Is it possible to successfully operate the Duraspark I modules (Red Strain Relief) in a car wired for the Blue (Duraspark II)?
I would hope that it could be a simple remapping of the wires / swapout of the connectors.
Thanks -
Rocky
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Yes - as outlined in the ignition section of sticky #3. Ford didn't want people installing the wrong parts into the ignition, so they made a few changes to prevent that from happening. What you'll be doing is reversing Ford's preventative measures ... so you can do what they tried to prevent (laugh)!
Instead of modifying the module wiring, you'll make two changes at the 4 pin connector on the harness side of the wiring. Plus a third change to the harness in how its powered, and a modification to the new Duraspark I coil. I helped my buddy Doug do it just a couple of months ago. We used the "Painless Wiring" wiring harness. Here's a bit more detail:
Plus we ended up removing a few wires from the harness altogether. It was the first time I ever did this ignition installation using the Painless wiring harness. In the past I've always just pulled a wiring harness from a car at the wrecking yard. It was pretty straight forward for me, although Doug was a bit nervous when we started removing wires from the harness. But that nervousness came to an end the first time the engine fired-up. If you're not used to a Duraspark I ignition, the engine starts almost instantaneously, and idles very strong & smoothly. Doug was quite pleased.
Just remember the Duraspark I module must be used in conjunction with the dedicated Duraspark I coil. The plugs can be gapped an extra 0.010" wider (0.060"). Try to find a new old stock module in which the backside of the module is sealed with an amber colored opaque material. Anything made in the US should be OK.
Instead of modifying the module wiring, you'll make two changes at the 4 pin connector on the harness side of the wiring. Plus a third change to the harness in how its powered, and a modification to the new Duraspark I coil. I helped my buddy Doug do it just a couple of months ago. We used the "Painless Wiring" wiring harness. Here's a bit more detail:
- The green wire & orange wire positions in the 4 pin connector must be swapped.
- The "key tab" of the 4 pin harness connector must be cut-off because the 4 pin socket of the Duraspark I module is keyed differently.
- The alignment lug on the tower of the Duraspark I coil must be trimmed-off to allow the Duraspark II horseshoe shaped coil connector to slide on.
- Remove any and all ballast resistance. The Duraspark I coil operates on full voltage.
Plus we ended up removing a few wires from the harness altogether. It was the first time I ever did this ignition installation using the Painless wiring harness. In the past I've always just pulled a wiring harness from a car at the wrecking yard. It was pretty straight forward for me, although Doug was a bit nervous when we started removing wires from the harness. But that nervousness came to an end the first time the engine fired-up. If you're not used to a Duraspark I ignition, the engine starts almost instantaneously, and idles very strong & smoothly. Doug was quite pleased.
Just remember the Duraspark I module must be used in conjunction with the dedicated Duraspark I coil. The plugs can be gapped an extra 0.010" wider (0.060"). Try to find a new old stock module in which the backside of the module is sealed with an amber colored opaque material. Anything made in the US should be OK.
Thanks, George for the instructions. I appreciate them.
(jokingly...)
Reminds me of Roseanne Roseannadanna....
"Well, George, it just goes to show you, it's always something — if it ain't one thing, it's another."
quote:the Duraspark I module must be used in conjunction with the dedicated Duraspark I coil.
(jokingly...)
Reminds me of Roseanne Roseannadanna....
"Well, George, it just goes to show you, it's always something — if it ain't one thing, it's another."