302 wiring options

[88mudder]

alright, i know a durasparkII igniton system is a popular way to wire a 302. Id like to hear how u all wired yours up for more options. If u have a diagram or pics , post it up! I want the stock temp guage to work tho. The more simple the better. The engine is a carburated 302.

[bottledgt]

easiest way is put a msd box on it and distributor and roll.

[liquidcobra]

I'd second that. Thats the way mine is done. A lot more reliable than the duraspark and easier to hook up. At least thats what I've found.

[projectnitemare]

I've done them both. The MSD is more simple than the Duraspark and a better system. The Duraspark is better than points but not overly complex to hook up. I don't have my book with me at the moment but reguardless you can toss the computer from your truck. Get a manual for 70s-80s fullsize Fords. The wires you need to look out of are the Red with green, Red with blue, green with yellow and there is one more if remember correctly. I used to use a Duraspark when I had stock engine, got rid of it for 2 reasons: I got tired of replacing boxes and wanted a rev limiter.

Matt

[88mudder]

my current distributer wont work?

[projectnitemare]

Which is your current distrubutor? You need a duraspark distributor for a duraspark ignition. A MSD will work with any distributor. I still use a Duraspark distributor.

Matt

[88mudder]

i will prolly run MSD ignition. Would a Mallory igniton work with my current distributer?

[projectnitemare]

An aftermarket ignition system reguardless of brand will work with pretty much any distributor, just wire it up per the instructions.

Matt

[Jrod-13]

MSD is over rated, unless you need a rev limiter.

Some say it's easier to wire, but I really don't know if I agree with that

use a durspark dist, box, and coil(though i would swap it out for a TFI coil), then grab the factory harness for it.
One plug goes into the dist,
one snaps on the coil,
and one goes to the duraspark box.

Then your only left with the other plug off the ignition box.
Red wire goes to keyed power
white wire(it will run without it) goes to power when you are cranking.
The nice thing about the crank wire, is it automaticly retards the timing while cranking, especialy nice if you run alot of base timing. This is something no other entry level ignitions have.

[F150hybred]

MSD does make an "all in one" (minus the coil) distributor for the 5.0/302 called the "Digital E-Curve". I have one in my motor and swear by it. Can't say enough good about it either. http://www.msdignition.com/2006/06-8.htm

[Mutant Pony]

The MSD distributors that have a magnetic pickup use a Ford Duraspark pickup. They do have bearings instead of bushings and are easier to adjust the mechanical curve. Other wise a duraspark distributor is fine.
You could always go with a DUI, One wire hook up. Davis Unified Ignition. I would rather see a chevy distributor on a Ford engine than see a chevy engine in a Ford.

[mudranger]

MSD all the way. What I have found is that when I replaced this part but not that one, I ended up replacing the other part anyway, usually sooner rather than later, and with a hassle, all because i was trying to save a buck.

MSD 6A box + MSD Blaster coil + good wires (msd, ford racing, accell, mallory, etc) + MSD distributor

4 wires to connect and you will never have a problem....

[rangerslim]

MSD is over rated, unless you need a rev limiter.

Some say it's easier to wire, but I really don't know if I agree with that

use a durspark dist, box, and coil(though i would swap it out for a TFI coil), then grab the factory harness for it.
One plug goes into the dist,
one snaps on the coil,
and one goes to the duraspark box.

Then your only left with the other plug off the ignition box.
Red wire goes to keyed power
white wire(it will run without it) goes to power when you are cranking.
The nice thing about the crank wire, is it automaticly retards the timing while cranking, especialy nice if you run alot of base timing. This is something no other entry level ignitions have.

Could someone tell me specifically where to hook up the red wire and white wire up on my 89 ranger? Thanx....