1985 Ranger ignition options other than DuraSpark conversion?

[JKJ82]

I'm pretty green to anything ignition related, but I've been reading a bunch on here about the 2.8 V6. And I'm looking to learn. What I've gathered is the stock TFI system is junk.

I've bypassed the feedback carb, with a Holley 7448 non-feedback. I've gotten it running, and test driven it. But it just seems kind of inconsistent, between starts.

I'm unsure if this is ignition timing related, or it's just not getting enough spark, in general. Or if it's inconsistent / varying spark. I've ruled out anything carb related, so this is the only thing I can think of on why I'd be seeing any inconsistency. From one start, to the next.

For having the truck a week, I guess I'm pretty pleased with what I've been able to get done. I know from what I've read here, the Duraspark is probably the way to go, but I'm not ready to undertake a conversion.

Are there any other intermediate options for ignition, or ignition components that would perform better, and keep it running the same?

 

[franklin2]

The TFI is a fairly good ignition system with a very hot spark. It has two downfalls. Heat related failures and it needs the computer control.

A intermediate thing you can do is keep the TFI, but run it with the timing locked out. When my duraspark distributor failed, to have something to drive I stuck the TFI back in place with no computer. I was surprised how good it ran. When I stabbed it back in and got it running, I turned the base timing up as far as I dared. You can turn it up pretty high till it won't crank when the engine is hot. Then you can turn it back a little bit till it cranks over ok and leave it there.

I was down a little bit on fuel mileage, but it went down the road ok and I drove it like that for over 6 months till I got the other DSII distributor straightened out.

Here is a diagram on how to wire it up.

 

[franklin2]

There is another option that a guy on here just tried and says it works good. I think he had to buy it overseas, it's a complete distributor but it is not DSII or any type of Ford distributor. I think it is made by Bosch.

 

[franklin2]

This might be the one.

Ford Cologne V6 Bosch Type Distributor

Ford Cologne V6 Bosch Type Distributor from Powerspark| Electronic & Points Classic Car Distributors | from Powerspark Ignition | UK Supplier

simonbbc.com

 

[JKJ82]

Ah! Yes I did see that, he did get it overseas. I saved the webpage, and also saved in my eBay. I've been going full tilt on here reading and learning as much as I can. I absolutely love TRS!

This was the option that I really liked that jumped out at me, I would love to try that distributor, and maybe a bit better coil would help if I paired those 2? I'm a dummy with this stuff still compared to knowledge in some other areas, but I'm coming along.

I did change plugs, plug wires, cap, rotor and such when I got it. I was afraid to use anything other than the half thread plugs I pulled out of it. Any recommendations on plugs?

Thank you for your help

 

[franklin2]

Use the best you can afford and they will last the longest. Platinum, Double platinum, Iridium, etc.

 

[AndyB.]

Use factory plugs:

Spark Plug Motorcraft AWSF42C for sale online | eBay

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www.ebay.com

 

[JKJ82]

Ok thanks. On the plugs I have AutoLite (I think?) that have the half thread (much shorter threads) plugs that are supposed to be oem replacement from Napa on it currently, but that is only because I wasn't sure if the others that had the longer threads would be ok on it, or not.

I'd never seen plugs that had threads that short before, and I didn't want to chance it so that's why I got the ones I bought.

 

[AzLizard]

Truck has been running great. Drive it daily.
My understanding is there is a difference between the factory ranger plug wires and the older style plug wires,something about the cores.
Since the distributor is for a (capri/cortona) I have been getting the parts(coil,plugs and wires)for a 74 capri.