Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade

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Mar 21, 2002 | 02:38 AM

#16

f150sleeper

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Joined: Mar 2001

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From: South St. Paul, MN

Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade

Im not sure if they have one for your application or not, but i have a MSD Pro Billet Ready to Run distributor that has an ignition module built into it. All you do is get a Blaster 2 coil and wire it up to it and it supports its self with out an MSD box. My distributor cost $285 from jegs and the blaster 2 is about $40 i think. Runs alot stronger than the duraspark did and still starts easy.

1979 F150 Custom 2wd C4 302 painted ford blue, bored .040 over, flat top pistons with valve reliefs, Edelbrock Performer cam, carb, and intake, stock heads til next spring, MSD Ready-To-Run distributor, MSD Blaster 2 coil, Edelbrock air cleaner and valve covers, Dynomax headers, dual exhaust with Flowmaster 40 Series mufflers, 38 gallon fuel tank(how i can drive it further than around the block) 9" rear end with 2.75 gears and open diff to change to 3.50s and locker next spring.

"Your only as fast as me until the light turns green"

Mar 23, 2002 | 02:24 PM

#17

Gobstopper

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Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 30

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From: Spokane

Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade

Remember I'm a rookie at this. I'm a computer guru - not a mechanic.

Next weekend I am upgrading the fuel dist. system on my new 77 F250. The mechanic that is doing most of the work with me would like to see me get a new ignition system while we have the whole thing torn apart for cam package replacement anyway.
A lot of you seem to like the MSD stuff but he says I should get a new mallory distributor and digital ignition set. He says the ditributor would be more reliable. BTW - he works at one of the local Ford dealerships in town.

I don't want to second guess him but I want to see what you all say about this.

Also, Mallory recommends two protection accesories - both around $35.

An Active Power Filter - to protect the distributor from voltage spikes coming from a shody alternator
and an Ignition coil ballast resistor to protect the ignition

Are these really needed? Would I be better off spending my money on a new alternator.

I'm paying him a flat $200 to replace Cam, lifters, intake, carb. I'm thinking I should get the distributor and ignition replaced now since it won't cost me any more labor.

Mar 23, 2002 | 08:40 PM

#18

thelonerangerxlt

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Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade

I ran a Mallory Unilite distributor for several years on a Bronco II, with no problems. They are a LED light triggered ignition (MSD is magnetic), and are very reliable. Install it with the power filter, and the ballast resistor. The power filter will protect the Unilite in case the voltage regulator goes bad, and the ballast resistor will protect the coil by limiting the current flow.

I would also use a Mallory coil to round out the package. The higher voltage coil will allow you to widen the sparkplug gaps.

May 16, 2002 | 01:36 AM

#19

tetraruby

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Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade

I know this is an old thread, but yeah I broke down and invested in some MSD equipment too. The coil instruction (MSD 2F) mentions to have a ballast resistor (or wiring) installed -ok here's my dumbiness when it comes to ignition- do I need this or is it already installed? Any of you know a source for the Duraspark connector cable 8869 for my Durafart II? PAW just sent my goodies and a backorder note for two weeks. I haven't seen this part listed at Jegs or Summit.
Weldman, were you happy with the results?

May 16, 2002 | 02:00 AM

#20

tetraruby

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Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade

Did some searching and it appears from good old Sparky (where you been man?), that the wire/ resistor-resistance is in place. Any of you that may be curious:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/61_79/7017.html

May 17, 2002 | 12:12 PM

#21

weldman

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 1,290

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From: Toronto, Canada

Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade

Tetraruby,

I haven't actually had the time to do the upgrade. My dad and I bought a new truck and I've been busy setting it up for the last couple of months. (hitches, flares, pyro, etc.)

do you have yours working well?

May 17, 2002 | 02:31 PM

#22

tetraruby

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Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade

It's going in late next week. Been making sure I have everything I need before hand.

May 23, 2002 | 11:08 PM

#23

tetraruby

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Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade

I did the install / upgrade today to the MSD 6A and Blaster coil. There is a definite difference how my 300 runs. For starters the engine starts like it just got an extra breath of life. It revs much more smoothly and accelerates much better. I hope my mileage goes up. Install was easy and straight forward - except the ballast resistor thing, but I figured that out. My only complaint is that the wires coming off the box to connect to the battery and coil were way too short to route along the harness. Lots of crimping...