Duraspark install

[abyars]

I finally installed the Duraspark distributor that Faron Rhoads rebuilt and recurved for my truck's 390.  It runs much better now, it starts great.  Faron did a good job on the rebuild and the recurve seems just right.  I have a camping trip coming up soon so I'll really put it to the test on a couple of big hills.

[Qikbbstang]

I see you have a 70 truck which obviously never had a Duraspark  Ign Sys. How did you wire the module circuit into the formerly points dist wiring system. Is there drawings on wiring conversion?

[drdano]

The wiring is a piece of cake, there are diagrams out on the internet for it.  Here is a thread on the topic with a "red-grommit" duraspark unit:  http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/galaxie-pages/504320-conversion-electronic-ignition-input-please.html

[abyars]

I spliced the +12v to a wire on the back of the ign. switch.  This wire was in the same place as my coil's resistance wire.  On some vehicles there is a non'resitance wire for a length but not mine.  Just splice the +12v to a source that's hot during start & run.  I used a stock style coil and kept the coil's resistance wire in place.

drdano posted a good soure.  My wiring matches this diagram.  http://webpages.charter.net/1bad6t/duraspark.html

I used the blue grommet module.  This is for 1976 and up non-high altitude.

I ordered some factory style connectors and someday plan to eliminate the resistance wire and rewire my ign. switch connector with a #14 wire out to the engine bay and run a performance coil.  Some folks do this with a relay.  I just figure the resistance wire will fail eventually.

[sanddoc]

Hi
 I just signed up for this sight, I'm buying a 390 tomorrow I hope...
about the duraspark, what we the 70's ford guys are doing is using the
(gm engine modual) to replace the Ford box... very clean install,
http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203358
best
If you go this route, be sure to buy a GOOD modual.. original GM or Standard,
Wells, watch out for the Chinese crap

[drdano]

What benefits do you have in swapping from a Duraspark to a GM HEI setup?  Just the clean look of not having the Duraspark box?

[fe66comet]

Really it is the same type of breaker  less system, just the modual is remote. Dependability wise I think the GM HEI cap has a lot to be desired with the coil in cap design, otherwise about the same. You are right about the cleaner look, the gm setup is just one wire to operate VS the gaggle of wires to run the Ford setup on the fender or firewall.

[sanddoc]

there is nothing wrong with the operation of the duraspark control module
until it die's. Here in Calif for 2 years at least it calls for a "red" relief block
not, blue, brown. I'm no GM fan but since my car's are pre-smog, the 62 Ford
and the 74 Dart, I went to the simple gm module, 4 wires done. This is not
a module in the roto-cap, I placed my on the fender well in the Dart and
under the Dist on my Cleveland. One guy has it attached to the underside
of the Chrysler Dist, there are mounting holes there. I don't like that because
you then need to remove the Dist to get the module out. 
and you can keep a spare very easily since the unit is so small.
  here in Calif you car back to 75 is subject to smog laws, which is the most
stupid law there is. I won't go into all the "crap" this state does.
Hey this is just my opinion. and I have a "red" duraspark box for sale if anyone
needs one... $$$  I've never even seen one in the wrecking yard...(red relief)

[drdano]

I'd be interested in that spare red grommet box, send me a PM with details. 

[abyars]

The GM module is a good unit.  I had all the Duraspark wiring harness so it was an easy swap.  I just had to provide 12v power to one wire.  I have an extra GM module for another vehicle.  I may swap it in place of the Duraspark some day for kicks.  I keep a spare Duraspark module with me just in case.

[FirstEliminator]

     Duraspark is my prefered distributor to run. Easy to work on, parts are available. Worried about the module failing? Just run an MSD 6AL.
     There is nothing uglier than an overbearing, mammouth, merry-go-round of a GM HEI on a Ford engine.

   Mark
 Berkshire Transmissions
North Adams, Massachusetts