Ignition system

[kansasmadmax]

I bought a 2.3 that was suppose to have been in a 1983 Mustang.It had no intake,exhaust and the only ignition part being the distributor.When i have checked on all the parts needed to do the ignition nothing matches my distributor.Mine has no vacuum module and the connector is the flat style like i have seen on my daughters 86 ranger.Is this engine newer than 83?If so can i install the older distributor with the vacuum because i have a complete older setup ignition system without the distributor.Any help is welcome.

 

[kansasmadmax]

So on this entire planet nobody has an answer for me on this.I thought this was a web site with people that know about Ford's.I belong to VW web sites and when i've got a question it's never a major problem getting an answer.I was going to put this engine in my Baja bug but if it's this hard getting info forget it i'll stay with VW power!

 

[MastuhWaffles]

There are many people who know things about Ford's on here, maybe no one saw this thread, or there may be another one like it. Use the Search tool and look around, I can't really help you with this, but I'm sure someone who can will. Or you can also post this in a more of a specific section instead of just letting it linger in here.

 

[Insanejughead]

Pictures help, too.

I would've helped had I seen your question earlier, too.

It sounds as though you are describing a TFI type distributor. I know that the '83-'88 Thunderbirds had TFI distributors, and I'm somewhat sure that the Mustangs would've had the same setup. I know that isn't true across all 2.3s of the '80s though, because the Rangers didn't have TFI distributors until '86; which was also the year that they dropped the electronic carburetor on the 2.3L.

A vacuum distributor will work fine in what you're wanting to do.

 

[kansasmadmax]

Thank you,so now i know i can use the vacuum distributor.So now i'll change to the vacuum and that will allow me to use the Duraspark system right?I already have the complete ignition system from a junkyard car minus the distributor.Have you heard of the Junk Yard Genius website?He modify's the Duraspark module to use a GM HEI.Also the distributor looks just like the one in my daughters 86 2.9 ranger.

 

[Insanejughead]

I'm not too familiar with the Duraspark system for distributors. Everything I've ever worked on has been the TFI type.

I know that, in case you were thinking of going TFI, you would have to have the computer to go with it. In your case, the computer would be more headache than anything else.

I'm actually glad you're keeping it rather simple. Keep us in the loop on what you get done to it! Most of us love hearing about these kinds of projects.


However, could you use the spacebar more often, please? It's hard to follow each sentence when there isn't two spaces after each one.

 

[adsm08]

He modify's the Duraspark module to use a GM HEI.

If he is currently doing this and putting it forward as "original work" he needs to do some more research.

It has been done before.

 

[Mark_88]

the distributor out of an 87 or 88 2.0 will work with what you are trying to do...as long as the engine had a distributor as you say...I know this because I put in an 87 Ranger block and used my 2.0 distributor...also had all the ignition parts so I didn't need to change anything except swap in the 2.3 block...

 

[kansasmadmax]

adsm08 i don't think he said anything about being the 1st.

 

[kansasmadmax]

Insane I love to keep stuff as cheap as possible.

 

[kansasmadmax]

I just want to say thank you for all the usefull info,i'll update when i fire it up.