1985 Bronco 2 Duraspark Distributor with HEI Conversion

[ford4wd08]

Hi all, I am going to convert my 85 2.8L to the duraspark distributor with the GM HEI set up.

I'm just making this thread for reference and to have part numbers handy.

The distributor I will most likely go with this one:

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/cardone-distributor-electronic-w-o-module-domestic-reman-30-2691/5630517-P?navigationPath=L1*14923|L2*15034|L3*16062

For the cap adapter this one:

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/bwd-distributor-cap-adapter-c193a/20170295-P?searchTerm=distributor+caps+&+adapters

For the cap itself I would use this one:

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/bwd-distributor-cap-c193/18200064-P?searchTerm=distributor+cap

Distributor Rotor:

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/bwd-distributor-rotor-d219/18200126-P?searchTerm=distributor+rotor


This is where I would deviate slightly from the Tech Article, I would like to keep my stock "square" TFI coil, and then replace the Duraspark module with a GM HEI module (blasphemy I know...).

From reading online, it might be considered an upgrade, but it is definitely more available and I can use my current coil.

For a 4 terminal HEI, I am showing this one to work:

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/acdelco-ignition-control-module-d1906/3964477-P?navigationPath=L1*14923|L2*15034|L3*16066|L4*-49999414

I think I will keep the feedback carb that I currently have, but I will make (or have the guys at work) a metering block for the back where the solenoid is currently.

The only other item I will have to address is installing a pressure switch for the solenoid on the A4LD. I think I can do that fairly easily.

Here is the switch I would use:

https://transmissioncenter.net/shop/a4ldps-a4ld-lock-up-torque-converter-pressure-switch-this-is-an-automatic-engagement-solution-50-psi/

Articles I have referenced:

https://www.broncoiicorral.com/tech_library/ford-2-8l-duraspark-ignition-conversion/

https://www.therangerstation.com/how-to/transmission-transfer-case-driveshaft/a4ld-pressure-switch-for-lock-up-torque-convertor/

Am I missing anything? I currently have it running OK on the stock feedback setup, but it is getting horrible gas mileage. I would rather go with a fairly simple system that is easy to diagnose and repair.....

 

[ford4wd08]

Just some more reference material for me.

https://web.archive.org/web/20090125053329/http://www.broncoii.org/techpages/duraspark/index.html

 

[ford4wd08]

Good reference for HEI conversion:

http://www.gofastforless.com/

Edit: added another reference site:

http://www.carbdford.com/tech/HEI/hei.htm

http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?179176-Interesting-duraspark-delete-to-gm-hei-conversion

 

[RonD]

Yes, good stuff

 

[ford4wd08]

Ended up getting the distributor from O'rielly, Advanced showed it online as in stock, but couldn't order it.

I sourced all the rest from Rock Auto since I couldn't find any coupons to match their pricing including shipping online.

Also one of our members has an a Pinto 2.8 Carb, I'm going to get it from him and hopefully have this rig running right!

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Hi all, I am going to convert my 85 2.8L to the duraspark distributor with the GM HEI set up.

I'm just making this thread for reference and to have part numbers handy.

The distributor I will most likely go with this one:

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/cardone-distributor-electronic-w-o-module-domestic-reman-30-2691/5630517-P?navigationPath=L1*14923|L2*15034|L3*16062

For the cap adapter this one:

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/bwd-distributor-cap-adapter-c193a/20170295-P?searchTerm=distributor+caps+&+adapters

For the cap itself I would use this one:

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/bwd-distributor-cap-c193/18200064-P?searchTerm=distributor+cap

Distributor Rotor:

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/bwd-distributor-rotor-d219/18200126-P?searchTerm=distributor+rotor


This is where I would deviate slightly from the Tech Article, I would like to keep my stock "square" TFI coil, and then replace the Duraspark module with a GM HEI module (blasphemy I know...).

From reading online, it might be considered an upgrade, but it is definitely more available and I can use my current coil.

For a 4 terminal HEI, I am showing this one to work:

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/acdelco-ignition-control-module-d1906/3964477-P?navigationPath=L1*14923|L2*15034|L3*16066|L4*-49999414

I think I will keep the feedback carb that I currently have, but I will make (or have the guys at work) a metering block for the back where the solenoid is currently.

The only other item I will have to address is installing a pressure switch for the solenoid on the A4LD. I think I can do that fairly easily.

Here is the switch I would use:

https://transmissioncenter.net/shop/a4ldps-a4ld-lock-up-torque-converter-pressure-switch-this-is-an-automatic-engagement-solution-50-psi/

Articles I have referenced:

https://www.broncoiicorral.com/tech_library/ford-2-8l-duraspark-ignition-conversion/

https://www.therangerstation.com/how-to/transmission-transfer-case-driveshaft/a4ld-pressure-switch-for-lock-up-torque-convertor/

Am I missing anything? I currently have it running OK on the stock feedback setup, but it is getting horrible gas mileage. I would rather go with a fairly simple system that is easy to diagnose and repair.....

Try pulling the feedback solenoid and just punch a couple small holes in the diaphram and put in #42 main jets. That should bring it to life I found adjusting the idle needles out 3-3 1/2 turns from lightly seated helps also.

 

[ford4wd08]

Try pulling the feedback solenoid and just punch a couple small holes in the diaphram and put in #42 main jets. That should bring it to life I found adjusting the idle needles out 3-3 1/2 turns from lightly seated helps also.

I bought the pinto carb.

It has an adjustment at the back, but not a solenoid. Figured I would like to have a spare carb for some parts anyhow.

All my parts should be here this week. I hope to do the work this weekend.

 

[ford4wd08]

I ordered some more parts today including the carb spacer and gaskets.

I also ordered a new PCV valve and grommet.

I hope to have this thing running good by the weekend!

 

[RobbieD]

You'll be one happy camper when it's done. Good luck!

 

[ford4wd08]

You'll be one happy camper when it's done. Good luck!

I hope so, I'm after MPG improvements. For 10 MPG I can run a big block lol.

 

[ford4wd08]

Got my distributor in today.

Just waiting on the rest of the parts.

 

[ford4wd08]

I got my HEI module, distributor cap, rotor, carb spacer, carb gasket, and egr gasket into today.

I'm going to have the guys at work make me an aluminum heat sink for the HEI and a block off plate for the EGR.

Hopefully I can start work on Friday. Might get it done that night.

 

[ford4wd08]

Got my carb into today. Should work out well after rebuild. I do have one question for my carb friends, what does the below adjustment in the picture do on the carb? @RonD @Uncle Gump @19Walt93

I know a feedback carb has a solenoid there compared to this pinto 2.8 V6 2150 carb.

 

[Uncle Gump]

As far as I know there isn't an adjustment there.

I would just unscrew that entire thing from the carb base... buy a pipe thread nipple and put your brake booster hose there.

At least that's my first impression...

 

[19Walt93]

I don't see an adjustment, are you talking about the fitting with the bi metal spring holding a cap on a vacuum port beside the pull down? That's supposed to allow air in to lean the fuel mix when the engine is hot. I'd plug it, it was one of those ideas that almost worked.