Electronic Ignition?

[paulzox]

Can i use an electronic ignition from a 75 maverick in a 65 200ci? any info please

 

[fordconvert]

Should work fine. The Mav should have a Duraspark. Search that, it comes up on this site all the time. If you have the whole car to take parts off of grab the distributor, control module (finned silver box), coil, and as much of the wiring and connectors you can get.

 

[paulzox]

Fordconvet, thanks for the info. How would I hook it up. I have the distributor and ignition module. No wire harness. :help:

 

[Lazy JW]

Since you are still in the planning stage and lack the wiring, you may want to consider doing the GM module upgrade; it won't get any easier to do than it is right now. For some easy educational reading check out www.gofastforless.com
Joe

 

[rbohm]

8) gofastforless also has details on using the chrysler ignition box with the duraspark distributor. either one works well, however i think the chrysler box is easier to install.

 

[paulzox]

i found out that it i a duralast distributor an module for a 75 maverick. does anyone know if it will work in my 65 200ci?

 

[Lazy JW]

i found out that it i a duralast distributor an module for a 75 maverick. does anyone know if it will work in my 65 200ci?

I presume you meant to type "DurasparK" rather than "duralast"?''

The Duraspark will work on your 65 provided you wire it in correctly. I highly recommend you educate yourself on this system, and the writings at www.gofastforless.com are an excellent place to begin.
Joe

 

[michael_cini]

The electronic ignition out of the 75 Maverick will be a Duraspark I, not a DS II. Wouldn't it be better to find a DS II? DS II's began in '76.

 

[fordconvert]

I think DS1 vs 2 depends on your plans. Based on previous posts it would appear that the DS1 has a different weight and spring setup so if you are planning on a recurve you will be on your own figuring out how to do it where as the ds2 is fairly well documented. Other than that I would not think there is going to be a huge difference. I think the modules were different originally but can be upgraded to the 2 if needed. Caps are interchangeable so you can go with either style.

 

[BIGREDRASA]

I'm running a DS II Distributor with a DS I Cap (to clear PS bracket). I'm using the GM Module (because it's cheaper). Runs as expected.

 

[michael_cini]

Thanks for the details and pics Bigredrasa, much appreciated. I see that you mounted the module on a heatsink, but where did you mount it in the bay?

Michael

 

[66200i6]

I used an Aluminum angle to mount the relay and GM switch in the 63' Falcon. I found a place on the radiator support using existing holes and fasteners for the regulator and horn relay to install the angle. I fitted and pre-drilled the angle and then installed the switch and relay with wiring before I installed the whole assembly.

The switch is installed on a the heat sinks because they create some heat so try and find a location that won’t build up any engine heat. This unit came with some paste that is applied to the back side of the switch before being installed on your heat sink. This aids in the transfer of heat. I liked this location because it’s close to the fan.

Have fun, Ric.

 

[michael_cini]

I was thinking of using the GM module because of price, but found these 2 at the Autozone website for $21 - 26. So, why go to the bother of using a GM module when there are available?

I'm running a DS II Distributor with a DS I Cap (to clear PS bracket). I'm using the GM Module (because it's cheaper). Runs as expected.

 

[fordconvert]

Back when the Duraspark II's ,HEI's, and whatever the Mopar one was called were roaming the earth as daily drivers for everyone the GM one had a slightly better reputation for reliability. The original GM modules used a microprocessor for optimum dwell control through the rpm range. The Mopars and Fords used a analog components to change the dwell so in theory they were not as precise as the GM ones. Thats also what made the GM's so small. Now days for something that old even the 'factory' parts are likely coming from the lowest bidder with little concern for the original specs or tolerances so all bets are off. Use what ever turns you on and hope for the best. The advantage to the DS is it plugs in and already has the heat sink so its easier to install for some.

Overall in reading I have read about a lot more people using the GM modules on all sorts of engines than the others. I have never read about anyone putting a DS on anything other than a Ford. Some use mopars to run off points but with some simple parts that can also be done with the GM or Ford ones.

I used the GM on mine for 2 reasons:

1 I had a few in the garage so it was the least expensive option
2 I like to annoy the die hard brand loyalists by mixing brands

 

[Explorer]

Starting from scratch w/ a Duraspark, you can get the box, dizzy, from a 78 Fairmont. DSII w/ blue connector module (best of the three modules available). If you can't find the harness at a pick and pull, Standard makes the connectors. You can get the dizzy and module at most any parts store. That's what I just put on my engine in sig line. I have the wiring diagrams for all three modules if anyone needs them.

 

[michael_cini]

I think I am going to try the GM HEI route. What gauge wire do y'all suggest?

 

[rbohm]

8) 16 gauge will do nicely

 

[Lazy JW]

8) 16 gauge will do nicely

Yup.
Bigger is better, if you have some 14 gauge lying around use it; anything much heavier gets too difficult to stuff into the terminals.
Joe

 

[Ranger_gone_straight]

No idea how well a Chrysler ignition module works with a duraspark distributor. Will say I owned a '76 Dodge pickup with 318. That thing would go through modules pretty fast and that weird 4 prong ballast resistor failed frequently too. I had to always carry a spare of both. This was couple decades ago and if I had known then that I could use a GM module and do away with the Chrysler module and ballast resistor, I would have. Never had a remote mounted GM module go bad on me and use one on both my F250 and Ranger (both with 300 engine) and have used them on Japanese and Volvo engines also. Though I guess you do have to be somewhat careful of what aftermarket brand you use. Most good, but couple brands I heard were bad news.

 

[rbohm]

8) i can tell you from experience that the chrysler ignition module works great with the duraspark distributor, especially when paired with the msd blaster lll coil. i used that system on my old 66 falcon, and it didnt matter how cold the outside air temp was, the coldest it saw was around 10 degrees or so, the engine would light off fairly quickly even with a wide open choke setting, and would idle smoothly and not stumble on acceleration after 15-20 seconds of operation.