Hi,
I have a 79 f-150 w/ a built 302 and a c4.
Right now it still has the factory dist and dura spark set up on it.
I have a MSD probillet distributor, MSD 6A ignition, and MSD blaster coil to put on it.
My question is this am I totally doing away with the dura spark? If not what part of it am I retaining?
Does anyone else have this set up (the MSD) if so which wiring diagram from MSD did you use? From what Im seeing it seems as though Im really not messing with the dura spark at all and itll still be there when Im done w/ the MSD stuff.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Nick

 

I run the stock Dura-dizzy, and MSD 6AL with Blaster coil. I did away with the Dura system altogether. If you read the directions again ( yeah, they arent all that clear) you can run the MSD with or without the DuraSpark set up. I would recomend with it, just in case you have a failure, you can swap two wires, and use the Dura as a back up. In hind sight, I shoulda done this, but in all my years of using MSD's stuff, I have never had a failure.

I used the diagram titled "Wiring a Ford DuraSpark using Magnetic Pickup Trigger" on page 18 of my booklet. This eliminates the Dura Spark.

Using the "White Wire Trigger" schematic retains the Dura Spark, however with a pro billit dizzy, you have to use the Magnetic trigger, I think.

I removed it all for a cleaner look under hood, less wire clutter etc. Until that first big mud pit that is... now its all greyish/brownish.....

Hope this helps!

 

That helps alot! I really appreciate you explaining it. The directions show just the MSD stuff so I was like am I leaving my dura spark stuff there or am I removing it.
I have MSDs trouble shooting book and I do recommend anyone w/ MSD stuff getting it (its only 4 dollars) but it still isnt as much help as you just were.
Thank you VERY much for confirming my thoughts.

Nick

 

I could be wrong because it's been a while since I've messed with the wiring on my MSD or looked at the diagrams but I believe you can't use the Dura-Spark setup with the Pro-billet distributor. My Pro-billet will ONLY work with the MSD ignition. I don't know if there's a way to wire Dura-spark into the mix but I've done away with it all together. The only time I had trouble with MSD is when I submerged it. Apparently they don't make good submarines.

 

Yeah, thats correct, the pro billets have to wired up using the magnetic trigger. The 4X4 msd 6A set up is supposed to be water proof, but I dont run it, so I cant vouch for that. And where mine is mounted, if it gets under water, I'm gonna have ALOT more problems to contend with, like no vessel registration in WA state, for example...

 

Yeah, the 4x4 boxes are the same as the 6A but they fill it with epoxy to protect against water and vibration. I'm running a 6AL so I have a rev limiter. I've moved it in the cab, up under the dash now to protect it.

 

i use a msd pro billet distrib and a msd 6al box and malory coil. i used the 2 wires that went to the coil to feed the msd box and plug the distrib into the plug on the msd box through the cable with the plug on it. works great. i can post pics if need be

 

Cornbread- if you would post pictures that would be awsome.
I know I cant run the probillet w/ the duraspark box- gotta use the 6A or other MSD box to run that but I was thinking I could use to the factory coil wires to feed the box like Cornbread is talking about. Cornbread has this caused you any problems running it this way? Im unsure weather to run it like that or do away with the duraspark all together, I know its somewhat common to have problems w/ the duraspark box so if I eleminate it that might save me problems or no?

Appreciate the help guys, you guys are awsome!

Nick