In the rabbit hole

[FORD*DIEHARD]

As the title says (I'm in the rabbit hole) looking for the advice of those that have been there before/are there now to help myself and maybe someone else.

So I have other current threads, quick rundown;

I am going to be removing my intake manifold on my pretty stock 302, and will be replacing to install a Rochester qjet. While researching changing out the manifold it was recommended to remove the distributor to make the installation of the new intake manifold easier. So while seeing/hearing stories of issues removing the distributor its definently not something I want to do more than once if I can help it. I have ready asked about switching from (points) to the (pertronix electronic ignition system) with the upgraded coil (roughly $160 for both). Mixed reviews either way, is there a "better" option more permanent reliable replacement? Like a hole new distributor, which one would be recommended and what other parts do you need to upgrade at the same time?


I have added photos of my current setup. If more photos are needed, please let me know. I am on a budget so if it is a big price jump I might have to stay with what I already mentioned but if the price difference isn't too much more and get a "better" more reliable system it might be worth it.

*I say "better" because I know parts nowadays is nothing like they were and have received "new" parts not work out of the box.

Thank you in advance for your time/help,

Sonny

 

[DirtDonk]

First of all, clean that thing up before you work on it!
Maybe you already have, but cleanliness is your biggest friend at this point when you start opening up the engine.
So just a heads up on that in case you aren’t experienced with working on things like this. I get the impression you have done things like this before. Just not often.
Next, you already have a Duraspark module on the fender, so open up the distributor cap and see what’s inside. You may not be able to convert to a pertronix if you don’t have points.
Have you already double checked that?

 

[FORD*DIEHARD]

I knew I should have cleaned her up before taking the photos, had her out for a run and have had a chance to clean her up yet, but yes, I will clean before any work. Here are photos of what's under the cap.

 

[SteveL]

Far better and more reliable is an hei set up from performance distributors. All inclusive set up with only one power required (2 wires if you run a tach). Really cleans up the under hood wiring and less chance of issues in the water. With that said don't buy a cheap hei unit. The cheap ones are crap.

 

[Lawndart]

Well, I probably have over 300,000 miles on "old" Fords. I have changed points/condenser twice.
I have nearly 100,000 (prior to the 37k from original owner) on my Bronco with original 302 and I have changed points/condenser - once (and just for maintenance, no failure).
Starts in an instant; runs wonderfully, no mystery.

 

[FORD*DIEHARD]

So I do already have an electronic system.....Again as you can tell, I don't know much...hei will work with a stock 302 carburetor engine? If I were to look up what to get, do you know the part numbers, item description of what I would need to get?

If I do switch to an hei system , do I remove the "duraspark" box currently I stalled? If so what do you do with those wires?

Thank you in advance for your time/help,

Sonny

 

[SteveL]

Hei gets rid of all the excess crap. Just call performance distributors or davis unified ignition (same company). They will ask some questions about your rig and set one up for your needs. With a 351w you need to cut a piece out of the hood brace unless you have a body lift. I think it clears with a 302 but check on here first. If you have an aftermarket hood or scoop it's a non-issue

 

[DirtDonk]

Yep, basically a one wire hookup if no tach. Pretty much the easiest on the market.
But the big cap is still a turn-off for Broncos sometimes.
And DUI/Performance Distributors doesn’t fall into the cheap is expensive category I mentioned.

 

[SteveL]

Yep, basically a one wire hookup if no tach. Pretty much the easiest on the market.
But the big cap is still a turn-off for Broncos sometimes.
And DUI/Performance Distributors doesn’t fall into the cheap is expensive category I mentioned.

We all know what cheap gets you.

 

[FORD*DIEHARD]

Oh I am a TRUE BELIEVER in "NOTHING CHEAP IS GOOD AND NOTHING GOOD IS CHEAP"!

 

[gr8scott]

I had a DUI at one point. When it came time for a new cap, I got a clear one.

 

[bmc69]

I'm in the "keep the Duraspark" camp....its a very good ignition system. Its stunningly reliable as long as you use OEM Motorcraft or Standard Ignition Blue Streak components and not the chinese crap sold in most autoparts stores.

Most of the engines I've converted from point ignition have Mallory Unilite distributors. The others have a Petronix conversion kit.