I'm looking into updating my ignition on my '71 390. I'm still using the stock points system. Which is the best package to go with, the mallory unilite and box, or the msd dist. and box? I'd like to get a good idea of what my options are, and maybe even a few part numbers on some of the parts. Thanks.

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 22-Mar-01 AT 11:59 PM (EST)[/font][p]you dont have to go with both the same, I have a 360 with a Edelbrock Performer RPM intake and a fairly hot cam but low compression (8:1 or thereabouts)I run a unilite distributor with a MSD 6AL box I just installed the MSD box but didn't notice much of a gain, I originally ran a Offy Equaflow and the 700cfm double pumper and got around 9mpg (did almost exclusively city driving at 6-7mpg. So 9 is an estimate). with a Edelbrock 1405 and RPM intake with an electric choke I got 10.2-10.8mpg with plugs that looked lean, with my double pumper my plugs looked fine and I got 10.4 (only ran it like that for two tanks before the MSD but isn't is surprising how much worse gas milage double pumpers get [sarcastic]), and I put the MSD box on over last weekend and got a 10.4 the first day and a 11.02 over three days (have to refill gas tank every three days) I still have to mess with the timing, and see if a different Blaster coil will help some more to get all I can out of it, but the biggest difference is how quickly the engine warms up. If I start the engine without the choke which I ususally do I have to feather the throttle for about 20 seconds to keep the engine running but after that it's fine and I can walk away from it. With the stock ignition I had to keep feathering it for several minutes to keep it running. Also a stumble that I had between gears is much smaller than it used to be, but I already know I need a bigger accelerator pump squirter to cure it completely. A friend of mine has a complete mallory system on his chevelle and says it works just fine for him. and I've seen his 350 spinning 6900RPM and I didn't hear any missing. So either way you will probably be better than stock, but dont expect a humongous gain.


Oh yeah, throw a pertonix (sp?) in it and you'll probably see the most bang for your buck from what I've heard other people say on this board.

 

I think anything above a points sytem is gonna be a gainer, maybe a FORD DURASPARK, or DURASPARK II ignition from a donor at a wrecking yard???

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77'FORD F150 XLT 400

 

Let's say I pull a dist and box from a later 70's ford. How much rewiring is involved with a later model swap in? I'd like to go with performance stuff on my truck, but all it takes is $$$.

 

The most efficient and economical scenario is as follows:

1. Chuck the points and install a Pertronix;
2. Ditch the stock coil and install the Pertronix high output coil;

Total cost so far, about $100.

3. At a later date, when the pocket book is full again, convert your cap to the large version and slap on some quality fat wires.

When it's all said and done, you'll have a superior ignition system and shouldn't have any problems for quite some time. Your final bill ought to be around $175 or so. I'm not totally convinced as to the effectiveness of the spark boxes for a typical truck application.

 

HiMe is right, I love the duraspark but its impossible to buy a duraspark distributor for a FE block, Some "convert" their points distributor to duraspark but why when theres pertronix ? all the benefits of electronic ignition with the wiring of points, if you ask me it doesnt get much better than that

 

> I love the duraspark but its impossible to buy a duraspark
> distributor for a FE block

My local parts house have them in stock.

they are 69$ with a 30$ core charge. I didn't have a core so I went with Pertonix, Now my truck runs GREAT! Starts really quick now. I have the larger cap and wires, Just to cold to put them on. Don't like cold :-(

 

>The most efficient and economical scenario
>is as follows:
>
>1. Chuck the points and install
>a Pertronix;
>2. Ditch the stock coil and
>install the Pertronix high output
>coil;
-------

I did the above awhile back with the Ignitor and the Flame Thrower coil on my 68 F100 (360). Opened up the gap on the plugs a bit and advanced the timing a few nore degrees past the recomended 10 BTDC (for automatics). Starts very easily and runs very nicely.

Gary

 

I just installed the pertronix kit with a msd coil. It seems to start easier. I still need to gap the plugs up a bit and set the timing. What is involved with going to a larger style dist. cap? What do I need to get from the junkyard, parts store? And when I buy wires for the new cap, what application do I look for? Thanks.

 

I have a 302 with a Holley Aniallator system. This work great in my '74. They have several systems with 3 or 4 dif. coils and simple to computer adjustable ignition boxes. There area a enough options and opions to make you head spin. Good Luck

 

I just up dated my 73, 361c.i. and went with a Morpar plate in the stock distroubtor. I don't know what area your in, but it might be worthwile to give a call to Ignitioneering @ (714)526-3686

 

Upgrading to the big cap requires three parts: cap, roter and base. I bought the cap-a-dapt kit for about $30 and it was the cheaper cap. The better caps have brass or copper connectors and you can get these at Kragen or several other shops. The kit is just a new setup for the newer HEI fords. I think the 302 has them, but you need the under cap part so check if the cap and roter kit includes the under cap plastic part. Normal retail should be about $30.
You'll need to change the wires too, the stock FE has male wire ends and you'll need to get the HEI type wires. For my 428, I just bought the MSD wires for a chevy 454 and they fit.

 

Coincidentally I just made the big dizzy cap conversion only yesterday. It took a Standard #FD-156 Cap Adapter($9.00), Blue Streak FD-168X Distributor Cap($26.00), and Blue Streak FD-117X Rotor($5.00). I know these aren't the best prices around, but trying to keep my favorite neighborhood parts man in business. :-)
I also switched to Taylor Pro 8 mm wires since they needed to be redone for the terminal ends, plus a small underhood fire from PS fluid spraying on the headers that singed a few of the old Accels (pretty exciting on the freeway!) I like the "grips" on the Taylor spark plug terminals to facilitate removal without pulling off the crimp connectors when reefing on them.
Good Luck!

 

I think that 26 dollar blue streak cap aint that bad a price blue streak is still copper terminal right ? if it is its about the same as napas echlin copper terminal cap thats right around 26 and why would anyone buy an aluminum terminal cap spend a buck for a better made part,

 

The Blue Streak has brass terminals. My parts man special ordered them in for me when I said I wanted the best, so have to believe him! Happy to hear that maybe I'm not being quite as charitable as I might have feared. :-)
Steve