ignition set-up

[seabeeranger]

got a 94 4x4 ranger with a 2.3l, replacing with a carbed 5.0 out of a 88 mustang GT. im gonna get the 85 mustang distributor from the parts store so i get the right gear, question is can i just get the replacement coil and ign. box that goes with a 85 mustang? i know it wont be a performance set-up but im just trying to get the motor in and running and then upgrade later, i dont want to get bogged down buying expensive parts and keep the ranger sitting longer then i have too.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Read this thread all the way through you have a couple choices either duraspark or HEI module and any stock TFI coil would work for real cheap with either ignition.

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=111323&highlight=duraspark

 

[kimcrwbr1]

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

 

[purplehaze]

if the 88 stang engine came with the distributor and it has the module on the side. You can wire it up to work on a carbed engine and just add a coil. This will get you going and it will also lock your timing out by doing this but won't hurt ya.

 

[baddad457]

if the 88 stang engine came with the distributor and it has the module on the side. You can wire it up to work on a carbed engine and just add a coil. This will get you going and it will also lock your timing out by doing this but won't hurt ya.

HUH? What's the point of having an ignition if it doesn't advance ? You're leaving ALL the power on the table this way.

 

[baddad457]

got a 94 4x4 ranger with a 2.3l, replacing with a carbed 5.0 out of a 88 mustang GT. im gonna get the 85 mustang distributor from the parts store so i get the right gear, question is can i just get the replacement coil and ign. box that goes with a 85 mustang? i know it wont be a performance set-up but im just trying to get the motor in and running and then upgrade later, i dont want to get bogged down buying expensive parts and keep the ranger sitting longer then i have too.

The 85 Mustang ignition is a Duraspark system, which IS an excellant performance setup. It's got more than enough spark for anything you'll want to do. Just try and grab the distributor cap while the motor's running

 

[kimcrwbr1]

You can use the TFI module with a points type ignition with a mechanical and vacuum advance but the duraspark system or the HEI ignition with the duraspark dizzy makes more sense.

 

[seabeeranger]

thx guys, ill give the duraspark dizzy and hei setup a try. this part of the truck is where i have the least experience.

 

[baddad457]

thx guys, ill give the duraspark dizzy and hei setup a try. this part of the truck is where i have the least experience.

Duraspark (Ford) and HEI (GM) are two separate systems.

 

[baddad457]

You can use the TFI module with a points type ignition with a mechanical and vacuum advance.

HUH ? The TFI distributor requires a computer to advance the timing. As far as I know, you cannot combine it with a points distributor.

 

[seabeeranger]

i was looking at the link for the "dirt cheap" ignition setup

 

[kimcrwbr1]

i was looking at the link for the "dirt cheap" ignition setup

Do like it says and mount the module on a computer heat sink and it is just as good or better than the duraspark. Just keep a spare module in the glove box just in case anyway.

 

[superdave1984]

The 85 Mustang ignition is a Duraspark system, which IS an excellant performance setup. It's got more than enough spark for anything you'll want to do. Just try and grab the distributor cap while the motor's running

Would you happen to know if that's the same dizzy that would have been in an 85 Merc Grand Marquis 5.0?

 

[sparky2eh]

Would you happen to know if that's the same dizzy that would have been in an 85 Merc Grand Marquis 5.0?

Most likely same dizzy but different drive gear, you need a steel gear. Hope you have better luck finding a steel gear than I did, I wound up buying a rebuilt dizzy for an 85 Mustang 5.0L carb manual tranny. I am told it is the only stock application for a steel geared Duraspark dizzy.

On re-read the Marquis may have a TFI dizzy which needs the computer to advance/retard the timing....... easy to tell if it has an ignition module on the side it is a TFI system, no module, vaccum cnister and some wires duraspark.
Clear as mud right

 

[baddad457]

Would you happen to know if that's the same dizzy that would have been in an 85 Merc Grand Marquis 5.0?

I believe those had an iron geared duraspark with their throttle body injection. TFI's came out with the port injected EFI setups.