duraspark on a points distributer?
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 68
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From: Boise
duraspark on a points distributer?
I just transplanted a 1971 460 into my 1975 3/4 ton highboy, 4x4, 4 speed. My original wiring has a duraspark box on the inner fender, there is three electrical connectors (plug-in style) by the firewall, these I unplugged my original 360 from when I removed it, The new 460 has a points sysytem, I want to start my truck, can I just take any switched 12 volt to the new coil? if thats all I did would it run? should I get rid of the duraspark box? Thanks, Dan
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 942
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From: South Texas
It should start and run with a switched 12 to the coil, but you need an ignition resistor in the path to keep it from eating the points faster than normal.
One option might be to replace the points with a pertronix system. I think you can get rid of the resistor with those systems, but read up on it first.
Question, what advantage do you see by NOT running the original duraspark system on this motor??
OOPS: I did not catch that the original engine was a 360...my bad.
One option might be to replace the points with a pertronix system. I think you can get rid of the resistor with those systems, but read up on it first.
Question, what advantage do you see by NOT running the original duraspark system on this motor??
OOPS: I did not catch that the original engine was a 360...my bad.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
The condenser is there to keep the points from arcing.
A resistor will keep the coil from overheating...
Edit: I really like the DuraSparkII system, and would keep it way over going to points.
That's a nice, clean and relatively stock looking motor you have there.
A resistor will keep the coil from overheating...
Edit: I really like the DuraSparkII system, and would keep it way over going to points.
That's a nice, clean and relatively stock looking motor you have there.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Yes, you'd need a Duraspark distributor and possibly a new coil bracket to clear the larger distributor cap.
Here's a pic of my (buried in emissions) 460.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24183730@N03/2340583825/" title="IMG_1929 by Jim_Urrata, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/2340583825_c27cb60fc7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1929" /></a>
The Pertronix system might be right for you but I like the fact that no matter where I am there's an autoparts or junkyard that has this DSII stuff on the shelf.
Here's a pic of my (buried in emissions) 460.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24183730@N03/2340583825/" title="IMG_1929 by Jim_Urrata, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/2340583825_c27cb60fc7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_1929" /></a>
The Pertronix system might be right for you but I like the fact that no matter where I am there's an autoparts or junkyard that has this DSII stuff on the shelf.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
It's basically the same distributor; exchanged the 65 w/ 390 points for electronic dizzy at local Napa auto parts, seem to recall not costing more than $45-$50. Not sure if nec. but went with the larger cap, which requires the adapter, wow is the cap expensive.
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pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Dave,
The cap is bigger in circumference to put more space between terminals.
The more powerful DSII system will arc and track like crazy if you try to use the smaller cap.
That shallow cap is $11.99 at my local Napa.
The cap is bigger in circumference to put more space between terminals.
The more powerful DSII system will arc and track like crazy if you try to use the smaller cap.
That shallow cap is $11.99 at my local Napa.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Jim; appreciate the information!! Thought it best to go with the 9mm plug wires so consequently ended up with the large cap. Replaced the cap less than 2 weeks ago and it came to $29 plus some change. It's bout the 3rd cap replaced over past 15k and been sticking with the blue ignition component ensemble; wow, considering the difference in price, think I can live with the grey cap.
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11, 1966, 1975, 1979, 390, add, conversion, converting, distributer, distributor, duraspark, ford, pionts, point, points, v8
