duraspark distributor question

[Anonymous]

Sorry if this has been answered before but i've read multiple posts concerning this type ignition but i didn't see any information on caps and years. I purchased an electronic distributor from obsolete ford parts for use on my 68 200 c.i. engine. I found there to be two style caps that fit, a one peice and big blue two peice, both had holes that aligned with my distributor. Now i want to buy a control module for it am am wondering what years will plug into my distributor.

 

[addo]

It sounds like you are describing the caps for DS-I and DS-II. Probably the later module is the one to use, there are several versions of it - from memory: Ca state, high altitude and 49-state, all identified by the colour of an insulating grommet on the box.

You can also use a GM ignition module and TFI coil instead of the Ford Duraspark module. Several people have done this (more DIY intensive) but really endorsed their results.

Regards, Adam.

 

[mutt]

Are you saying those aluminum control boxes that mount on the inner fender & plug into the dist. come in different sorts? Im in Ca, & Ca legal stuff ALWAYS stinks.....should I get a box across the line in AZ? Can you tell me the grommet color code?? Live, read, & learn.....mutt

 

[Anonymous]

In follow up to my previous question, I purchased a new "control box" today from a parts store. Now for the wiring confusions since this truck wasn't equiped originally with it i don't have the harness. I looked around and found an article in the tech center on this site but my computer shows only text on that page with no images so heres what i have. The duraspark distributor with a three wire plug coming out of it. a red, black and purple wire. Then i have the ignition box with two plugs the first with green wire and black wire with gree tracer....then the other plug on the control box has a white purple red and orange wires

if someone can disifer these it would be a life saver thanks in advance

 

[Anonymous]

Do These help you out?

FYI, the control box with the "BLUE" grommet is the most common box.

 

[65coupei6]

What Addo and Linc said or the MSD 6A. Cali emmision stuff does not apply to the early years pre 76 now I think.

 

[Anonymous]

This is for those that want to try the GM HEI module.....

NOTE: IT MUST BE MOUNTED TO A HEAT SINK WITH DIELECTRIC GREASE - or it will over heat and die in minutes/hours, not years.

 

[Anonymous]

Oh yeah, the heat sink the GM HEI module mounts to needs to have a ground......forgot that.

 

[MustangSix]

There's a black wire from the distributor that should go to ground, too. The GM module is easy, cheap, and good.

The small cap will fit the DSII. Get the matching rotor.

 

[Anonymous]

The black wire from the dist is already internally grounded.
Grounding it externally will only ground the already grounded dist body to another ground.

It is more there for the "box" to get a good ground (inner fenderwells aren't always well grounded)

 

[MustangSix]

The black wire from the dist is already internally grounded.
Grounding it externally will only ground the already grounded dist body to another ground.

It is more there for the "box" to get a good ground (inner fenderwells aren't always well grounded)

I found out the hard way that there is sometimes a paper gasket on the distributor shaft between the block and dizzy that inhibits a good ground, so I have mine grounded anyway. Belt AND suspenders approach.

 

[weeds]

With the GM controller, does the coil need the full 12V or the reduced voltage downstream of the ballast resistor?

 

[Anonymous]

Must be full 12 volts.

 

[Lazy JW]

This is how I mounted the HEI/TFI in my truck. Used a big hunk of aluminum and bolted the TFI coil and the HEI module on it. I used DS2 connectors from a junk module, soldered and heat shrinked it, plug and play!
Joe

 

[Anonymous]

Used a big hunk of aluminum

Makes a great heat sink. Very necessary.

 

[Anonymous]

Hey Lazy JW,

Can you tell me what vehicle you got the GM module and coil from? I want to put that on my 170.

Thanks
-Mike

 

[Anonymous]

68 Bronco,

The module comes from any '75 or later GM V8 vehicle (like a 76 Camaro or a 350 powered 1/2 ton) with the "4 pin" module.

That TFI style coil can be found on pretty much ANY 80's and 90's Ford products that usea a distributor. Get the conector and bracket,,too.

 

[Lazy JW]

I just asked the parts guy for a GM four-pin ignition module and he turned around and grabbed one off the shelf. Just make sure the parts guy is at least 40 years old if you expect him to know what you are talking about I am using a Ford TFI coil but I am sure that a GM HEI coil will work just fine. Linc's 200 gave correct info so go for it 8)
Joe

Edit: I see you are frome Haines, AK. Is Schnabel's sawmill still running there? I know several guys who worked there, they had lots of stories.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Lazy JW,

The mill is no longer working..there is some fish processing going on there now. I work with the nephew of the mill's owner John Schnabel.

John is in his 80's and can outwork men much younger. He has a goldmine up in Porcupine that keeps him busy most of the time except for winter. The mill shut down in the early 90's.

Thanks for the ignition info..I will probably have to buy the parts all from the parts house, as all the old cars depart on the scrap barge.

Thanks to you also, Linc's 200.