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HEI or Motorcraft Electronic distributor |
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Jay68SST
AMC Apprentice Joined: May/23/2016 Location: Arcadia, KS Status: Offline Points: 189 |
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Posted: Sep/20/2017 at 11:14am |
Dilemma...Have an original Motorcraft electronic distributor that I would like to use, but I also have an after-market single wire HEI distributor that I can use. I like the simpleness of the HEI but it is so big and bulky, where as the original Motorcraft distributor looks and fits just perfect. I know I would have to install the associated electronics with it (going in a 68 Javelin). I have all the wiring for the Motorcraft, but unfortunately I do not know the wiring setup to install, and a couple of wire have been eaten by pack rats.
So, I guess my question is...how good are the Motorcraft distributors or should I just go for function over looks and use the single wire HEI and just change the gear from the original Motorcraft? |
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304-dude
AMC Addicted Joined: Sep/29/2008 Location: Central Illinoi Status: Offline Points: 9082 |
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There are a few who run the Motorcraft distributor. They are about the same, but... then you would be bulking it up by adding a HEI style cap. It requires a few add ons but once done you have pretty much a HEI system.
That can be done at a later time, for performance use. |
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71 Javelin SST body
390 69 crank, 70 block & heads NASCAR SB2 rods & pistons 78 Jeep TH400 w/ 2.76 Low 50/50 Ford-AMC Suspension 79 F150 rear & 8.8 axles Ford Racing 3.25 gears & 9" /w Detroit locker |
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DaemonForce
AMC Addicted Joined: Jul/05/2012 Location: Olympia, WA Status: Offline Points: 1070 |
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These are the kind of questions that I can never answer so I just go with an MSD unit. This is especially the case with the V8 seeing how there's really no better alternatives for these engines.
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1971 Javelin SST
American 304 2v | FMX | AM20-3.31 1983 American Limited Jeep 4(.7)L S-MPFI | 1982 NWC T-5M (4.03/.76) | Dana30IFS/35-2.72 |
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AMXRWB
AMC Addicted Joined: Apr/25/2013 Location: Midwest Status: Offline Points: 1154 |
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If I had the choice I would run the HEI style.
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Lyle
AMC Addicted Joined: Jul/17/2014 Location: None Status: Offline Points: 772 |
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Have run both and currently have the MSD6 with the Motorcraft. My opinion is this combo works better then the HEI only by the variety of mechanical advance spring and curve options to suit your specific needs. The MSD box does all the work when you change the mechanical end of the distributor.
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farna
Supporter of TheAMCForum Moderator Lost Dealership Project Joined: Jul/08/2007 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 19686 |
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It's really just whichever you prefer. The HEI is bulky with the coil in the cap. The Duraspark with the TFI upgrade uses a large diameter cap, but no coil in cap makes it less bulky than the HEI. Both work well, even for performance use. The Duraspark ignition module isn't very reliable though, or I should say the aftermarket replacements currently available aren't. Ford hasn't used it since the 80s, and they quickly stopped making replacements, letting the aftermarket take over. Many use the GM HEI module with the Duraspark system, hiding it inside a Duraspark module housing (http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/ignition-articles/492810-tricky-trick-hei-module-inside-duraspark-case.html). That article shows rudimentary wiring also. You don't have to use the TFI upgrade with the larger cap and higher energy coil if you want to keep it stock looking. I'd use the GM module anyway.
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Frank Swygert
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Jay68SST
AMC Apprentice Joined: May/23/2016 Location: Arcadia, KS Status: Offline Points: 189 |
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Bit the bullet and decided to go the easy way, going with the HEI. I did changed the dizzy gear. I installed the original one from the
motor craft distributor. I did have to work the shaft a little, .005 larger, some emory cloth and a file solved the problem. |
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texasamx
AMC Apprentice Joined: Apr/07/2010 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 56 |
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I think you made the right decision. it's simple and lots of spark.
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texasamx
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