68 upgrade

[Anonymous]

Ok so I own a 1968 Ford Mustang 200 with a 3 speed auto trans. It has the stock (but not original) autolite 1100 carb. I'd like to switch to electronic ignition, but my main concern with switching to this Duraspark II distributor everyone seems to do is that the pictures i've seen of this distributor all have single vacuum advance. My current stock distributor has dual advance. My main goals is to upgrade the ignition, and to eventually switch to a 2bbl carburator.

So I guess my main question is that if i went out to the auto store to pick up this DS II distributor (with the 2bbl carb upgrade in mind) what would I be asking for? Would asking for say a 1980 Fairmount dual advance distributor work? What else would I need to know before going through with this? Any recommendations for other related parts? (module, etc.)

I have been reading up on these forums, but just want to be extra cautious as it seems most who have done this conversion have 65ish cars, and i'm not really sure what still applies on my 68. I'm sure the basic idea is the same, but I really don't know what things they changed from year to year. Thanks

-Aaron

P.s. I've done enough stock repairs to get me by information wise, but now i'm getting into upgrading which is a totally new thing to me. Forgive me if I know not anywhere as much as you all do.

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Aaron:

And welcome to the Journey.

Your stock '68 has a dual advance distributor, which means that it incorporates both mechanical (AKA centrifugal) and vacuum advance.

The "Dual advance" you are refering to is likely the vacuum advance/retard cannister on the side of the distributor. This is a somewhat troublesome piece unless all is working as designed.

If you upgrade to a DSII you should order a unit with a vacuum advance only vacuum canister.

Your stock '68 distributor can be quite respectable with a few improvements. Consider doing away with all of the retard hoses. The retard system is the nipple and hose closest to the distributor. Leave the nipple closest to the distributor unplugged and open. Remove and plug all that the hose goes to on the other end. Add a hotter distributor, a Petronix Ignitor, new plug wires, gap the plugs at .040" and set the initial advance to 15 BTC. You'll be amazed at the difference.

If you chose to go this route, verify that your distributor is in good working shape. Tight shaft and a working vacuum advance system.

The DSII system is a little pricier at the parts store and you still won't have the stock wiring harness. Consider picking up a complete system at your friendly neighborhood auto recycler. Get everything from the spark plug wires to the module. The harness connects the distributor, coil and module in a very tidy package. If any part is badly worn replace only that part.

The '76 to '79 DSII seem to have a bit better curve, stock from Dearborn. '80 and later are a bit lazier in the centrifugal advance curve.

Also know that your stock Autolite 1100 is downsized in '68 to the 170 size of 1.10" venturi. That translates to a difference of 185 cfm in earlier 200 to 150 in a '68. Not what you want. While a 2 barrel has more "Wow!" power an upgrade to a 1.20" venturi in your Autolite 1100 will put a smile on your face, with a lot less hassle. Your choice.

Adios, David