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DuraSpark vs Pertronix

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Inkara1 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Inkara1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: DuraSpark vs Pertronix
    Posted: 21-January-2022 at 2:44PM
I have a Pertronix Ignitor 1 on my 1962 Fairlane 260 V8, with the Flame Thrower coil and the resistor wire replaced with a regular wire. I'm happy with how that setup works, so I bought the same for the '72, with the idea of instead of worrying about the resistor wire, using that feed to trigger a relay to power the coil. Come to find out someone converted my points ignition to a DuraSpark-type setup at some point. So my question is, is it worth it to pull that stuff out and put in the Pertronix setup? Or am I best to stick with the DuraSpark-type setup of unknown age?
1972 Gran Torino station wagon, light blue, 351C 2V, prior owner upgraded to 4V (2V heads), originally had a C4 but prior owner changed to C6 for some reason.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rockatansky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22-January-2022 at 5:36AM
how well is the Duraspark installation done? the nice thing about Duraspark is that parts are available almost anywhere. the temporary fix for a Pertronix system going down is to revert back to the previous system, usually by carrying a set of points in the glove box. to install the Pertronix you would need a points distributor to host the module, or at minimum convert your D-S dizzy to points by swapping out the top half and advance plate? i think i'd wait to see which show drops 1st, you need the new module to replace the one in the 62 or the D-S lets you down.

being in CA whoever installed the D-S had access to the 'Red Grommet' systems, some say they are the best D-S's of them all,
what is the color of the strain relief grommet where the wires go into the fender mounted D-S module box?
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Inkara1 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Inkara1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22-January-2022 at 1:11PM
It's a dark blue. I have no idea if it's a Ford box or aftermarket. No lettering on the box. I don't know how well the installation was done other than that the engine runs. But instead of the box being plugged in, wires were cut and spliced in. I also don't know if the original distributor was converted to duraspark, a duraspark distributor was installed to the existing engine, or the engine was replaced and came with a duraspark (but the emissions sticker on the valve cover says 1972). I don't know what's original since the Marti report said 351C-2V/C4 but the trans oil pan is definitely a C6 pan. Since the starter works fine, I don't really want to pull it to find the block casting numbers.
1972 Gran Torino station wagon, light blue, 351C 2V, prior owner upgraded to 4V (2V heads), originally had a C4 but prior owner changed to C6 for some reason.
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Inkara1 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Inkara1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22-January-2022 at 1:15PM
I should mention it has the smaller distributor cap with the female connectors on it. I bought a new cap and rotor listed for a 72 points distributor, and that's what is on it now.
1972 Gran Torino station wagon, light blue, 351C 2V, prior owner upgraded to 4V (2V heads), originally had a C4 but prior owner changed to C6 for some reason.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rockatansky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22-January-2022 at 3:56PM
i found this somewhere on the interweb

Black -1974 Technically not DuraSpark But electronic ignition 3 Power feeds
Green -1975 Technically not DuraSpark But electronic ignition 3 power Feeds
Blue -76-86 DuraSpark II Standard module
Red -77-79 DuraSpark I Adjustable dwell no ballast resistor High Energy Ignition
Yellow -1979-91 Altitude compensation 3rd harness on module
Brown -1979 Altitude compensation Power wires are reversed in plug to standard
White - 1979-1985, Spark retard on start

a factory installed Duraspark on a 351C would be rare but not impossible. actually it would be the pre-Duraspark 'Electronic Ignition' in 1974. from mid 1971 on the cast code for the 351C block was the same, D2AE-CA whether it was a 2bbl, 4bbl or Cobra Jet. you might get a glimpse of the cast code w/o pulling the starter, if you ever have the opportunity
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SeattleJay Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-January-2022 at 3:05PM
FWIW I ran my pertronix stock look distibutor full 12v and then with resistor wire and noticed no difference other than my factory tach not working Lol!
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