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    #1

    New vs. Old Style Duraspark

    Okay, when I switch from teh VV carb to the 4 bbl next summer, I want to keep teh Duraspark ignition, since it's obviously the easiest, simplest route.

    BUT

    This is the newer style Duraspark ignition module, where the computer that controls the carburetor also controls the ignition timing.

    What I'm wondering is, would I be better off keeping the newer style Duraspark system and all the mess of wiring all over the engine that's associated with it for the various sensors and junk, or would I be better off converting to the old style Duraspark that involves nothing more than the dizzy, the box, and the coil?

    On the non-computer controlled system, what controls the timing? Just the vacuum/centrifugal advance? In that system, then, is the only function of the box to watch for the signal from the hall effect switch and then send voltage to the coil?

    I'm not going for all out performance, here--it's just a mild build with some decent performance.

    Thanks, guys!

    --Nathan

    2001 Ford Crown Victoria P71 - "The Fire Engine"
    1985 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series
    But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
    Tags: None
    #2
    Yeah, the advance is all mechanical, all the box does is work the spark stuff.
    Pebbles-1968 Ford F250
    Pile of Junk! An Electronics Project Site (To get wet by)<---Clicky! NEW STUFF!!!!

    Comment

      #3
      The older certainly sounds simopler. If you can buy it right, then go for it. Otherwise, stick with what you have.
      **1976 Ford F-150 4WD: 360, 4 spd, 3.50s, factory A/C, 4" lift, Bilsteins, US Indy Mags, 35s Cruiser​
      **2004 F-150 XLT 4WD RCLB: 4.6/ 4R70, 3.55, 90K Daily Driver​
      **2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302: 5.0/ 6 spd/ 3.73s, 20K Cruiser
      **2012 Harley Davidson Wide Glide (FXDWG):103/ Cobra Speedsters/ Cosmetics, 9K Poseur HD Rider

      Comment

        #4
        Originally posted by Nathan in MN View Post
        Okay, when I switch from teh VV carb to the 4 bbl next summer, I want to keep teh Duraspark ignition, since it's obviously the easiest, simplest route.

        BUT

        This is the newer style Duraspark ignition module, where the computer that controls the carburetor also controls the ignition timing.

        What I'm wondering is, would I be better off keeping the newer style Duraspark system and all the mess of wiring all over the engine that's associated with it for the various sensors and junk, or would I be better off converting to the old style Duraspark that involves nothing more than the dizzy, the box, and the coil?

        On the non-computer controlled system, what controls the timing? Just the vacuum/centrifugal advance? In that system, then, is the only function of the box to watch for the signal from the hall effect switch and then send voltage to the coil?
        You have 2 modules. Ditch the one with all of the wires and just keep the Duraspark Module. Swap it out for a "blue" module and you are in business. Here is a representative pic of your 2 modules. The lower one with just 2 plugs is the Duraspark module.
        You should already have a normal Duraspark distributor with vacuum advance.
        Attached Files

        Comment

          #5
          Yeah, I know which one is which. The Duraspark box has a big sticker that says "Duraspark--tested tough" on it lol

          What do you mean by the "blue" module? Is that the one with two connectors coming out of it rather than three?

          And would that be a better option than having the computer try to control the ignition without a carburetor to control at the same time?

          2001 Ford Crown Victoria P71 - "The Fire Engine"
          1985 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series
          But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

          Comment

            #6
            The blue one has the blue stress relief strap on the underside.
            Pebbles-1968 Ford F250
            Pile of Junk! An Electronics Project Site (To get wet by)<---Clicky! NEW STUFF!!!!

            Comment

              #7
              Without the VV, the MCU isn't going to do much. No idea what it would try and do to the timing if the VV wasn't there. Probably best to just swap the Dspark box out for one without the MCU inputs and can all the MCU/emissions wiring for simplicity. It won't work anyway.
              86 Lincoln Town Car (Galactica).
              5.0 HO, CompCams XE258,Scorpion 1.72 roller rockers, 3.55 K code rear, tow package, BHPerformance ported E7 heads, Tmoss Explorer intake, 65mm throttle body, Hedman 1 5/8" headers, 2.5" dual exhaust, ASP underdrive pulley

              91 Lincoln Mark VII LSC grandpa spec white and cranberry

              1984 Lincoln Continental TurboDiesel - rolls coal

              Originally posted by phayzer5
              I drive a Lincoln. I can't be bothered to shift like the peasants and rabble rousers

              Everything looks like voodoo if you don't understand how it works

              Comment

                #8
                Can I buy a Duraspark box at Napa, or do I have to hunt one down in a boneyard?

                2001 Ford Crown Victoria P71 - "The Fire Engine"
                1985 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series
                But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

                Comment

                  #9
                  Originally posted by Nathan in MN View Post
                  Yeah, I know which one is which. The Duraspark box has a big sticker that says "Duraspark--tested tough" on it lol

                  What do you mean by the "blue" module? Is that the one with two connectors coming out of it rather than three?

                  And would that be a better option than having the computer try to control the ignition without a carburetor to control at the same time?

                  Yes, that is the best option. The squarish plastic piece on the duraspark modules come in different colors. Brown is usually Duraspark III and Blue is the "normal" Duraspark II

                  A used on is fine, just bring it into Autozone to have it tested.

                  Comment

                    #10
                    So what year of vehicles, and which vehicles, can I source that from?

                    2001 Ford Crown Victoria P71 - "The Fire Engine"
                    1985 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series
                    But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

                    Comment

                      #11
                      V8 cars and trucks 70 and 80s.

                      Comment

                        #12
                        But when did the computer controlled VV carb come in? I'm assuming that'd be teh cutoff year.

                        2001 Ford Crown Victoria P71 - "The Fire Engine"
                        1985 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series
                        But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

                        Comment

                          #13
                          Not even close. Ford tried the VV 1 year in the California V8 Mustangs w/AODs and an odd year in civilian Crown Vic/Grand Marquis they may have even been in the trucks for a year. 4V Carbs continued on in Mustangs until the switch to EFI in 1986. 460 trucks and 351W F250 kept a 4V until 1988.

                          Comment

                            #14
                            So if I just ask for a box for an '88 3/4 ton Ford with a 351W, they'll give me what I need?

                            2001 Ford Crown Victoria P71 - "The Fire Engine"
                            1985 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series
                            But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

                            Comment

                              #15
                              88 is possibly EFI. I know for a fact an 87 F250 with a 351w is a 4bbl carb w/ dspark vehicle. No computer control on it either.
                              86 Lincoln Town Car (Galactica).
                              5.0 HO, CompCams XE258,Scorpion 1.72 roller rockers, 3.55 K code rear, tow package, BHPerformance ported E7 heads, Tmoss Explorer intake, 65mm throttle body, Hedman 1 5/8" headers, 2.5" dual exhaust, ASP underdrive pulley

                              91 Lincoln Mark VII LSC grandpa spec white and cranberry

                              1984 Lincoln Continental TurboDiesel - rolls coal

                              Originally posted by phayzer5
                              I drive a Lincoln. I can't be bothered to shift like the peasants and rabble rousers

                              Everything looks like voodoo if you don't understand how it works

                              Comment

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