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Where to Mount DuraSpark Ignition Module? |
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Greg73Oregon 
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Joined: 23-February-2021 Location: Roseville, CA Status: Offline Points: 222 |
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 Topic: Where to Mount DuraSpark Ignition Module?Posted: 12-April-2021 at 4:00AM |
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I have a 1973 Gran Torino with a 351W. I'm installing a late model Ford DuraSpark distributor & module.
I could mount the ignition module just about anywhere (as long as it's away from a heat source), but I'd like to mount it where the later years were mounted. Even the LTD's or Cougar's location. Any help is appreciated! FYI: I work in electronics, so install is pretty straight forward. I'm using the "Blue Connector" module. I replaced the single pole "I" starter solenoid with a newer two pole style "S" & "I". The "S" connects to the white ignition start retard line on the module. Instead of wiring/tapping into the starter switch (Start & Run) wires, I connected the ignition coil wires to a 12V relay coil & grounded the other side. When energized, the relay connects the battery via a fuse to the ignition coil (+) & the red wire on the ignition module. During "Start" the relay gets full +12V. In run, the relay gets around 9V. Relays are spec'd at capture voltage and release voltage. Once energized, the relay coil will hold until 5V or even a little less. Because I'm using an after-market coil (Jegs), I don't need to use a resistor or the factory resistor wire. Edited by Greg73Oregon - 13-April-2021 at 4:14AM |
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GKF
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hogfiddles
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Posted: 12-April-2021 at 4:38AM |
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on the inner fender is easiest. I believe my ‘76 had it on top of the driver side inner fender
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1973 Gran Torino Sport - Q code “Q-Clone” project-on-hold
1972 Gran Torino Sport - Q code new project 1972 Gran Torino - parts 1969 Torino GT - M code 95+/- mid-80's Yamaha XJ-Series (10 trophies) |
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Greg73Oregon
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Joined: 23-February-2021 Location: Roseville, CA Status: Offline Points: 222 |
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Posted: 12-April-2021 at 5:39AM |
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Was it in the center, or more towards the front of the car?
Thanks.
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GKF
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hogfiddles
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Posted: 12-April-2021 at 5:48AM |
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kind of on the upper area of the front slope, slightly off-center toward the engine, AND tilted at angle (not parallel to fender edge or anything else in particular.
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1973 Gran Torino Sport - Q code “Q-Clone” project-on-hold
1972 Gran Torino Sport - Q code new project 1972 Gran Torino - parts 1969 Torino GT - M code 95+/- mid-80's Yamaha XJ-Series (10 trophies) |
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Greg73Oregon
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Joined: 23-February-2021 Location: Roseville, CA Status: Offline Points: 222 |
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Posted: 12-April-2021 at 6:01AM |
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I can visualize. The module has three mounting points, and the fender has many compound angles & slopes. Thanks.
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GKF
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1973gts
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Posted: 12-April-2021 at 8:22AM |
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This is where mine was when I got it, doesn't lie completely flat but is pretty stable.
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Dave - 1973 GTS N code
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Rockatansky
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Posted: 12-April-2021 at 10:22AM |
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you can cut some wafers of 3/8" hose to use as vibration isolators / levelers to go between the module and the inner tub
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72 GT Ute
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mkshelton
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Posted: 12-April-2021 at 6:25PM |
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That was where it was on my 76 Elite before I went aftermarket. Which I mounted centered on the fender housing. ( and looks better in my opinion)
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"Sometimes I wonder if I'm actually UNinventing the wheel"
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Greg73Oregon
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Posted: 13-April-2021 at 4:10AM |
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That's fantastic! Thanks!
 I think Ford mounted there, because my understanding is that the modules are sensitive to heat.
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GKF
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californiajohnny
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Posted: 13-April-2021 at 4:40PM |
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a couple of the 74's i parted out had it mounted flat where the connectors are in dave's pic...
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JOHN
74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE 74 VETTE CUSTOM 90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED 77 CELICA CUSTOM 75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED 79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED 75 VEGA V6 5 SPD 70 CHEV C10 P/U 68 MUSTANG FB CONVERSION |
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Greg73Oregon
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Posted: 14-April-2021 at 5:22AM |
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I was looking at that location, but there doesn't seem to be a spot that I can get the three mounting holes lined up, and not overhanging towards the radiator.
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GKF
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1973gts
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Posted: 14-April-2021 at 5:36AM |
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I'll double check mine when I get back out to the garage later today but I think it was mounted with only the two top screws. I think I may go with Rock's suggestion and put some kind of rubber backing behind the module for the possible vibration issue.
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Dave - 1973 GTS N code
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1973gts
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Posted: 14-April-2021 at 9:29AM |
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Just checked and no bottom screw is in it, no hole on the inner fender for it either, it's feels pretty solid but I still might do what Rock suggested and use some rubber washers between the module and fender.
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Dave - 1973 GTS N code
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72 RS 351
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Posted: 14-April-2021 at 11:09AM |
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Have you noticed what lots of people are doing with their later model Mustangs? I'm guessing that it's a trend for lots of cars. They are moving as much of the wiring and under hood devices, out of sight in the fenders, outboard of the inner surfaces. Many are filling the holes with welded steel pieces, and grinding it all smooth, to repaint etc. I'll say it looks very good, but I'd consider that kind of project for a last thought for a car project. I'd make it all functional and reliable first.
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Don
73 Ranchero "Sport 72 front end", floor shift/console, planning EFI 7000+ rpm 351-4V &4R70W 73 Ranchero GT 351C-4V &4R70W for sale later. 92 Lincoln Mark VII SE GTC, OBDII 347/4R70W |
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n2fordwagons
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Posted: 15-April-2021 at 12:57AM |
Yes, looks very clean, but I'm assuming any maintenance requires removal of the fender, especially on our cars. As prone as the ignition modules are to failure, that could be a pain.
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Jeff
71 Torino Brougham |
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72 RS 351
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Posted: 15-April-2021 at 2:42AM |
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Yes, I would never suggest that for the devices like the ignition module which might be common to have to get to.
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Don
73 Ranchero "Sport 72 front end", floor shift/console, planning EFI 7000+ rpm 351-4V &4R70W 73 Ranchero GT 351C-4V &4R70W for sale later. 92 Lincoln Mark VII SE GTC, OBDII 347/4R70W |
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Greg73Oregon
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Posted: 16-April-2021 at 8:15AM |
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If it stops working, I'll take out the guts and install a GM HEI module. I did that on a '70 Maverick.
The only drawback is that there isn't a timing retard during engine cranking.
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GKF
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72FordGTS
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Posted: 16-April-2021 at 2:35PM |
Todd (aquartlow) used a 5-pin HEI module to get the retarded timing during cranking. You can see his setup in this thread here: |
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Vince
1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car GTS.org Admin |
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Big Bird
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Posted: 17-April-2021 at 7:31AM |
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"What we do in full frontal view, is more honest than your cleaned-up mind."
Randy 1979 T-Bird 2005 F-150 STX RCSB 4.6, 3.55 LSD How the Heck does a REGULAR CAB SHORTBED weigh over 5200 pounds? |
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72FordGTS
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Posted: 18-April-2021 at 2:20AM |
I don't know if I agree. I am not saying the HEI is more reliable than DuraSpark, but I have owned a lot of GM HEI cars over the years and have only had one module failure (it was a newer ESC distributor, not the old 4-pin style). Like the DuraSpark, a lot of the aftermarket HEI modules are junk, but the AC/Delco modules always held up well in my experience. The advantage to HEI over DuraSpark is that HEI has dynamic dwell and also has more ignition energy, especially compared the the common blue strand. Also, it seems way easier today to get a quality HEI module compared to finding a quality DuraSpark module. YMMV.
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Vince
1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car GTS.org Admin |
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Big Bird
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Posted: 18-April-2021 at 10:29AM |
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A lot of the G.M. cars I owned had a spare HEI module in the glove box.
My Thunderbird had the original Duraspark box fail only because the inner fender rotted thru behind it. The first replacement box (aftermarket Chinese part) looked normal but had a HEI module inside. Lasted a couple years. Current box is a junkyard part od unknown mileage and no problems.
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"What we do in full frontal view, is more honest than your cleaned-up mind."
Randy 1979 T-Bird 2005 F-150 STX RCSB 4.6, 3.55 LSD How the Heck does a REGULAR CAB SHORTBED weigh over 5200 pounds? |
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Greg73Oregon
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Posted: 15-May-2021 at 10:50AM |
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Update: Mounted on the wheel well where 73 GTS showed in his picture. I had a real hard time locating the connector that plugs into the distributor. From a local "Pick-a-Part", I scavenged most of the wiring out of an'80's Ranger.
Works like a champ! Since I installed a relay (powered by the existing coil wire), and ran the relay input directly to 12V, and the output directly to the coil & module; I had a problem that the engine wouldn't shut off. There was enough leakage voltage coming back from the charging circuit to the ALT dash light to keep the relay closed. Solution: installed a diode in the regulator "I" terminal wire going to the dash light. Problem solved.
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GKF
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rancheromac
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Posted: 19-July-2021 at 6:47AM |
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put it where the current mount is, or where current wires tell you . why you moving it ? also forget that HEI chevy crap !
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Greg73Oregon
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Posted: 19-July-2021 at 9:12AM |
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???
Mine was a points system. I gathered all the parts to switch to a Duraspark. I mounted where others had indicated theirs were (factory) mounted.
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GKF
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72 RS 351 wrote: