another duraspark question

[Anonymous]

Well, a few actually. I went to the local junkyard and found a duraspark II dist. but the module was already gone. I was looking around the net and found the HEI GM module which seems like a great way to go. The wiring looks almost too simple. How does this compare to the duraspark? Right now I have the Pertronix Flamethrower coil but was thinking of switching to a TFI coil. How do the two compare? Would this work ok with the resistor wire in place or should I remove it. If I remove it, is it possible to pull too many amps for the stock alternator to take care of? Could I later add a MSD 6AL to a DSII/HEI/TFI setup? Would there be any benifits? I've read a lot from different posts on here and I'm just trying to piece it together. Thanks.

 

[MustangSix]

I think it works pretty well if you get a quality module. I can tell you that I once jolted myself pretty darn well just goofing around with one. It needs a heatsink (fender mount or piece of aluminum) and a good ground.

 

[StraightSixer]

Where do you plan on getting the red wire for the switched 12v? 8)

 

[Lazy JW]

I am running the DS2/HEI/TFI combination on my F-350. So far it works great Check out www.gofastforless.com for specific wiring instructions, it really is a simple setup.
Joe

 

[Jamie Miles]

The Duraspark II module is very easy to work with IMO. Not sure why some people make it out to be more difficult. I made my own harness, took less then 15 minutes to make it.

The module has a orange, black, purple and green wire. You match the orange, purple and black wires up to the likewise color wires on the distributor, the green goes to the negative post on the coil. For power, you hook the red wire from the module to a switched 12 volt source and your ready to run.

I wouldn't want to buy an old used module from the junkyard anyways unless you can find one that looks like it is almost new.

Here's a link to the swap I did on my '74 Maverick: http://5hp.hill.cc/Maverick/duraspark

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks, I had found that page earlier and it's what really got me thinking about the GM module. I think I will go with the GM since they seem about equal and the GM is smaller even with a heatsink.

Is the TFI coil much hotter/better than a regular one or does it not really matter?

Thanks again.

 

[I66coupe]

The TFI coil has about twice the power of the old cannister style coil (45,000 volts versus about 28,000). Well worth getting one. Without a hotter coil, the DuraSpark conversion is not worth much. Yes, you eliminate the points so your timing and dwell don't vary, as it will as the points wear, but you don't get a hotter spark if you keep your stock coil. With the wide spaced terminals of the DursSparkII distributor, you can go with a much hotter coil. The TFI coil works great for this.

You can buy a hotter cannister style coil but the TFI coil has other advatages and if they're available, why not go with it? Greater voltage at the plugs allows a wider gap and that means better combustion. Without a hotter coil, the conversion is incomplete. TFI coils are available at your local salvage yard for just a couple bucks. Grab one when you get your distributor and box.