Finding a Duraspark distributor

[1984rangerdanger]

As everyone trying to do the conversion has found, its impossible to find a 30-2691 or 30-2671 dizzy anymore. I have called all the parts stores in my area to no avail. Has anyone tried the 30-2490? It appears the same with the exception that the shaft is shorter between the gears and cap. Looking for any information anyone may have on alternative parts or one for sale!

 

[fastpakr]

Could the stock distributor be converted to trigger an HEI module somehow?

 

[1984rangerdanger]

Could the stock distributor be converted to trigger an HEI module somehow?

That’s a good question. I never even really considered it, but going to research now.

 

[19Walt93]

Could the stock distributor be converted to trigger an HEI module somehow?

I believe the stock distributor is a TFI unit and has computer controlled advance.
Check with Gary Baum at Second Generation Mustang, there were a lot of 2.8 duraspark Mustang II's.

 

[fastpakr]

Thanks. Advance was the bit i didn't have a clue on for pulling this off.

 

[1984rangerdanger]

I messaged Gary at second Gen Mustang, hopefully he’s able to locate one. In the mean time, I ordered a dizzy from Napa that supposedly fits a 1978 Pinto. Figured it couldn’t hurt. Part numbers are different, but the stock photos look similar…. Will report back if they’re a match!

 

[Shran]

I wonder why a Pinto distributor would be different than a Mustang II. Seems like there were three variants in those cars - single vacuum, dual vacuum, and Bosch...and the Bosch one works fine but has a funky cap that requires different plug wires. Keep us posted, part number would be super cool too if it works.

 

[19Walt93]

I'd expect the Pinto distributor to be calibrated a little different, Pintos only got the 2.8 with an automatic. If you end up with a dual vacuum distributor, just ignore the retard side- don't plug it because that will restrict the advance. You'll want to tweak the centrifugal advance, too, most every thing from the late 70's ran retarded- centrifugal should be all in by 2800-3000, factory calibration might not hit full advance until beyond 4000.

 

[1984rangerdanger]

Just to update this thread, I finally found a 30-2671 distributor from rock auto and ordered it. Did the Duraspark conversion and the distributor was an exact fit. As others noted, I left the second vacuum port open to allow for advance.