Well here it goes. I have an 88 f150 that had a 302 EFI system. Efi got fried at the mud hole. Anyway I converted it to carb, kept stock dist. wired to msd box, 2bbl intake off of an old 302 and a older holley carb, elec. fuel pump. The truck starts fine and runs but can't get more than 3000 to 3500 rpm's outta it while in nuetral. I also have a c6 tranny that I put a B&M slap shift on. Another problem is I have no power at the rear wheels, It will move the truck but when you floor it, it feels like a weed eater motor in it, no tire spin in loose dirt. If I put it in 2L then I can get the tires to barley spin in loose dirt. Is there anything I missed or didn't do? My so called self proclaimed "mechanic" buddy has been helping me and he said it would be easy to do, or did he get me in a mess? Any help would be appreciated

 

My guess is you will have to use an older distributor that is not looking for signal from the computer or feedback from the EFI system.

 

It shouldn't be looking at the computer for a signal, the dist. is connected directly to the msd box and from there to the coil. The computer has been removed from the equasion. Thanks though. Any other ideas?

 

If you changed the intake manifold you had to remove and replace the distributor. There is a real possibility the distributor is a tooth off(probably retarded). Easy way to check is put a timing light on the moror and see where your timing is set. If it is way retarded or advanced, or you can't see the mark then your distributor gear is not meshed right. The distributor shaft turns some when you install the distributor and the gear is engaging and it is easy to put it in a tooth off.

If it is off, here is one way to put it back in correctly: Rotate the engine to 6-10 degrees before top dead center on No.1 cylinder(put the timing mark where you want the timing set). Remove the distributor cap and mark the location of No.1 plug wire on the distributor. Put the distributor in while watching the rotor. You will see the rotor turn a little as the distributor gear meshes with the gear on the cam. The distributor is in correctly when the rotor points to the position where No.1 cylinder spark plug wire would be. It can be tricky lining up the oil pump drive and distributor gear just right. You may have to put it in a couple of times to get it right. Hope this helps. Let us know your progress. Bob

 

I will try that out and see how it goes. Thanks for the help

 

It sounds like you have some vacuum leaks... along with a potential timing issue. Check and torque your intake manifold bolts and end seals.

 

You need a distributor with weights, springs, and a vacuum advance to control your timing.

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:


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Also, there is now an excellent installation article on the D.U.I. Distributor on the Ford-Trucks.com site at:


https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/idx/0/358/article/DUI_Ignition_Installation_In_A_Ford_351W_V8.html

 

We're back to the distributor. I have a DUI one-wire distributor on a 302, and it is the "cat's-***" but cost about $400 a few years ago. The ford distributors are color coded gray & blue. You probably have the gray, and need the blue one. In any event you need the one with advance weights & vacuum advance like the previous note said, because your advance curve used to be controlled by the computer. Bob

 

Sorry finally go to go on vacation and just got back. Just out of sheer stupidity, isn't the MSD box supposed to take the place of the computer and take care of the advance? I checked the timing last night and it seems to be dead on. Or is my only option a new distributor? Thanks

 

what kind of msd box?

 

No, the distributor controls the advance on non-computer controlled vehicles.

 

I am 99% sure it is a MSD 6AL but can't say with 100% surtanty due to I am at work and the truck is at home.

 

the MSD then, probably controls the amount of spark and/or spark duration, not the timing. Either the matching MSD dist. or a stock one for a duraspark II would work. Matts72 is right.