Ford distributor conversion

[NavyMike]

I would like to convert my ford 351w from standard point system to a electronic distributor system. The control module for the is a fender mount type with two plugs. Can anyone tell me which wires in these plugs go to what? thanks

[vbrpete]

Don't waste your time with a Duraspark.Go to your local speedshop if possible and pick up a Crane XR-1 electronic conversion.It's fantastic.Screws inside the cap where the points would normally be,pop one wire(power) outside the cap with the other wire and PRESTO! Elactronic ignition that's YEARS(literally) better than any Duraspark.Also has a settable rev limiter!!!Keeps the thing looking stock and works fantastic!!

Just put one in my Galaxie 500XL 390 convertible a while back.Simply amazing the difference it made.Faster starts more midrange and top end power,smoother and gets better mileage too.Went up almost 2.5 mpg in daily driving.Thing costs $100 Canadian and installs in ten minutes.

[NavyMike]

Thanks for the reply. My thoughts were to put in a more modern ford module and distributor. This truck is a daily driver and I do not have access to a speed shop locally. I would rather be able to go to the Napa store here in town (or wherever I am) and pick up a replacement part. thanks

[vbrpete]

A lot of UAP/Napa,Carquest etc stores carry these kits.There's a similar one from Pertronix,just without the rev limiter.These kits are much more reliable and easier to install than a DS box.

The distributor is actually the same one,points to electronic;they only change the pickup assembly.

[LTD Flivver]

Hey, Mike. I just bought a '71 LTD convertible w/ a 351w. The wiring under the hood is a mess but, by the looks of it, the previous owner did the same conversion you're looking to do.

I'm a novice but here's how mine is done and my trust Chilton's books seems to agree:

Plug 1 (2 wires)
- Red & white go back to the ignition (red feeds power when running, white when cranking)

Plug 2 (4 wires)
- Green carriers current from the coil to module
- Black is ground between distributor and module
- Purple & Orange to distributor

Hope this helps.

I'm currently trying to undo the wiring mess the previous owner left me. I've blown 3 modules already (shorting out??) and am trying to figure out why. If you have any ideas, I'd appreciate it.

[Mercracer]

[quote=LTD Flivver] Plug 1 (2 wires)
- Red & white go back to the ignition (red feeds power when running, white when cranking)
Plug 2 (4 wires)
- Green carriers current from the coil to module
- Black is ground between distributor and module
- Purple & Orange to distributor
QUOTE]

That's pretty much it in a nut shell. There are still plenty of
Duraspark II donor cars out there to get the harness from including the coil plug in. Reman distributors are less than $50 from Autozone.
Used harness and module is fine. Or be thrifty and take everything from a donor car.