on my 79 with a stock 400 I want to install a mallory hyfire 6A ignition module.. I need to know if my current ignition setup is magnetic pick-up distributor or crank trigger... or Points/amplifier style ignition... anyone know? I know i have that piece of junk brainbox..

 

There is nothing wrong with the Duraspark II ignition system. I would suggest taking the modules to a parts store and get them tested if something isn't working. The DS2 system is easy to work with and much less expensive than other units. Get a Motorcraft module if you need a replacement. Mount the DS2 module on the fender with 1/4" spacers to let cooling air get under it. You only need one of those high $$$ aftermarket units if you are going racing at 6000+ rpm which I would not advise with a stock 400.

 

I dont know if the mallory hyfire 6A is similar to the MSD 6A box, but I do have a MSD 6A box on my 428 w/ the duraspark guts in my distributor. The MSD box replaces the ford box, and it works awesome. the timing is extremely acurate, and I have had no problems with it.
-Dan

 

I already have the msd box I just need to know if the stock setup is Points/amplifier or magnetic pick-up.. simple question really.

 

no guarantee without looking at it, but you should have a duraspark. to know for sure, check out this website:
http://users3.ev1.net/~bmarr/id169.htm
that is the typical duraspark setup. If you have points.... you can pick up the internal parts at the junkyard from any v8 ford engine and put the parts in the points distributor.
-dan

 

Should be magnetic pick-up. Just pop the cap and look. If it has the eight pronged star wheel with a sensor next to it, it is magnetic pick-up.

 

Yup DS2 is considered a mag sensor by some. It is a hall effect sensor.

Can you take the MSD box back and save some jack for other goodies?

 

No the MSD box was given to me it is brand new and was even tested at the factory it is a replacement of a replacement of a replacement.. so it's pretty much garunteed to work.. I think it will alot more reliable then the duraspark.. besides..i have it why not use it.. coming from the distributor are 3 wires which appear to be red brown and green.. which in the MSD installation manual would suggest it is a magnetic breakerless distributor.. there is a green and purple wire going into a clip from the msd box not sure if i am supposed to use that or the white wire that is also there in the installation depending on what type of distributor u have u use the green and purple or the white wire trying to figure out which it is

 

Thats why a stock box (DS) is better just plug and play. No guessing. If it's free why not I guess.

 

I have a mallory Hyfire 6A box it's all hooked up and everything works the truck runs great the only problem is i can't figure out where that small red wire goes so i hafta bypass the solenoid with a screwdriver
the red wire is supposed to hook to a 12v switch.. IE the ignition switch anyone know where i might be able to find this wire??? any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

The stock DS2 box also has a start retard feature that makes for easier hot starting. In start mode the timing is retarded ~20 degrees. They are also a LOT easier to troubleshoot

-Just do not destroy your OEM wiring and keep the DS2 box as a spare mounted on the fender with spacers for when that MSD box fails in a year or so.

 

You really don't like them MSD boxes huh?

Yes the red wire goes to your key.

I have Crane Cams Fireball Hi-6 buzz boxes on a few 390's. It improves the throttle response (12 sparks to every one that would be stock) much more even firing, and definete increase in power. I'm looking at going with the MSD 6a offroad on a 400.

 

yes i am aware that it goes to the key but i can't find the wire it's supposed to hook up to... anyone know where it is

 

I really haven't seen any improvement over stock units in dyno runs until you hit above 6000 rpm. In fact the aftermarket units (msd crane etc) were not even as good as the OEM DS and HEI units they were tested against. The big improvements I have seen quoted in "testimonials" were over stock systems that were defective so it is not a valid comparison.

The racers used MSD units because of all the custom accessories that helped them control their vehicles. Somewhere along the line joe blow decided that they must be "better" than OEM since the racers used them, -total BS! Even the racers use dual systems for backup because they are failure prone.

The OEM systems are very capable of firing an engine. If it took a $300-500 ignition module to provide spark in order to meet emissions and CAFE requirements the manufacturers would be using them. Fortunately the OEM systems do a very good job. Remember the OEM's would go crazy for a 0.1mpg increase or a 2HP increase with the reliability to maintain those gains over 50K-100K miles. I view the aftermarket ignition modules as snake oil just like oil and fuel "additives", Tornado units, or fuel line magnets. A total waste of money!

Then you add in the fact that OEM replacement modules are available at any parts store as well as free testing and immediate over the counter warranty replacements, -it does not make sense to pay twice as much or more for less.

p.s. There is a recent post in 67-72 that has the wiring diagram for a DS2 system that shows the 12V run wire you need to splice into. There are also many posts here in 73-9 with the DS2 wiring diagram.

 

OK.. it would appear that there are anywhere from 9-11 wires coming from my Key.. two large yellow wires, a red wire, a red wire with a green stripe, and a red wire with a black stripe.. a black wire with a white stripe.. a white wire.. etc etc etc i need to know which one it is i need to hook to the small red wire coming from my hyfire box.. it is supposed to be hooked up to a 12v switch IE the ignition key.. but which wire is it??? please help