electronic ignition
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 1
From: Littleton, CO
The electroninc ignitions came into the truck lines around the mid 70's. They are an easy retro swap to upgrade the older I6 or V8 motors. You can stick with Ford products to accomplish this or you can buy the Pertronix and do the same thing.
--Mike
--Mike
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
They started to switch to electronic in 73, but the goverment mandated it in 74. cars run cleaner with electonic. Don't try to use a newer system in you old truck. They box looks stupid. I use pertronix like debestuss said. It sells for around a $60-$70, and the install looks stock.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,157
Likes: 1
From: Central Kali
I like my MDS red box. You can use it with points and then later put in a Durospark distributor.
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Needmore
I don't know anything about the Pertronix stuff, but if you go to retrofit a newer model Duraspark ignition don't forget to introduce a ballast resistor to the setup. The newer models appearently had a resistor wire, but the old points ignition didn't. I burned up a couple of coils before I discovered this. Also, I think the Duraspark II ignitions are supposed to be better, not sure exactly which year these started, mine is off of a '77.
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
Petronix I and II
I put the Petronix I on my 70 F250, it works great. I believe the difference is the type of coil you can use with the I and II. I am using my stock coil. I believe the Petronix II can use a higher voltage coil. Check Petronix's website, it explains this.
