duraspark dist for y block

v8-60ford

Junior Member
I would like information to convert y block to duraspark ignition. Also how to convert to mopar electronic ignition. Thanks Ed
 
The post (#25) on jalopy journal has a good wiring diagram for Duraspark, but shows nothing on adapting internal dist parts to a '57 or later Y-Block distributor.

Sal
 
you might get a 1960 or later y block distributor and a 302 duraspark distributor and "build" your Y block dist. from the guts in the 302 unit. As far as the duraspark control mod., they were a problem from the beginning, most didn't make it out of the original warranty period. I'm not a GM fan, but I have used many GM HEI control modules in place of the Ford unit. A little bit of wiring and it works great. Heat is what kills these units, so be sure and mount it on a large piece of aluminum to serve as a heat sink. At the same time you can use a later model Ford "E" core coil from most any EEC IV (computer controlled) Ford cars. The wrecking yards are full of them, they last forever and they produce higher voltage than a conventional coil.
Not sure if you have the clearance around the distributor, but the dist. cap adaptor and cap should fit the later Y block dist. Using this allows for 8mm wires with less chance of crossfire
As miker98038 says, take a look at the article he found, it's all there. However the article mentions using a resistor to the e coil, don't, it was designed for full battery voltage
 
Converted my 57 yblock to Duraspark 3yrs ago. Used all Ford components including the module and have had no problems running it here in the desert heat. I would follow mikers link over to the yblock forum. Greenbird is very knowledgeable on Duraspark conversions. Can't see going to a GM HEI sys. For every Ford module that craped out there were dozens that ran fine with no problems. Just to have to look at one of those huge distributors on a Ford would change my mind.
 
Have to agree with LOWRIDER here. The dura spark in my 351C powered street rod has been there since 1983 with no fairlure. The "stuffing" has run out of it and it doesn't miss a beat.

Yes they were problematic when first introduced in 73 but the issues had been corrected by 75 and they are a bullet proof system IMHO.
 
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