Fitech timing control question

[Capt.junk&crap]

My buddy has a booth at the local swap meet and took a bunch of my junk off to sell for me. One thing he took off was my FAST EZ EFI that never worked all that great for me (partly my fault, to be honest). I have narrowed it down to getting a Fitech system with my proceeds from the sale. My problem is that I bought a new Pertronix 3 distributor and coil that won't work with the Fitech timing control and I can't return it.

So, my question is, is the timing control that valuable as an option that I should save the Pertronix for my next build and buy a distributor that works or just run the Pertronix and wait and see if it's ok. I could save $200 and buy a Fitech system that doesn't have timing control.

If anyone lives in the Northeast Tennessee/Southwest Virginia area, they could get some good deals on some sweet Smittybuilt tube bumpers and some other Bronco stuff I don't want any more a the Gray Swap Meet next weekend!

Thanks!

 

[rguest3]

The timing control on the FiTech is a nice feature, but not mandatory at all. If you have a mostly stock 302 in your Bronco, then use the Pertronix and get the 400HP Street version of the FiTech. It's a fairly easy install, add the fuel system and save a couple bucks.

 

[bmc69]

Good advice. I really needed to use the ECM timing control feature on the built 408 in my '69 but never got around to changing the distributor. A mostly stock engine would be fine without it.

The Holley HP system I'm setting up now won't use the timing control because I simply cannot find a distributor that has that feature for the engine I'm working on...I'll have to play with the springs and stops in the Mallory and set up the advance the old fashioned way.

 

[ChrisC74]

I started without timing on a stock explorer 5.0 and then added timing. I have not seen much of any difference . It runs good with both.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Broncobowsher]

The new distributor you have now probably has a nice advance curve in it. Not dealing with a wacky emissions curve. For you, and what you already have, save the $200. I don't see the gain.

But if you were using a distributor with an emissions curve, lock it and get the upgraded EFI with timing control.

 

[JR.BONNER]

So not to rob the post. But I'm up in the air with this whole fitech...which distributor question.
Building a mild 351w so I went with the 600hp rated fitech. Now decision time on distributor. Fitech seams to really lean towards recommending MSD??. I like the simplicity of the ready to run but I don't like how big and bulky it is. Can I run a pro billet and then control IGN. timing through the fitech? Is it really that easy or do I still have to get ignition box if I go that route. Mainly a street rig not a race car, but do want ease of use and optimum running engine. Thanks

 

[73azbronco]

Jr, call them but i would say any dizzy would work with any tbi.

 

[76 bronco J]

>>> another route to avoid using any distributor.... been thinkin' of trying the Megajolt system that uses the Ford EDIS modules for a long time.... it will run the 4,6 & 8 cylinder EDIS modules found in lots of 90's Ford vehicles.... alot of us already have a head start with the explorer 5.0 dampner/balancer,36-1 trigger wheel & crank sensor in place from using the belt system...https://www.autosportlabs.com/product/megajolte/ >>​

 

[DirtDonk]

Fitech seams to really lean towards recommending MSD??

I'm just guessing, but it's likely that it's because that's what they know the most about. And have used the most in testing.
Not that others won't work, but that they have tried the MSD products.

I'm not as familiar with them as I should be, but as long as they have an easy way to lock out the mechanical timing weights, and have only two trigger wires (remember FiTech calls for a "2-wire" distributor) it should work.
The RTR distributors have a lot more than 2 wires, but if you can tap into just two for the trigger (and not power and such for the internal module) then it might work.

But the Pro-Billet dizzies require an additional module to work.
This is where I'd agree with 73az and call them on this.

I like the simplicity of the ready to run but I don't like how big and bulky it is.

Which one are you talking about? Lots of the Ready To Run distributors (like this: https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/produ...stributor-289-302/Bronco_Performance_Ignition) are small and compact just like many of the others.

Can I run a pro billet and then control IGN. timing through the fitech?
Is it really that easy or do I still have to get ignition box if I go that route.

 

[rguest3]

If we are just talking about the Ready-to-Run or Pro-Billet type MSD.

The 400HP version Fitech without the Timing Control Option does require a Ready-to-Run or Pro-Billet with an MSD Box.

The 600HP version FiTech With Timing Control can use a Pro-Billet plugged directly to the Fitech WITHOUT an MSD Box. OR, Pro-Billet WITH Box. The Timing on the Distributor has to be Locked-Out.

 

[bronkenn]

I am going through this right now. Went to Jegs yesterday to pick everything up and the guys there didn't know a whole lot about it. One guy was a Ford guy and said to get a Duraspark and an MSD plug and it will work fine. The other guys were all Chevy guys and weren't much help. Went ahead and picked up the 600 Fitech and looked through their instructions and it shows using a 2 wire dizzy with magnetic pickup, no vac advance, and to lock out the mechanical advance. Looks pretty easy as you don't need a cd box, just run the wire to the efi unit and a few initial steps with the hand held controller and the unit runs everything. Basically as rguest has posted. Ken

 

[DirtDonk]

...The 400HP version Fitech without the Timing Control Option does require a Ready-to-Run or Pro-Billet with an MSD Box.

Did you mean to add a "not" to that last sentence?
Since the 400 does not care what ignition you use, I'm assuming you meant "...does NOT require a..."

Paul

 

[rguest3]

The FiTech 400HP version needs some type of ignition Module in the Distributor or an Ignition Box.

Per Instruction Manual Directions:

MSD - Ready-To-Run or 2-Wire with MSD Box can be installed.

HEI has a module and can run on it's own just hook up FiTech Tach Signal wire to HEI Tach Output.

Duraspark works too - You will need the whole system not just the Distributor. Hook up the FiTech Tach signal wire to the coil neg. This is the most stealth install on the Early Bronco with Duraspark and the easiest since everything is mostly installed.


The FiTech 600HP version WITH Timing Control being used.

MSD 2-Wire Mechanical Advance Distributor (MSD 8582 for 302) - Connect Directly to FiTech with NO adaptors needed. Lock-Out the Mechanical Advance on distributor. (Phasable Rotor Can be used as well) Very clean install. No MSD Ignition Box required, but can be used if you want to.

HEI - Cannot be used WITH Timing Control

Duraspark - There is an MSD Adaptor, but I am not sure if you can Lock-out the Duraspark Distributor for use with timing control???

 

[DirtDonk]

Interesting. Guess if I'm going to comment on them then I need to re-read the instructions and re-read them again. I can't figure out why an EFI that is not controlling the timing cares what type of distributor you have. As long as you have a compatible tach signal, it should work.
And I'm not sure what is, or is not compatible about the tach signals. I'll check it out.

Thanks for the added detail.

Paul

 

[rguest3]

Both systems have the Wiring Diagrams in the last few pages of their Instruction Manuals. The 600HP version just adds additional Ignition options with Timing Control or without.