ignition system - which duraspark distributor?

[70-DropTop 12]

My long block is assembled, and I'm looking at ignition systems. I've got things narrowed to three distributors...which route do you suggest I go?

 

1. $90+/- for remanufactured 1985 mustang duraspark (cardone or duralast)

2. $155 for remanufactured and custom curved duraspark

http://www.reincarnation-automotive.com/Duraspark_distributor_product_information1.html

3. $265 for davis unified (performance distributors) from summit that's custom curved

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/dui-68720rd/overview/

 

My engine is a '91 roller that's been converted to a carb with a Trick Flow Stage 1 cam. I plan on running a Streetfire box from MSD. Keys - I want vacuum advance and a rev limiter...and it needs a steel gear.

 

Thanks for your thoughts!

[MOCK 302 10]

Pertronics flame thrower

[69gmachine 15]

In my experience the Duraspark II as delivered by Ford is rock solid reliable.

 

However, the cheap rebuilt units from a typical auto parts store replace the pickup and don't stake it properly. If there is any movement, or if the gap isn't set properly, performance will suffer. Even some of the "performance" rebuilders don't do a good job of making sure the pickup is mounted properly.

 

It took me forever to figure out that was the cause of my problem (with a rebuilt unit from a "professional race shop". When I swapped out the guts with one from a used junkyard truck with the 10L reluctor arm, the low speed performance came alive. I had tried swapping to a smaller cam, I replaced the aluminum flywheel with a steel one and neither seemed to help much. After I rebuilt the dizzy myself, it performed brilliantly, and I re-installed the big cam.

 

So, if you get a rebuilt unit, go find an original ford plate with the pickup already mounted to swap out. There's nothing to go bad on them so short of being in a fire, they'll last forever.

 

The other thing I would recommend is adding a second bushing to the bottom to keep it stable. Any machine shop can do this, or just buy one from Davis already done.

Edited March 24, 2014 by 69gmachine

[buening 63]

You may find this website helpful if you need to check things (note there are two pages to it): http://www.reincarnation-automotive.com/Duraspark_distributor_recurve_instructions_index.html

 

I'm running the 10L in mine as well, and was pretty easy to swap out.

[Krazy69GT 10]

I think you should suck it up a little bit and get yourself an MSD distributor. Sure they are expensive but they are 100% reliable and worth it. I believe some do come with vacuum advance as well. I personally run a 351 billet distributor with a Street Fire ignition box with internal rev control which is adjustable too. Oh and the MSD distributors come with the steel gears also. Hope this helped.

[69gmachine 15]

There are several vendors that make good quality ready to drop in billet distributors, but I wanted the stock look. It wasn't really a matter of cost for me.

[70-DropTop 12]

Several things pointed out here I didn't think of, which is why i love this forum. Well, my engine/trans just went back in the car, and I'll be buying my ignition system ASAP.

 

Thanks folks!

[bomccorkle 12]

I have had good luck with the hei units

[fvike 173]

I know we're a few guys on this forum that run the Crane Cams Pro-Curve Billet Distributor. It's both optical and digital, and there is no weights and springs inside it, so it's maintainace free. It's a bit expencive, because you must have the Crane HI-6 ignition box to go with it. However, the quality is bar none. Just rock solid.

http://www.summitracing.com/dom/search/brand/crane-cams/part-type/distributors/product-line/crane-race-billet-distributors/make/ford/engine-size/5-8l-351/engine-family/ford-small-block-windsor?autoview=SKU

http://www.summitracing.com/dom/search/brand/crane-cams/part-type/ignition-boxes/product-line/crane-hi-6-cd-ignitions?autoview=SKU

[Rsanter 152]

Petronics 3 flamethrower

Billet dist

With multispark built in

 

Bob