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ignition upgrades

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Old Feb 19, 2007 | 09:07 PM
  #1  
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chico71f100
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ignition upgrades

i've been looking around for several days on this topic, and can't seem to find much. if it's already been covered, my apologies.

i have a 71 f100302 c4, 2V. i've added 2 1/2" true duals, it is otherwise a bone stock rebuild.

can you upgrade the ignition to duraspark, with TFI coil and gm module on this engine? if so, are there any good tutorials that have been written about it?

thanks!
 
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Old Feb 19, 2007 | 09:15 PM
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I've gone to the two wire "plug and play" HEI distributors. Depending on brand name and where you buy them they start at about $90.00!!!!
 
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Old Feb 19, 2007 | 10:07 PM
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try this link it may be of help.

http://home.cfl.rr.com/mustangsix/Engine/duraspark.htm
 
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Old Feb 20, 2007 | 10:15 AM
  #4  
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I went with the Duraspark conversion on my '70. I got the distributor cheap at a salvage yard, the module was somewhere around $30, and I did the wiring myself. For a no-frills electronic ignition, it's been extremely dependable.
 
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Old Feb 20, 2007 | 03:00 PM
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You're far better off with Duraspark.

People with HEI distributors find they have harder starting engines.

Go see the thread in the electrical forum
 
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Old Feb 20, 2007 | 06:18 PM
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I don't have any starting problems with mine.... Most of the people with starting problems probably haven't set the timing or advance mechanism correctly. Overall performance with the HEI units IMO is far superior to the Duraspark..... and if you're going for performance, the higher end HEI units have some very nice adjustment options for the advance, mechanical and vacuum. The Duraspark is probably fine for stock, but it's beginning to become a tad bit outdated as far as technology is concerned.....
 
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Old Feb 20, 2007 | 06:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Dave Severson
The Duraspark is probably fine for stock, but it's beginning to become a tad bit outdated as far as technology is concerned.....
As are FE's, but I don't mind!
 
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Old Feb 20, 2007 | 07:00 PM
  #8  
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I run the HEI and like the fact that if the ignition module craps out I can stop by any parts store and they will have one on the shelf. Not to mention I haven't had any starting problems due to the distributor. Most of the time it turns out to be the starter solenoid with carbon build up on the contacts. I did have the Dur-a-spark II system and it ran fine for a little while. Then a little water reeked havoc on the wiring harness. So one wire later I am happy with the results.
 
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Old Feb 20, 2007 | 07:05 PM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by 390fe
As are FE's, but I don't mind!
Nothing outdated about an FE!!!! Not with the Genesis aluminum blocks, all the good heads out for them now, along with good cranks, rods, and pistons.... Even stock the FE's were a toruque monster!!! Many, many moons ago I had a 406 with tri-power and four speed in a '56 Ford 2 door sedan. This was in the mid to late 60's when everyone thought their SS whatever chebby was hot..... Sure did surprise a whole bunch of them!!!!!

I have a sideoiler block that I got at a swap meet about 7 years back when they were still affordable, and last year scored a damaged pair of aluminum Edelbrock heads that have since been welded and repaired..... Just have to find the right home for them some day.... Wish I could find another '56 2 door sedan!!!!!!!
 
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Old Feb 23, 2007 | 12:53 PM
  #10  
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Distributors

Originally Posted by chico71f100
i've been looking around for several days on this topic, and can't seem to find much. if it's already been covered, my apologies.

i have a 71 f100302 c4, 2V. i've added 2 1/2" true duals, it is otherwise a bone stock rebuild.

can you upgrade the ignition to duraspark, with TFI coil and gm module on this engine? if so, are there any good tutorials that have been written about it?

thanks!
If you decide to get a new distributor, consider our custom curved Duraspark Distributor built with our new Full Length Oil Impregnated Bronze Bushing. The full length bushing improves timing stability and spark scatter. If stock appearance is not an issue, take a look at our one piece D.U.I. Distributor. Whether you choose the Duraspark or the D.U.I., we curve each on a distributor machine based on your engine combination. Please see them at:



http://www.performancedistributors.com/forddistributors.htm
<O
 
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Old Feb 23, 2007 | 04:31 PM
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My 71 with 360 has been converted to Duraspark II and starts quickly and runs smooth. It had it when I bought it and I haven't had any trble even after changing cabs. One of the wires is not used (white one I think) out of the module.
 
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Old Feb 26, 2007 | 01:19 PM
  #12  
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From: Duncan, OK
Question 300-6 with DSII coversion in my '60

Just following the thread...can anyone enlighten me as to what entails this swap. I am about to install a 300-6 in my '60 with this ignition. It had the traditional points setup before. I am not sure what wires go where as I dont have a wiring manual for a '77 (the donor). I have searched the forums for such, but couldn't find anything. Any diagrams or directions would surely be appreciated!!
Thanks
Ryan
 
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Old Feb 26, 2007 | 09:35 PM
  #13  
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The dist and ignition bomodule) is simply a plug in arrangement. You need the wiring to connect the new dist to the module. There is a two wire plug also on the module. They have to be connected to your ignition sw wires. Actually only one is hooked up on my truck. Find your run and start wires which are on your coil and tie the red and or white wires to them to pos side of coil and the other side of the coil goes to the green wire from the module. The green wire does not run to just the dist as it goes to dist also so just add a jumper from green wire to coil. The two wire plug on the module is the red and white wires. This is for the duraspark II which is blue where the wires connect. The module needs to be grounded to the body of vehicle also.
 
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Old Feb 26, 2007 | 11:33 PM
  #14  
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Old Feb 27, 2007 | 06:49 AM
  #15  
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From: Duncan, OK
hey thanks fellas!! Looks pretty straight forward. Thanks for all the info!
Ryan
 
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