Duraspark Conversion

[68rookie]

Thinking about converting over. Question is, does it matter from what vehicle I get the setup from or can I just scavenge one off of any vehicle that has this setup?

[tsherry]

I haven't done one on a Bump, but have done two Falcons, one with a 240-6 (van) and a sedan with a 200-6. The donors, respectively, were a 300-6 (late 70's Ford Van, Duraspark 2) and a Fairmont, also with a 200-6. I just decided it'd be less taxing mentally to try to find more-or-less matching engine families. I did put a Pertronix in my '67 F-250, which now has a 390. Money well spent--all of the electronic conversions I've done have been fantastic. (Even did my Ford 8N).

[68rookie]

I appreciate your input, I've considered just doing the Pertronix but have read mixed reviews so just a little hesitant.

[sargentrs]

You can use any of the ignition boxes (w/ blue grommet) and wiring harnesses from any mid/late 70s car/truck/van but your choices will be limited in finding a 390 distributor. The 390 was phased out around '76 but was still used in U-Haul trucks up until '78. Fortunately you can still get 390 Duraspark distributors aftermarket. I'll take a Duraspark over a Pertronix every time. I replaced 2 Pertronix units in my '64 Fairlane in a 3 month period. Never again!

[davelj]

You can convert the 390 distributor to Duraspark using components from a 302 distributor.Remove the reluctor, pickup plate, and upper shaft and transfer them over. It is a bolt-in except that you will need to cut the hole where the points wire goes through the housing into a slot for the wires for the pickup. Even the vacuum advance hooks right up.

You can keep the small diameter cap, rotor and wires if they are in good shape. If they are questionable and you want the larger setup, then use the cap adapter, large cap, and rotor and pop them in place. It all swaps.

If you swap to the large cap, you will need a new set of wires to match the different style posts.

[sargentrs]

Thanks for that tip, dave!

[jamesdfo]

The last year (or two) of FE's in Ford trucks came with Duraspark, so if you can find one in a yard, your golden, if not, you should be able to get a distributor from a parts store.......

[My427stang]

PM me if you'd like.

I have a decent one with two new boxes, and a mild recurve in it, can even label the wires on how to connect. I don't think I will reuse it, I just swapped my FE over to Edelbrock Pro-flo 4 EFI

I also have a bolt on Pertronix Flamethrower that a customer didn't use, I can likely flip cheap

[68rookie]

Sorry, I haven't been on in awhile but I do appreciate your response and offer. I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet, but I think I'm gonna do a rebuild.

[basketcase0302]

Another vote for Petronix, (from someone who ran Duraspark for over 20 years).
Why? Because when the Duraspark ignition box fries and your on the side of the road you'll be glad you did!
Finding a replacement Duraspark box at 2 AM might prove tough.

But...yanking the Petronix module out and throwing the points back into the dizzy on the side of the road, (the set of points you carry in the glove box) will get you down the road in 15 minutes of work.