Now all you will need to do it is a wiring diagram to hook up the box and you should be set. There is usually a kit on ebay from a company that has everything you need including specific instructions on how to install the whole setup. That is what i plane on doing when i get my new 390 built. Oh ya the kit is $200.
Bigern
i do beleive that you will need the distributor as well as the box. I am unsure of the early models of durasparks being faulty. I have heard that these are some of the best distibutors for our motors. Now all you will need to do it is a wiring diagram to hook up the box and you should be set. There is usually a kit on ebay from a company that has everything you need including specific instructions on how to install the whole setup. That is what i plane on doing when i get my new 390 built. Oh ya the kit is $200.
Bigern
Last edited by bigern6697; Jan 22, 2004 at 11:49 AM.
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 520
Likes: 1
From: california
I was a bit confused also. There were quite a few wiring diagrams available, but there were some contradictions.
With the duraspark conversion, you'll need an electronic distributor from a 76 - 79 FE motor (I bought a rebuilt dizzy. The application was the same from 74 up, so I was told), a wiring harness (I yanked mine from a 75 or 76), the durspark module with BLUE grommet (the grommet is where the wires go into the module). You actually don't need to change the coil or use the flat big cap. The big cap is if you plan to add a hotter coil. You'll want to take the pigtail ends from the donor wiring harness. I tried to do a search for the duraspark thread, but the server is maxed. The guys on this forum helped a great deal! I'll try to find the thread later for you. It took me longer to do the conversion because I was being picky about wrapping my wires and routing them. I should have taken step by step pics!
With the duraspark conversion, you'll need an electronic distributor from a 76 - 79 FE motor (I bought a rebuilt dizzy. The application was the same from 74 up, so I was told), a wiring harness (I yanked mine from a 75 or 76), the durspark module with BLUE grommet (the grommet is where the wires go into the module). You actually don't need to change the coil or use the flat big cap. The big cap is if you plan to add a hotter coil. You'll want to take the pigtail ends from the donor wiring harness. I tried to do a search for the duraspark thread, but the server is maxed. The guys on this forum helped a great deal! I'll try to find the thread later for you. It took me longer to do the conversion because I was being picky about wrapping my wires and routing them. I should have taken step by step pics!
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 520
Likes: 1
From: california
Here are some threads that may help you... But you can do a search under "duraspark" in the 67-72 forum, a month ago and older.
http://www.ford-truck.com/forums/sho...5252Bduraspark
http://www.ford-truck.com/forums/sho...5252Bduraspark
http://www.ford-truck.com/forums/sho...5252Bduraspark
http://www.ford-truck.com/forums/sho...5252Bduraspark
http://www.ford-truck.com/forums/sho...5252Bduraspark
http://www.ford-truck.com/forums/sho...5252Bduraspark
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,209
Likes: 12
From: Black Hills of SD
I did the conversion on my 72 and fought cold starting problems for years and couldn't figure it out until a friend jogged my memeory that the hot ignition lead is a resistance wire. I had failed to run a wire fron the I on the solenoid to the pos on the coil. After I did that she started like a champ in cold weather.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: Fairbanks USA
I did the conversion to mine about 6 years ago, and wow! what a difference. I think I used the distributor out of a 75. The box I bought new(blue I.D.) and have had zero problems since. It was a single wire hookup for me. I think the problems you are refering to were prevelant back in the days when this was all new. Nowadays with all the advances, I think they are pretty solid. I checked my plugs after 45,000 miles (platinums)and they were like new! And it was cheap, the distributor(junk yard ) was around $35, and the new box was less than $40. Make sure you get the wiring harness that goes from the box to the distributor.
Good luck,
Good luck,
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: JBLM, WA
Well I began the process and wouldn't you know it I dropped the friggin' oil pump rod thing from the bottom of the distributor down into the motor. I tried a magnet then lost that in there some where. Any help at all?
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From: Tucson, Arizona
staples76
I know how you feel! I did the same whoops into the oil pan. Didn't need to check the bearings since the engine was new. I had never worked on a Ford engine before, so I failed to install the dist and rod BEFORE putting the pan on and installing the engine. Guess it's another, "Things I learned the hard way" reply. But, at least you now know you aren't the only one to make the same mistake, right?
I know how you feel! I did the same whoops into the oil pan. Didn't need to check the bearings since the engine was new. I had never worked on a Ford engine before, so I failed to install the dist and rod BEFORE putting the pan on and installing the engine. Guess it's another, "Things I learned the hard way" reply. But, at least you now know you aren't the only one to make the same mistake, right?