Electronic ignition conversion 12v power source?

[fordconvert]

I am thinking of doing the duraspark conversion on my 66 and most of the info seems to show people running a new wire to the key for a non resistor power source for the new system. I was looking at the crappy diagram I have and see a BLACK-GREEN wire coming off the key 'on' position (appears to be the same place the RED-GREEN that turns into the PINK resistior wire). It splices to a GREEN-RED and goes through the firewall and ends up on the voltage regulator. I was thinking this would be a good place to hook up? Its +12 on with the key and is in the correct general area so you dont have to run new wires all over the place? I have not actually looked under the dash to see if those are the colors and terminals. It seems like the regulator would have to have a switched source, if not the reg then the alt for sure.

Anyone know if this would work? Most of the conversions dont seem to be very specific where they get power except the ones that run a new wire to the key (unless I missed something, feel free to point that out if thats the case). I suppose there could be a load issue with the wire size?

Are there any good electrical drawings that show everything on the same page. Everything I have found shows things seperated into systems so they dont show all the connections to say the ignition switch for expample?

Thanks

TJ H

 

[Lazy JW]

Ford uses a resistor wire with the DS2 just like the breaker point ignitions, and there is a wire going to the "I" terminal in the starter solenoid to the coil to send full 12 volts for starting. Many folks have used full 12 volts for run mode but Ford intended it to be used with reduced voltage.

If you are doing a conversion, why not use the DS2 distributor with the GM HEI module firing a TFI or HEI coil? It is actually easier to hook up and gives a hotter spark due to the superior coil.

I am running this setup and it works great. Check out www.gofastforless.com for some very good reading on ignitions.
Have fun,
Joe

 

[Anonymous]

I have the same question. I just installed a DSII with the GM HEI module and a TFI coil.

Lazy JW, are saying that you used the "I" terminal on the starter solenoid as you 12v source to the TFI coil??

I know of the Green/Red that goes to the voltage regulator. As fordconvert was asking, can this be used?

And finally, there is also the original wire that ran to the positive side of the original coil. I assume that this is the "reduced voltage" source. Should it not be used, even though you are saying that Ford intended a reduced source?? Know I am really confused..

Thanks

 

[Lazy JW]

Sorry, didn't mean to add confusion.

The "I" terminal is only energized while the starter is actually engaged and cranking the engine, so it can't be used for a "run" source of power (if it is connected to the coil it will get voltage feeding back and you can actually measure voltage while running).

I bypassed the resistor wire and used the Ignition terminal on the ignition switch for power on my GM HEI/TFI conversion. I believe this to be the best solution rather than a different source not intended for the purpose. This way each circuit is not overloaded as it could be if running field and ignition from the same source.

If using the stock DS2 ignition I recommend using the resistor wire because the coil was designed for the reduced voltage and will be over-saturated when running on full 12 volts, causing excess heat and shortening the coil life span.
Joe

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Joe, I relied quite a bit on your posts when deciding on this installation.

Now it makes more sense. I guess the best route is to run a new wire to the ignition.

Thanks for your help..

brian

 

[fordconvert]

One little detail I discoverd with my hookup method was that the Black-Green wire on the regulator is its not live on 'start' only on 'on'. I used a relay I had around the garage to switch full voltage to the new system. To get around the no power on start problem I just hooked the orignal coil wire back up also so during start it gets the full power from the solonoid.