Distributor Upgrade

Discussion in 'Technical' started by Mlover, Dec 2, 2019.

  1. Mlover

    Mlover Member

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    Hello Maverick/ Comet community,

    For my next project I will upgrade the distributor / coil on my 1974 Maverick with a 250 6inline. I wanted confirmation I will be doing this correctly and hopefully get some input/recommendations.

    I intend to buy this HEI distributor from eBay and connect it to a 4 Pin module. Which 4 pin module would be compatible?

    On another post I saw this diagram. Do I simply mount the 4 pin module to the engine bay (in a cool area) and connect everything to it? It seems really easily and fairly inexpensive so I am not sure if I am missing something?

    Is there something else I will need for this project like wires or adapters? Currently I know I need to purchase the distributor, coil, and a module. Thanks in advance for any input.
     

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  2. rthomas771

    rthomas771 Member

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    Duraspark would be a better choice. Coil in cap is a bad design
     
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  3. RMiller

    RMiller My name is Rick

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    The distributor you have in the first picture will have an integral module and coil and is a single wire connection unless you have a tach then there are two wires. Your other picture seems to show an alternative to using Fords ignition module with a duraspark distributor.
     
  4. Mlover

    Mlover Member

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    Appreciate the help! Any idea where at can get a duraspark ii? Can’t seem to find it on eBay or amazon. Can I take it off another car? If so, which fords can I take it off of? Thanks.
     
  5. Mlover

    Mlover Member

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    Would this be compatible with the 250?
     

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  6. BBMS18

    BBMS18 Member

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  7. rthomas771

    rthomas771 Member

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    That is for a 351 V8. you need one for a 6 cylinder. Your local part store should have one in stock or if you're set on buying online try Rock Auto. You will need the ignition box to go with the distributor along with the wiring harness
     
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  8. Mlover

    Mlover Member

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    Thank you for the help. I was unaware I could pick one up easily at a local parts store. Will be buying one tomorrow!

    1. I was going to pair it with this module, would that work?

    2. Is this the type of wiring harness I need? Is this fairly priced or could I find something for a little less?
     

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  9. Hotrock

    Hotrock Rick, an MCCI Member Supporting Member

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  10. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    Why don't you just install a Pertronix electronic conversion in present dist? Probably the easiest, comes with instructions etc.

    While I think the HEI dist is butt ugly, AFAIK issues/deficiencies with coil in cap were addressed years ago.. Main concern with the ebay unit is it a quality part, or offshore junk?

    Additionally on a stock 6cyl, I doubt you'll gain enough fuel milage, performance increase, etc to even be noticable.
     
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  11. Shorty

    Shorty Member

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    I installed a Pertronix in the stock distributor of the stock engine when I first got the car and it was awesome. It helped starting, running and gave the engine more "pep".

    Bruce
     
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  12. Mlover

    Mlover Member

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    Thanks for the input. Dumb question, if I decide to go with the Pertronix on the stock distributor, I was going to still upgrade the coil and spark plug wires (7 or 8mm?) . Do I need anything else? Would the Pertronix require a module or a harness?

    Any other tips if I decide to go the Pertronix route? I would eventually like to upgrade my 250 given that it is no longer my daily. Currently the only small upgrades it has are headers and a 1 wire alt. I intended to upgrade the cam/carb/manifold down the line.
     
  13. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    The pertronix is a complete ignition system, only requires a couple electrical connections.

    Manifold is part of head, upgrading requires porting or using a later(I believe '77) head.
     
  14. fullcm

    fullcm Doug

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    I put a Pertronix on my '74/250 and it was super easy and runs great. I also added the recommended upgraded coil and just a new set of stock spark plugs and wires. I did open up the spark plug gap slightly as recommended.
     
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  15. fullcm

    fullcm Doug

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    I saw somewhere that now there is an aluminum intake manifold for the 250 available. Supposedly has smoother and redesigned ports for more even distribution.
     

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