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Duraspark Distributor

pbets756

Contributor
Jr. Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2012
Messages
121
Ok so I am finally about to order a Duraspark II distributor for my stock rebuilt 302. Its a 1976 by the way. Does anyone know if it will come with a cast or steel drive gear? Also I am keeping all the original smog equipment. Should it have single or dual vacuum distributor? My original distributor was replace with a points system by the original owner. thanks Paul
 

broncodriver99

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jan 27, 2008
Messages
4,780
Loc.
Glen Allen, VA
Depends how you order it. It used to be that only the "mid eighties" distros came with the steel gear but so many people swap in later model 5.0s and run aftermarket roller cams in 302 blocks that they can be ordered either way. If it is a straight up factory replacement for a late '70s 302 it should be a cast gear but I would verify before running it.

BTW, just to verify, are you running a stock/flat tappet cam or an aftermarket roller?
 

77BRONKOTN

Sr. Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2001
Messages
364
1985 manual trans 5.0 mustang is a steel gear duraspark. So subtract from here.

I run without a vacuum but have adjusted the weights and dist plate for the advance total and when it comes in.
 
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pbets756

Contributor
Jr. Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2012
Messages
121
From what I can find googling the stock 1976 302 it appears that it had a single vacuum coming from the distributor. thanks Paul
 

Alpacket

Full Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2012
Messages
241
I have a stock distributor out of a 1976 California Bronco that is the correct "dual vacuum" you can have if you pay shipping. It's in good working order, or was when I pulled it a year ago.

It doesn't actually have two vacuum advance modules but is calibrated to run with the dual vacuum system integrated in the EGR/air pump stuff. Won't work right without it.
 
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pbets756

Contributor
Jr. Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2012
Messages
121
Alpacket thanks for that generous offer! I wish I could determine if mine had the single or dual vacuum distributor. Mine is a 1976 Iowa vehicle and from what I can gather from googling the California may have had the dual vacuum in 1976 do to more stringent emissions than other states which may have used the single vacuum. Not completely sure on that yet. If anyone has a non california stock 1976 302 with the original distributor and could you check for me. Mine does have all the original emissions which I plan to keep completely stock. thanks Paul
 

Alpacket

Full Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2012
Messages
241
Alpacket thanks for that generous offer! I wish I could determine if mine had the single or dual vacuum distributor. Mine is a 1976 Iowa vehicle and from what I can gather from googling the California may have had the dual vacuum in 1976 do to more stringent emissions than other states which may have used the single vacuum. Not completely sure on that yet. If anyone has a non california stock 1976 302 with the original distributor and could you check for me. Mine does have all the original emissions which I plan to keep completely stock. thanks Paul



My understanding is, if you've got the smog pump, you need the dual vacuum distributor. But, admittedly, my understanding is limited.
 
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