Duraspark II retrofit in 70

[jerry]

https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threads/pertronix-510-digital-hp-ignition-question.326308/

If you want to read about the trouble I'm having with the Pertronix 510C kit. Well, kits, I'm on ignition box #2 and still having problems.

The more I mess with this, the more I think that I just should go Duraspark II.

I ordered a Painless Duraspark 2 wiring harness (#30813) and Standard Motor Products LX-203 (blue strain relief). My really simple question (without having seen how long the wiring is in the Painless kit): should.i mount the ignition control module on the fender, firewall, or goes it matter since it's potted?

 

[toddz69]

https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threads/pertronix-510-digital-hp-ignition-question.326308/

If you want to read about the trouble I'm having with the Pertronix 510C kit. Well, kits, I'm on ignition box #2 and still having problems.

The more I mess with this, the more I think that I just should go Duraspark II.

I ordered a Painless Duraspark 2 wiring harness (#30813) and Standard Motor Products LX-203 (blue strain relief). My really simple question (without having seen how long the wiring is in the Painless kit): should.i mount the ignition control module on the fender, firewall, or goes it matter since it's potted?

I don't think it really matters. I ran Duraspark for about 4 years on my truck back in the '90s and I laid it flat on the inner fender without issue. Many of the stock installs had them flat on the fenders as well.

Todd Z.

 

[jerry]

I could see an argument for having the connector pointing downwards, just in case...
And, of course, I can always extend the harness if need be. But appreciate your insight, thank you Todd!

 

[Oldtimer]

Been running Duraspark II in my 68 for 30+ years, no problem.
Mounted flat on inner fender.
Connectors are loose, wires are potted into base of module, I don't think it matters how it is oriented.

 

[jerry]

Been running Duraspark II in my 68 for 30+ years, no problem.
Mounted flat on inner fender.
Connectors are loose, wires are potted into base of module, I don't think it matters how it is oriented.

View attachment 942110

That's solid evidence to me. Thank you!

Sent from my Pixel 6a using Tapatalk

 

[DirtDonk]

Factory mounted it on the wheel well for a reason. It’s generally a cooler area than most under the hood.
You definitely want it to be as cool as possible. Potting or not.

I remember testing different areas of the engine compartment before installing the Dura Spark setup on my ‘71. Testing over time with my daily driving and found that the wheel well top, and especially the driver side front face, were two of the coolest areas in the compartment.
I think the firewall over the wheel well, basically where you see the ground between the firewall and the fender, is also a cool spot.
That was a long time ago, though, so I don’t remember the exact results. I just remember being a little surprised at how much cooler it was than some of the surrounding areas.
Mounted mine on the downward front face.

 

[.94 OR]

I tried Pertronix with no luck. Kept crapping out on me.
Went to the FiTech and had some seriously erroneous tach readings while the engine ran smooth low idle with points.
Put a Duraspark setup in it and the tach readings cleared up on the FiTech display. Runs good now.

 

[ntsqd]

The only module that I might rate better than a blue strain relief D-S II module is an OEM GM HEI module IF it is bedded on the required heat-sink using a thermal grease. None of the aftermarket ignitions come close in reliability. None.

New D-S II modules (& new HEI modules too, for that matter) seem to be hit or miss. If you have weirdness or trouble with your new module, go to a junk yard and pull a module that has clearly been there since that donor was born. It will very likely work fine. Even if it is covered in stuff that makes you wish for some thick rubber gloves.......