converting 1970 390 ignition

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Oct 21, 2004 | 07:23 PM

humplatch

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converting 1970 390 ignition

after resetting and messing with points forever, i am conceding to electronic ignition. Any suggestions on brand, models, and pointers would be greatly appreciated. I have a 1970 F250 Camper Special w/390. Everything is stock so far, and I would prefer to keep it that way if it ran better and was more reliable.

Oct 21, 2004 | 07:31 PM

WillyB

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From: Near Fresno, California

Pertronix makes a replacement module that fits into a stock distributer - there is a Ignitor and a Ignitor II - one is about $60, the other about $90. I thought the extra was worth it, but either unit works well and lasts forever.

http://www.pertronix.com/

Oct 22, 2004 | 01:07 AM

Faithful Old Road Dog

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Joined: May 2003

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From: california

Check the tech articles and do a search for electronic ignition conversion. I opted to stick with the later Ford electronic ignition system just to stay Ford. I figured that if I needed parts, it would be easier to get than aftermarket parts. The conversion didn't cost that much. It was just a bit more work hunting the boneyards for the parts. But on the other hand, as I understand, if you go Pertronix and it goes out, you can swap the points back in.

Oct 22, 2004 | 05:56 AM

TC-Utah

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: Moab Utah

Pertronix Igniter II is what a local mechanic installed for me.
I used to have a dual point and it was hell to get the 2 adjusted.
I've not opened the rotor cap in 4 years and never had to re-adjust
the igniter set.
Bottom line "I'm Sold"!!!
Tom

Oct 22, 2004 | 09:44 AM

cowboywanabe

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From: Grapevine, TX

My 1970 has a 390 with an MSD electronic ignition. It was on the truck when I bought it, so I'm not sure what was involved with putting it on. Everything else on the truck is pretty much stock, and it runs great. Fires up with no troubles in the damp, wet weather we've been having here lately. Wouldn't go back to points if you paid me.

Oct 22, 2004 | 04:33 PM

humplatch

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thanks for the input. I think I'll try the pertronix unit since it will maintain the stock appearance.

Oct 22, 2004 | 07:48 PM

I_Thnk_Ford

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Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 525

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From: Mansfield, Texas

Humplatch, look into the conversion of -
1 - the larger cap and accompaning rotor - 89 Ford 302
2 - TFI coil - 89 Ford 302
3 - using the GM 4 pronged module - Don't let me hear any whinning about the GM module. I hear it is also made by an after market manufacture. The GM part is readily available at A-Z for about 12 bucks.

As far as the conversion itself - This one took me about 15 mins. to wire. And it is said that the voltage getting to the plug is as good or better than many MSD units.

I personally witnessed a plug gapped at 50; with the prettiest, brightest spark I have ever seen come from a plug.

I had points myself. Searched long and hard for quit a while. Even went down the pertronix road. If your going to go down the electronic road. Go farther and better.

Just converting up to the lager cap should be a given for you. Less chance of arc crossing and you can go to 8mm wires. Conversion

Here is the article I used to make my conversion to the GM module. Conversion