ignition upgrade
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 992
Likes: 0
ignition upgrade
i am looking to add an elctronic ignition conversion to my 390.
I am also going to change to coil and do the entire setup.
Which would be the best choice for a full setup???
What would be the improvments?
Thanks
-Brandon-
I am also going to change to coil and do the entire setup.
Which would be the best choice for a full setup???
What would be the improvments?
Thanks
-Brandon-
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,785
Likes: 4
From: Mddl A MexCans
Went with the Crane Xri, works ok / easy enough to install / has a built in rev limiter (4-6-8 k) for when your relatives/kids/friends etc... need to use the truck 
Only thing I didn't like was the wire is a little rigid and when it's really cold the adv plate didn't want to slide due to the wire binding at the entry hole. Some rerouting (looping the rotor) solved that issue.
Only thing I didn't like was the wire is a little rigid and when it's really cold the adv plate didn't want to slide due to the wire binding at the entry hole. Some rerouting (looping the rotor) solved that issue.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
Duraspark II (blue grommet) they're readily availabe and cheap and more then adequate for a stock or mildly built 390.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 638
Likes: 1
From: El Segundo, CA.
I was considering Accel or MSD, I'm glad you asked this question Brandon, I didn't realize that there were so many options. I've got a '67 that has had a 390 4V swapped.
I want to do a fulll ignition upgrade, and now it looks like more research ahead!
I want to do a fulll ignition upgrade, and now it looks like more research ahead!
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From: Long Island USA
If you have an even-stock 4bbl 390, it's got higher than the normal truck motor. Which means you could use extra voltage, or the multi-spark setup, especially when you get into a bigger cam and cold weather.
I ran a Duraspark setup for years and fought the cold-startup, low RPM driveability issues. I installed an MSD 6AL with a standard MSD coil (pretty much a stock electronic ignition coil) and it made a WORLD of difference.
Of course, I had a lopey cam, 10.5:1 compression.
In your case, a Pertronix or similar setup will bolt-in, hookup, and do away with the points. And if your upper distributor bushing is shot and the dwell is walking all over the place, it'll definitely make a BIG difference.
But I wouldn't pass on an MSD or other multi-spark setup either if you can do wiring for yourself.
I ran a Duraspark setup for years and fought the cold-startup, low RPM driveability issues. I installed an MSD 6AL with a standard MSD coil (pretty much a stock electronic ignition coil) and it made a WORLD of difference.
Of course, I had a lopey cam, 10.5:1 compression.
In your case, a Pertronix or similar setup will bolt-in, hookup, and do away with the points. And if your upper distributor bushing is shot and the dwell is walking all over the place, it'll definitely make a BIG difference.
But I wouldn't pass on an MSD or other multi-spark setup either if you can do wiring for yourself.