[DeTomaso] Ignition Question

[Curt Hall]

I, like others are using the Pertronix unit. about $80/$90 For the last 5/6 years without a problem! For me it's worked well. (I also have a backup unit in the tool box) That said, my car is only used on the street! For the track you may want more/hotter spark? I have never used the MSD, but lots of folks use the MSD, and they work great, like anything! when they work. Ask the users, how many have had to replace it?
 
I like what Steve and others have had to say about availability, if your stock in BFE! The Duraspark ll sounds like a good way to go and reasonably priced!
 
Like anything your mileage may or will vary.
Good Luck
Curt  

--- On Tue, 4/27/10, steven.liebenow at att.net <steven.liebenow at att.net> wrote:


From: steven.liebenow at att.net <steven.liebenow at att.net>
Subject: [DeTomaso] Ignition Question
To: "mailing list detomaso" <detomaso at realbig.com>
Date: Tuesday, April 27, 2010, 11:49 AM


RE: the PI DuraSpark I info.....     

While George did a great write up on this all, what (I believe) he fails to realize or mention is that while if all of this info holds true for DuraSpark I ignition systems, they were only used a very short period of time.....    The DuraSpark II system is much more widely used and available.  While he maintains that the red strain relief modules have the 10 degree retard at start, this is the first that I have ever seen it......ever.....  It is more commonly held that the BLUE strain relieve module is the one with the 10 degree retard at start.

>From  a Ford tech bulletin published in 1977, they write that "on the 1974-1975 models only (seven wire control box) the blue lead acts as a "buffer" to carry off any temporary voltage surges which might damage the module. This lead has been eliminated on 1976 and later models."

In 1978 Ford introduced a "three connector" control box which added in a new "Dual Mode Timing" ignition system, where either a barometric pressure switch, or a vacuum switch to retard the timing under heavy load and advance it under high vacuum conditions. When retarded it reduces the possibility of detonation under WOT. Sounds like a handy feature also!

I still maintain that the availability of replacement parts while stuck in EBFE will be better for DuraSpark parts than with anything else but a set of points.... Worst case, a set of parts from a V6 or 4 banger can be used to repair a V8 unit!  (Pickup doesn't care how many teeth are on the armature...it just senses that a tooth passes by and says "hey! Spark!")   Same with the control box......it may indeed have some sort of unique curve for a non-V8, but in a pinch, it would get you home!

I'll try and bring some copies of this doc' to the meeting Thursday night.  It is small enough that it would fit in a tool box, or even glove box.  GREAT diagnosis section using simple tools such as a volt meter and probes.....

Steve

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