High energy Dist.???

[ochretoe]

Any one ever heard of this. I talked to the guy on ebay selling this dizzy and he said in 74 they made two dizzy options. One standard with points and one a high energy. I've never heard of it. You got any opinions ad do you think it would help my bronco out or am I better going with a Pertronics? Thanks
Here is the link.
Steve

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Distribu ... 2838QQrdZ1

 

[simon]

that is the fabled '74-only DuraSpark I.

basically a DuraSpark breakerless distributor triggered by a magnetic pickup, reluctor and any ignition box of your choice, but still with the old points-type housing. I believe this one accepts the old points-type cap and rotor as well.

stock looks are great for sleeper engines!

the later '75-up DuraSpark II has another housing and gives you the choice of two different caps: a rather stock looking, screw-on type with female plug terminals, or a two-piece cap, screw-on adaptor with clip-on cap sporting male terminals, wider spaced to prevent crossfiring.
AFAIK '74 and '75-up caps are not interchangeable.

You can probably get a junkyard unit for much less, but the eBay link claims its an already fully rebuilt distributor.

 

[ochretoe]

Thanks Simon. Would this be any better than a pertronix? About the same price.

 

[jamyers]

The pertronix replaces the points with a pickup and built-in control module, and with the Duraspark you'll need some sort of module, either a Duraspark box, MSD, or even a GM HEI. Look at the "Tech" link under www.fordsix.com and there's an info page.

I'd definately go Duraspark over Pertronix. Parts are available anywhere, and it's got a much better reputation for reliability.

If you go Pertronix, keep a points and condenser in the glove box.

 

[Anonymous]

i have never had a problem with my pertronix...4 years

so I cant use a duraspark (or msd thingy) and my pertonics?

hmmm

 

[Lazy JW]

i have never had a problem with my pertronix...4 years

so I cant use a duraspark (or msd thingy) and my pertonics?

hmmm

Pertonix does nothing but eliminate the points (unless you buy their fancy whiz-bang coil too).

Duraspark has no breaker points so no need for Pertronix. DS can fire MSD, so can Pertronix, and the lowly breaker points can also fire the MSD box.

Take yer pick.
Joe

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Steve and All:

The Duraspark was introduce during the '74 model year. It was phased in- in FoMoCos infamous, "empty bin" policy. It is similiar to prior point distributors in that it utilized both vacuum and centrifugal advance. It differed in that it was an electronic (aka, no points) system, which included the distributor, a module, a coil and wiring harness. It was upgraded during the '75 model year with the Dura-Spark II electronic ignition system. The big difference between the DS and the DS II is the larger distributor cap and adapter ring. This was added because the increased voltage caused arcing in the closer spaced terminals in the earlier, smaller caps. This isn't really much of a problem on a well maintained system. I wouldn't add a higher capacity coil or any of the other multi discharge spark systems to the '74 Dura-Spark though as they will increase the likelyhood of crossfiring or misses.

IF you're looking to upgrade to an electronic ignition system and want to maintain a stock appearance this is the way to go.

Adios, David

 

[ochretoe]

one last question. Will a flamethrower or other hotter coil cause a problem with the Pertronix and a smaller dist. cap? If you could do either which would you do, Pertronix or DSII? Thanks and now I will leave you all alone.
Steve

 

[addo]

A hotter coil or aftermarket module shouldn't cause grief with the smaller cap if it's decently made and in good condition.

The Pertronix is too hit and miss for my liking. There are quite a few people who've had one fitted for years; experienced zero trouble and love it. There are also some people who've been through more than one failure of a Pertronix unit.

The DS-II used with GM module and Ford TFI coil is often seen as a good balance of DIY, reliability and easy-to-get parts. Personally I would use a different unit that is available only in Australia, but the above would be my choice, were I in your shoes.

Cheers, Adam.

 

[Lazy JW]

If I'm going to run a points-type distributor it will have points in it triggering a Bosch coil. Far more reliable than Pertonix from the results posted on this forum. I am running the DS2/HEI/TFI combo on my truck, works great
Joe