Dura Spark Box???
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Joined: Nov 2006
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Dura Spark Box???
Hello All,
My name is Chris and I have just purchased a 1980 F-350 4x4 Single rear wheel, with a 400 and a 4 speed. But there are some problems with it that I want to fix before I put it on the road. It does have some problem with the ingintion and I am just going to change it. So, what should I get to replace the Dura Spark box? And what kind of distributor should I get? There are wires all over the place and some bare spots going to the Dura Spark box, well, I think i just want to update it.
Thanks,
Chris
My name is Chris and I have just purchased a 1980 F-350 4x4 Single rear wheel, with a 400 and a 4 speed. But there are some problems with it that I want to fix before I put it on the road. It does have some problem with the ingintion and I am just going to change it. So, what should I get to replace the Dura Spark box? And what kind of distributor should I get? There are wires all over the place and some bare spots going to the Dura Spark box, well, I think i just want to update it.
Thanks,
Chris
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Hello, welcome to FTE! ")
Get your Duraspark ignition modules tested by a parts store, it is usually free. There is a module on the fender and one in the distributor. You can get a better wiring harness from a salvage yard. The same system has been used on cars and trucks since the mid 70's. Just match up the wires and plugs. If you see a genuine Motorcraft module while you are out getting a wiring harness grab it and have it tested. The Duraspark system has many advantages.
When you reinstall the ignition module on the fender use some 1/4" high spacers under it for cooling. I like to use 5/16" hex nuts. Sometimes I just run a bolt thru the box from the top and install a washer and nut on the bottom of the box. Then place the box with the bolts sticking out thru the holes in the fender. Use 1/4-20 nylock nuts and flat washers on the underside of the fender.
Get your Duraspark ignition modules tested by a parts store, it is usually free. There is a module on the fender and one in the distributor. You can get a better wiring harness from a salvage yard. The same system has been used on cars and trucks since the mid 70's. Just match up the wires and plugs. If you see a genuine Motorcraft module while you are out getting a wiring harness grab it and have it tested. The Duraspark system has many advantages.
When you reinstall the ignition module on the fender use some 1/4" high spacers under it for cooling. I like to use 5/16" hex nuts. Sometimes I just run a bolt thru the box from the top and install a washer and nut on the bottom of the box. Then place the box with the bolts sticking out thru the holes in the fender. Use 1/4-20 nylock nuts and flat washers on the underside of the fender.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Yes the Duraspark system is factory and one of the best ignition systems available. You can get replacement parts at any parts store and usually test them for free. The DS system has a timing retard system while cranking that eases hot starting and lessens the wear on your starter etc. But that does require an extra wire, a small price to pay.
Some of the aftermarket replacement modules leave something to be desired tho. Many fail within a year and waste expensive gas even tho they often carry a "lifetime" warranty. Motorcraft modules are the best and often can be found 100% functional in the scrapyard but they are expensive at the parts store.
Some of the aftermarket replacement modules leave something to be desired tho. Many fail within a year and waste expensive gas even tho they often carry a "lifetime" warranty. Motorcraft modules are the best and often can be found 100% functional in the scrapyard but they are expensive at the parts store.
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 673
Likes: 4
From: nortonville illinois
Originally Posted by welder691
Cool Thanks guys. Well, I guess that I will just round up a new harness for it. And have the box tested. So the Duraspark box is a factory iginiton?
Thanks,
Chris
Thanks,
Chris
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Posting Legend
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More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 673
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From: nortonville illinois
ive got so many of them dist. laying around from all the ltds, lincolns, and mercs ive demoed it isnt funny. but every now and then someone says hey do you have one of them i could trade ya for ( id give them the thing just so i didnt have to look at it any more lol) i allways run points or dura spark but when your hotwireing it up you want it simple as can be so 9 times out of 10 i use points
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Distributor
Originally Posted by welder691
Hello All,
My name is Chris and I have just purchased a 1980 F-350 4x4 Single rear wheel, with a 400 and a 4 speed. But there are some problems with it that I want to fix before I put it on the road. It does have some problem with the ingintion and I am just going to change it. So, what should I get to replace the Dura Spark box? And what kind of distributor should I get? There are wires all over the place and some bare spots going to the Dura Spark box, well, I think i just want to update it.
Thanks,
Chris
My name is Chris and I have just purchased a 1980 F-350 4x4 Single rear wheel, with a 400 and a 4 speed. But there are some problems with it that I want to fix before I put it on the road. It does have some problem with the ingintion and I am just going to change it. So, what should I get to replace the Dura Spark box? And what kind of distributor should I get? There are wires all over the place and some bare spots going to the Dura Spark box, well, I think i just want to update it.
Thanks,
Chris
If you decide to get a new distributor, consider our D.U.I.-Davis Unified Ignition or our custom curved Duraspark distributor. Please see them at:
http://www.performancedistributors.com/forddui.htm
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 9,176
Likes: 4
From: Western Central NV
Originally Posted by PerfDistIgnition
We can clean up that maze of wiring with our D.U.I.-Davis Unified Ignition OR if you prefer the stock look, we can set you up with an excellent Duraspark ignition system.
If you decide to get a new distributor, consider our D.U.I.-Davis Unified Ignition or our custom curved Duraspark distributor. Please see them at:
http://www.performancedistributors.com/forddui.htm
If you decide to get a new distributor, consider our D.U.I.-Davis Unified Ignition or our custom curved Duraspark distributor. Please see them at:
http://www.performancedistributors.com/forddui.htm
Thanks
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
From what I have heard it will and it would be an ideal upgrade for your distributor. If I didn't already have a nearly new Ford OEM distributor I would probably get their DS distributor just for the custom advance curve so I would not have to fiddle as much.