I am buiding a 78 460. Its a pretty mild build. Completely stock except comp cam k34-235-4, edelbrock performer intake, edelbrock 1411 750 cfm carb. what ignition system would you recommend for this application? i heard that the msd systems are pretty nice. i really dont know everything that i need, so please be specific. Thank you.

 

The stock electronic ignition system is all you need. I think too many people waste money replacing the stock system for a mild or stock motor.

 

X2 on stock ignition, unless you have put some money into the engine. I would put in a hotter coil and good wires tho.

 

thanks. should i just buy a new factory system?

also, is it true that ford has a universal wiring harness??? so even though you may not have ac, there are still wires for it??? Is there anyone that makes new wiring harnesses for these trucks?? I am wanting to rewire and go as simple as possible (as little visible wires as possible. i want under my hood to look CLEAN) any thoughts on this? i am putting a 460 in my truck and while the other motor is out, i want to clean up the engine bay, paint it black, and rewire..

 

I would suggest a stock distributor with a hot coil and some good wires.

For Coils I like and use the pertronix E-core like these PerTronix, Ignition Coils - summitracing.com They put out alot of juice for a good price and I find the pertronix stuff to be of vary high quality.

For wires I use the thundervolt 8.2mm from Taylor cable Taylor Cable, Spark Plug Wire Sets - summitracing.com Taylor makes a high quality wire for a good price and there only 50ohms per foot were most are at least 400.

If you intend to do a good tune on this motor grab an adjustable vacuum can from crane Crane Cams, Distributor Advance Kits - summitracing.com

MSD makes the best caps but the spark boxes are a waste of money.

 

good stuff. thanks for the links.

which coil would i need? there are 3 to choose from. i dont know what to look for....

 

There are two ohm choices that work for you the 3 ohm is for 4cyl so it's out. The ohm/resistance is needed to reduce the amount of amps going through the pickup generally 1.5 with stock ford V8 stuff and most aftermarket is needed, the goal is to have 9v at the positive side of the coil. But it can be done two ways first with a 1.5 ohm coil or how I do it is a .45ohm coil and a one of these ballast resistors Ballast Resistors - summitracing.com I do it this way for a specific reason. Voltage drops during cranking, Ford thought of this and put the I terminal on the starter silenoid for this purpose. The I terminal is only hot during cranking so with a ballast resistor you can connect the I terminal directly to the pos on coil for max power during cranking and run power through the ballast resistor while running to prevent overheating the ignition. Best setup all around.

I can add that I also find that the pertronix distributors are vary nice, billet constuction at a good price, and vary simple, alot fewer wires then the ford stuff and vary reliable. If your after looks and better performance over stock these may be a good way to go at a fair price. http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...242+115+400428

The wires I linked to above are custom fit, They are set up so you cut the wire to length and install the distributor end this makes for a much cleaner install then some one size fits all kit and you can get the wires shorter for better performance. It's not that hard to do but if you don't have the pliers I recommend them it makes it alot easier. I use a set just like these vary handy http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...115+4294852704