Pertronix compared to Duraspark

[burnoutstang]

Well after reading that article it seems a lot easier to just get the distributor and plug it into that. Are there any differences between the two options (blue module vs GM unit) performance wise? Or is it just a matter of an easier wiring scheme?

 

[Lazy JW]

The GM HEI module allows the use of the TFI or HEI type coil. These coils are significantly "hotter" (more powerful) than the DuraSpark units but they draw more amperage to accomplish this higher output. The DS2 module wasn't designed to run this much amperage so it will likely fail prematurely if you run the TFI coil on the DS2 module.

This a very good upgrade that can be done fairly cheap, especially if you don't mind using junkyard parts like I did. Even buying a rebuilt DS2 and a new module isn't terribly expensive. I highly recommend it.
Joe

 

[burnoutstang]

So I got everything ordered and should have it in by next week! I have one more question though... Why won't the stock plug wires work with the new setup? The reason I ask is I just bought new wires about 2 months ago. :x

 

[bigcatchdaniel555]

I take it you got the duraspark II if thats the case the cap for the duraspark will have male plug ends on the cao so the wireswont fit. If you order a 76 cap for a duraspark system it will have the same ends you have now and you can use them.

 

[simon]

Why won't the stock plug wires work with the new setup?

Two reasons, actually.

first, most DS2 setups come with the later style, 2-piece cap w/ male terminals which replaced the 75-76-only points-style cap that sported female terminals.
The '77-up 2-piece cap brought maintenance costs down a bit (less material, optimized shape for injection molding process)
and was a successfully aid in preventing cross-fires with its terminals spaced wider apart.

Get the smaller point-style cap, and you can reuse your stock wires. Should look like this:

second, insulation might be a little insufficient on stock spark plug wires to prevent sparks from jumping when using a TFI coil.
It also depends on the quality and routing of the spark plug wires, though.

good luck

 

[Ecovanner1963]

Not to sound foolish, but why mess with those inferior systems when the DUI. is readily available here on fordsix.com?? The DUI is a little more initial cost, but worth every cent. Hell, its worth double the cost in the long run if you ask me........... NOT tring to hurt any feelings here, just a simple fact.

 

[Eric Rose]

For me the DUI setup just looks too.... GM

A DuraSpark I setup looks almost stock. And replacement parts for any part of the system are as close as your nearest parts store

 

[ludwig]

That and it can be salvaged for $20 - $30. Leaves a little breathing room for other upgrades. I got no beef about the GM look. I might even get it.

 

[Lazy JW]

Not to sound foolish, but why mess with those inferior systems when the DUI. is readily available here on fordsix.com?? The DUI is a little more initial cost, but worth every cent. Hell, its worth double the cost in the long run if you ask me........... NOT tring to hurt any feelings here, just a simple fact.

I have never so much as touched a DUI ignition but I do believe it to be a first-class setup.

That said, it uses a GM HEI coil, which is virtually identical to a Ford TFI coil (actually I think Ford copied GM on this one). A DS2 distributor triggering a GM HEI module firing a TFI or HEI coil will not be significantly inferior to the DUI in actual performance due to the fact that the coils are for all practical purposes identical.
Joe

 

[Ecovanner1963]

No need to leave any room in this particular spot, and the MAJOR improvements provided by the DUI, FAR outweigh the initial cost.

 

[burnoutstang]

I see a debate ensuing...

 

[Ecovanner1963]

I don't see a Debate. In order to have a Debate, there needs to be to arguable points, in that manor we don't have a debate. PERFORMANCE & MPG wise, the DUI is Superior, thats a Fact, and I don't think anyone is contesting that. If you are tring to stay with a Era correct look, I understand. However for those who don't like it because it looks to "GM" to them, I say, your missing out on so much just because of looks?????????????????????? Ok?

 

[Lazy JW]

I don't see a Debate. In order to have a Debate, there needs to be to arguable points, in that manor we don't have a debate. PERFORMANCE & MPG wise, the DUI is Superior, thats a Fact, and I don't think anyone is contesting that.....

Gonna be difficult to prove any superiority between identical coils.... :roll:

 

[addo]

I'm a fan of neat little DIY projects like the HEI module installation. For me, that appeal can take precedence over a "packaged" article.

Each to their own, but remember the Forum was founded by enthusiasts making stuff up - rather than buying fancy new parts in a box!

 

[burnoutstang]

And I'm poor. So price is a big deal. But hey, if I had the money and wanted to make the car a little better i definitely understand that the DUI might be better.

 

[Patrick66]

No need to leave any room in this particular spot, and the MAJOR improvements provided by the DUI, FAR outweigh the initial cost.

i guess your experience with the DUI was more than satisfactory, and while that is good to hear, i dont think jumping to conclusions about a products superiority a good idea. at least not until you've considered all the other options and weighed them, unbiased.

the DUI, from what i understand, is a DS2 that has been recurved and fitted with a 'hei style' cap that contains an hei module and coil. so, DUI = ds2 + hei module + TFI coil + recurved for the 200.

DS2 = $50
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=A1C&MfrPartNumber=302690&PartType=218&PTSet=A

HEI module = $20

http://www.partsamerica.com/Product...IE&MfrPartNumber=DR400CS&PartType=194&PTSet=A


Coil = $24

http://www.partsamerica.com/Product...IE&MfrPartNumber=FF179CS&PartType=190&PTSet=A

recurve kit = $5

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=MRG&MfrPartNumber=925D

so, i can get the same system for $100. thats 1/5 of the price, or $385 i can put somewhere else (like a cam and timing set, headers, or put it towards bodywork). i dont doubt that the DUI is a quality piece of equipment, and if i had that kind of money (or if i was building a race car) i might have bought one, but i don't see why when i can have the same thing for 1/5 the price. for $400 i could replace the hei module with an MSD box and still have money left over. The DUI does look nicer though.
on another note, how are 2 pertronices cheaper? the cheapest ive seen is $75, a new module is only $15-20 and small enough easily fit in your glove box.


"PERFORMANCE & MPG wise, the DUI is Superior"

i would be very interested in some results that say the DUI is hands down better than a Duraspark 2, however i dont think there will be any.

 

[wallaka]

I know MRaley posted dyno results where he got about 20 more horsepower with only a switch from DS2 to DUI. Don't feel like searching for it though

 

[Lazy JW]

I know MRaley posted dyno results where he got about 20 more horsepower with only a switch from DS2 to DUI. Don't feel like searching for it though

Was that a stock DS2? If so, it's very believable.

 

[simon]

MRaley has got a highly modified engine, so it was quite predictable it'd respond so well to the custom-tailored DUI swap.

Stabbing a DUI into an otherwise bone stock '62 Falcon, on the other hand, will surely not show such impressive horsepower gains.

@ lazyJW:

according to AzCoupe, the DSII setup used before in MRaley's engine was custom-curved as well, and triggered by an MSD box.

@ wallaka:

here you go: http://www.fordsix.com/forum/viewtopic. ... hlight=dui

 

[Eric Rose]

The DUI seems to be a great package. But like all parts it will only be the best untill something better comes along. Like my dad says theres more'n one way to skin a cat.