Hello All
I have recently aquired a 390-4bbl, C6, Dana. This is the first time I have had any kind of Ford stuff. Is there a Ford electronic distributor and associated ignition components that I can swap for the old points distributor in this engine. Also I need a source for a complete Urethane bushing set for the suspension on a 74 f250 camper special. Any help greatly appreciated.
Ross

 

Ross- you have two main choices here, Duraspark or Pertronix, anything else is $$$$ you don't need to spend. If you choose duraspark you can swap in a complete distributer from a 75 0r 76 390, or you can get the switch kit from ford. All of the ford V8 points distributers are the size on the top, the swap kit lets you replace your points with Duraspark guts. The pertronix unit also goes in in place of the points, but is an optical sensor instead of magnetic pickup like the duraspark. Supposedly the optical units are more sensitive to dust and grime, but I have never heard anything bad about the petronix. I would deciede based on how many miles are on the engine, if there are lots of miles on it the distributer bushings could be worn and a rebuilt would be nice. If you use the duraspark, I like using anLX101 control box, there are less wires to deal with. There is another thread in this forum,about 391's, that has a couple of links you may want to check out. I have a rebuilt duraspark, intended for a 76, in my 71, with a jacobs computer added also. It has no missfires or hesitation or plug fouling ever. For bushings try LMC or one the advertizers in the back of truck magazines. DF

 

Thank you, for the excellent advice DF. It is much appreciated

Regards
Ross
Saskatoon, Sask. Canada

Ross- you have two main
>choices here, Duraspark or Pertronix,
>anything else is $$$$ you
>don't need to spend. If
>you choose duraspark you can
>swap in a complete distributer
>from a 75 0r 76
>390, or you can get
>the switch kit from ford.
>All of the ford V8
>points distributers are the size
>on the top, the swap
>kit lets you replace your
>points with Duraspark guts. The
>pertronix unit also goes in
>in place of the points,
>but is an optical sensor
>instead of magnetic pickup like
>the duraspark. Supposedly the optical
>units are more sensitive to
>dust and grime, but I
>have never heard anything bad
>about the petronix. I would
>deciede based on how many
>miles are on the engine,
>if there are lots of
>miles on it the distributer
>bushings could be worn and
>a rebuilt would be nice.
>If you use the duraspark,
>I like using anLX101 control
>box, there are less wires
>to deal with. There is
>another thread in this forum,about
>391's, that has a couple
>of links you may want
>to check out. I have
>a rebuilt duraspark, intended for
>a 76, in my 71,
>with a jacobs computer added
>also. It has no missfires
>or hesitation or plug fouling
>ever. For bushings try LMC
>or one the advertizers in
>the back of truck magazines.
> DF

 

Hey guys the Pertronix module is NOT an optical type module.
There is a `molded sleave`(magnets) that goes over the distributor cam and a `module that is set .030 from the `cam`. No beams to worry about.
at the pertronix site http://www.pertronix.com/technical_questions.htm >>The air gap between the module and magnet sleeve is too great<<



__JOHN__Õ¿ö
Member-
"Crusin North" Car Club
Santa Rosa, Calif.
72 F-250
ICQ#6030753
https://www.ford-trucks.com/pictorial/big/1972_f250_2.html

 

My 2 cents, I just put a Pertronix p/u in my 66 p/u with a 61 390cu. It took about 30 minutes and works so far perfect. I have around 1000 miles on it so far. It cost 109.00 with the Pertronix coil, but the Pertronix coil is not necessary, factory woks fine.

 

ya i want to do this to my 75 390 is the pertronix all in the distriutor or does it have a external module like the duraspark ? i also assume its just a one wire hook up as compared to the durasparks 4 or 5 wire deal let me know p-lease

 

The Pertronics unit has no more than two wires, and once it's installed, a person won't know that it's electronic. Externally, it looks exactly like a points set up.
Jason Kendrick
1970 F100 Custom 390/C6
1978 F150 Ranger Lariat Supercab 460/C6

 

I went with Crane's Fireball conversion... it wasn't a ton of money and I've had no problems and it was an easy conversion. It is an optical sensor. Just another brand to consider.

BBT

 

I used a pertronix kit on my 391. it works great and very simple to install.

 

Just another option, I’ve been running a Mallory Unilite for over 10 years now and it has never skipped a beat. It uses an optical sensor instead of a magnetic pickup so no air gap is involved. If you go with a retrofit that is magnetic, do like DF says and get new bushings or a rebuilt unit if there is slop in the shaft.

Barry

 

Definately go with the Pertronix (it IS magnetic, not optical) and works like a charm. Don't mess with the old dist, I picked up a rebuilt unit at O'Reillys for $32 installed the Pertronix on the bench, popped 'er in, hooked up 2 wires and go. The stock coil will work UNLESS it was an electronic distributor. The impedance of an elect coil is too high and will eventually burn out the pertronix. Had it happen. Musicminer

 

I cant wait to get my pertronix i hate points !! i hope it starts better on these cold wisconsin days