distributor

[fordbrian333]

sp ive been doing some research, and ive found that the coil and icm for a 1990 ranger 2.9 (i have now) and a 1990 bronco with a 5.0 are all the same part numbers, so my question is does this mean i can just get the sitributor from a 1990 5.0 and the ignition work correctly? is the ignition "pick up" in the distributor?

 

[baddad457]

The EFI distributors are controlled by the ECM, If both use the same ECM, then it should work I'd think.

 

[fordbrian333]

From what i understand all the icm does is convert a signal from the pickup to a signal to the coil, i ordered a dist for a 1990 5.0 today, which is a steal gear, do you know if the early bronco distributors use a steal gear or cast iron?

 

[Psychopete]

I noticed in another thread that you said you were using a late 60s engine. I would have replied, but you only asked a specific member for information.

First things we need to know what fuel management are you running. Carburetor? EFI? It would be a turd locked in at 10 BTDC, TFI doesn't do your timing advance the EEC-IV computer does.

 

[fordbrian333]

Thanks for finding my original threAd, i appreciate it, im goinning to run a carb

 

[Psychopete]

Thanks for finding my original threAd, i appreciate it, im goinning to run a carb

The computer and engine main harness won't need to be there. What dist is in the engine now? If it's points, then you can convert it over like baddad had suggested. If it's duraspark, then use the duraspark ignition module that's with it or they can usually be found in junk yards, ebay, etc. Can even use a GM HEI 4 pin module with the Ford Duraspark distributor. They are vacuum advance and not eletronic controlled.

 

[fordbrian333]

What im really looking to do is retain as much factory stuff as possible, which is why i want to use the ignition module and what not from the ranger, my original plan was to run an hei style dizzy, but then when i relized the coil and what not from my engine was the same i said why not

 

[Psychopete]

What im really looking to do is retain as much factory stuff as possible, which is why i want to use the ignition module and what not from the ranger, my original plan was to run an hei style dizzy, but then when i relized the coil and what not from my engine was the same i said why not

you're going bcak to 1960s technology... the stuff in your Ranger now isn't going to work correctly. Best bet to use the 2.9L main engine harness is to swap to a batch fire F-150 computer and plug it in where the 2.9L was, then covert your engine over to EFI. Then modify the Ranger harness plugs to work with the 5.0L engine. '90 2.9L Ranger didn't have EGR which poses other problems. Really making it hard on yourself.

 

[fordbrian333]

Soo basically what your telling me is that my idea seems alot more simple then it really is, and to just get myelf an hei dizzy, put 12v to it, drive it and have fun?

 

[Psychopete]

Soo basically what your telling me is that my idea seems alot more simple then it really is, and to just get myelf an hei dizzy, put 12v to it, drive it and have fun?

Getting a vacuum advance dist would be the easiest, whether it's HEI, duraspark, or whatever you have. The timing advance would be unpredictable trying to use the 2.9L engine management with incorrect and missing inputs. It can't determine load and many other important factors, because the computer is not getting the input that it requires. Or locking it in at an arbitrary setting (eg SPOUT removed) would just plain suck for drive ability. Getting rid of the mainharness does wonders cleaning up under the hood to boot.

 

[fordbrian333]

BACK THE jbg THIS DIZZY GOES! LOL, I ALSO BOUGHT A STARTER FOR A 1990 BRONCO WITH A 5.0, 164 T FLEX PLATE SO I CAN USE MY EXISTING STARTER/ ALT HARNESS, IS THAT A NO GO ALSO?

 

[kimcrwbr1]

As to you question on the cam gear on the dizzy. It has to match the type of cam your running either steel or iron.

 

[fordbrian333]

How do i determine what my cam is made of without actually taking it out?

 

[baddad457]

How do i determine what my cam is made of without actually taking it out?

Remove one valve cover, remove one rocker arm, remove one pushrod. If it's a roller cammed 5.0, then the pushrod will be 6.25" long. If it's a flat tappet cam, it'll be a half inch longer. ROLLER CAMS ARE STEEL, FLAT TAPPET CAMS ARE IRON

 

[fordbrian333]

I know its aflat tappet, i need to know what material its made of so i can match the gear on the distributor