Duraspark II installation question

[jonmelton]

Alright, this is a totally newbie question, but it's my first time installing a new distributor and I'm having some trouble. The engine is out of a '78 Fairmont. I bought the DSII kit from classic inlines, but it didn't come with instructions so I'm learning as I go. First, what does this guy hook up to? I've been on classic inline's "DSII swap" tech page, but can't find what plugs into this, or what it's called.

Second, the PO removed the old distributor before selling me the motor, so I found TDC on the first piston and based off the Haynes manual marked the #1 spot on the distributor cap and lined everything up from there. Does this look right?

Here are a couple more pictures of the install. If you see anything wrong, please let me know.

Thanks for helping a newbie out! Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[First Fox]

Sorry, i cant personally help you with your wiring as I have not used that kit, but I have swapped this system in on several different vehicles and I can tell you it is very easy and straight forward as you only need to hook up one or two wires from the vehicle. You do not need to use the white start/retard function. I will try to find a wiring diagram for you as I remember a few good ones but it may or may not help you. I personally used the Factory modules and the may have been wired differently than whatever you have there.

I just wanted to mention to make sure you have number one at (or better yet just before) TDC on the COMPRESSION stroke. Remember it is also at TDC during exhaust stroke. If you are off on this, the engine will never start.

As for the position of the number one plug wire on the cap, it doesn't matter one bit where it is. Just want to make sure the rotor pointing at whatever your number one plug wire position is on your cap and that the rest follow suit.

I'll see if I can dig up that diagram for you.

 

[First Fox]

Here you go man, hopefully it makes sense to you:

http://forum.grantorinosport.org/durasp ... c5214.html

Good luck.

 

[jonmelton]

Thanks for the diagram and info First Fox. How could I tell the difference between TDC on compression and exhaust stroke?

 

[First Fox]

Thanks for the diagram and info First Fox. How could I tell the difference between TDC on compression and exhaust stroke?

No problem. If you cover the spark plug hole with your fingertip and turn the engine over (by hand) you will feel pressure escaping on the compression stroke. When you feel that pressure build up and escape past your fingertip, take a look at the balancer and the timing mark will be creeping up on TDC. That is what you want. If you keep turning the crank, number one will come around to the exhaust stroke and to again TDC. There will be no pressure build up at all at that point, but the timing mark will still come around and show TDC. This is what's known as being 180 degrees off. Try it a few times and get an understanding of it. You will likely use the technique another time or 12.

Good luck to you.

 

[woodbutcher]

Hi John Melton.The gold piece that you are holding appears to be a ballast resistor.However,I don`t know for sure if it is used in your particular installation.Welcome to the family.
edit:The control box looks like an older type of Chrysler style control box.Altho,I could very well be wrong.AGAIN. :rolflmao: :rolflmao:
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

 

[bubba22349]

X2 (Gold part you are holding) it is a resistor and you will need to use it. You will find info, a few pictures of install and a wiring diagram below link about half way down in section on (Installing a Duraspark II Distributor). Good luck

http://www.classicinlines.com/DSIIswap.asp#About

Picture of install
http://classicinlines.com/proddetail.as ... SI-200-IGN

 

[JackFish]

Give Mike a call or PM and he will set you straight on the setup.
Haven't seen that gold thing before.

 

[jonmelton]

Great info guys, I appreciate it.

JackFish - what's Mike's name on here? Is he AzCoupe? (Newbie, sorry)

bubba22349 - What is the X2 resistor called on the diagram on the "DSII swap" link you sent?

Thanks guys!

 

[bubba22349]

X2 means I agree with woodbutcher that it's a ballast resistor. Below are some more instructions that may be of help between the other post's wiring diagram. I looked at that diagram again not so good with such small print, it looks like a little box think it is ID'ed as "Plug"?

Have not used one of these kits with a Dura Spark II distributor as a triger but see no reason why it should not work very well. I have however been using that type electronic control box used in the kit with an old point type distributor since 1977 (in a 56 F350) works great. if you have a volt ohm meter it will be of help to know you hooked it up right. You want an ignistion switched 12 volts at one side of the ballast resister, also splice off this same wire to run to Pin 1 of control box. Next run a wire from the other end of ballast resister (IE so the voltage is dropped) to the + terminal of the coil. Wire Pin 2 of control box to the - terminal of the coil. and the Dura Spark II two pickup wires is are hooked to pins 4 and 5 the third wire (black) goes to a ground. Using a ballast resistor controls current that builds heat at lower rpm use and could burn out your good low resistance coil faster.

Additionally mount the control box so it has a good ground connection scrape any paint under it or run a separate ground wire to it. Make sure the mounting screws are tight. The cooler the box is the longer it will last so keep it away from heat sources. The picture shows it mounted on drivers side inner fender panel in front of the spring tower IE like used in a Mustang or Falcon etc. mine is mounted on the firewall on the 56 truck.

 

[Gene Fiore]

JackFish - what's Mike's name on here? Is he AzCoupe? (Newbie, sorry)

Yes, Mike's username is AzCoupe.