Hello everyone! The guys over at 1980 - 1986 F-series trucks sent me here.

This is the way my 1985 Ford F-150 Lariat left the factory:
-302 2-barrel Feedback Carburetor
-EEC-IV, TFI Distributer

I just acquired this truck, and this is the current sate:
-Feedback carb was replaced with a non-feedback Motorcraft 2-barrel
-All smog equipment is gone
-no cats, and dual exhaust
-EEC-IV, TFI Distributer

With the non-feedback carburetor now in it and all emissions equipment missing, from my understanding the EEC-IV and TFI distributer is worthless at this point and is doing nothing to help this truck reach its full potential. Gas mileage is terrible, the truck lacks power, and the timing always seems to be off.
I understand that I can swap out the TFI distributer and EEC-IV with a Duraspark distributer and reclaim my truck's engine. Are there any write-ups or articles that would explain this procedure in detail, what parts are needed, what problems may arise, etc.? LMC Truck lists several Duraspark distributers for different years...which one would work best with my 1985? My plans are to replace the 2-barrel with a Holly 4-barrel and intake, and Duraspark ignition. Am I missing anything else? Does anyone else have any other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

The easiest way is to get a one wire HEI distributor. Hook up a power line that is hot on start and run and your good to go.They are bigger than stock though.
You can also get a duraspark distributor and use an aftermarket box (MSD) to control the ignition.
Last but cheapest is find a car or truck that has duraspark and take the distributor, coil, igintion module, and harness. The problem with this is some of the wires don't go directly to the module. Some usually go in the passenger compartment and back out to the module. You will also need a ballast resistor for the coil. They don't run at 12 volts all the time. I lost my link to this conversion but when i find it I'll post it up for you.

 

Here's a link to a durspark wirirng diagram. They have some other good stuff in their tech folder.
http://www.carbdford.com/viewtopic.php?t=5894

 

The problem is that you're about halfway in between stock and modified. The EEC computer isn't getting the input it needs and can't adjust the timing properly, so you're on the right track, it needs to go away.

The Duraspark is a good unit, and there isn't really much difference between the Duraspark distributors. A good swap is to install a Duraspark distributor and blue-grommet control box and use a TFI coil. This swap uses all stock Ford parts and produces aproxamatly 1 1/2 times hotter spark than an HEI, and about 2 1/2 times hotter spark than with a stock Duraspark coil. I just converted my '68 F250 to this setup and I'm quite happy with it. Future upgrades could be an aftermarket control box and and an aftermarket replacement TFI coil.

Here's a good article on it with lots of pics and a wiring diagram:

http://users3.ev1.net/~bmarr/duraspa...on_upgrade.htm

 

What about the Pertronix Billet Plug-and-Play Distributer? (Summit part #PNX-D130711) Would this work as good as the Duraspark? Can I use the TFI coil with this, or would I have to use their Flmae Thrower ignition coil?
Thanks!

 

How about going cheap, making sure it runs correctly with stock parts, and then upgrade if you are not happy with the mileage. After all, it is a 302 in a pickup truck, stellar power and 0-60 mph is not going to happen.

Go to Advance Auto, set for 1980 F-150 pickup, 302, 2 bbl

Then get this dist.

Cardone Distributor: Reman.; Domestic
Part Number: 302899 $53

GP Sorensen Ignition Module
Part Number: EL107
$21.48

coil
GP Sorensen Ignition Coil HD
Part Number: GC403S $29.88

That makes it plug and play on the dist. and coil. Then grab a harness from a junkyard for the rest of it or splice it in yourself. Not that tough. Run the vacuum for the dist. to ported vac. on the carb (reads no vac with idle).

$105 at a local store, with warranty, and you are good to go. It will be a lot easier to recoup the money in better gas mileage then if you go out and spend $300+ for new racing parts on a used truck and used motor.

BTW: You can get the clip for the coil new, though if I lived in a non-snow state I would try a junkyard first.

Mount the module to the driver's fender, try to stand it off with washers and a set of nuts. I like to bolt them on so they are easy to change and I keep a spare in the glove compartment. A high quality coil rarely fails (lifetime item) unless you race, and if it does you can usually limp home somewhere.

 

Thanks everyone. Rebocardo, if I use the part numbers you gave me (but I think I am going to stay with my TFI coil) would that still work if I converted to a four barrel Holley later?

 

Before you make a decision, take a look at our D.U.I.-Davis Unified Ignition and Ford Duraspark systems:


http://www.performancedistributors.com/forddui.htm

 

> would that still work if I converted to a four barrel Holley later?

Yes, 100%. I am running almost the exact same setup on a 351w 4 bbl.