distributor fitting

[conanhomer]

Hey, Guys: I am assembling my 2.8 out of a '77 mustang, and I have run into a snag! the distributor is too wide (diameter) and won't clear the back of the Offenhauser manifold. Is there a different year and model distributor that works better? I would like to stick with the Duraspark if possible. Thanks, Mike

 

[gordonra]

You should be able to use the larger distributor (Duraspark II) with the offenhauser. I know that Kelly Mathis and others are using it.

From what I understand, the reason the Duraspark II distributor cap is a larger diameter is to allow the terminals to be spaced farther apart, so as to reduce the possibility of cross firing with a higher coil voltage.

I've got the smaller distributor from an early Mustang II (Duraspark I), but I'm using the F100 ignition module from Autozone which is used with both distributors from what information I have found online. It's been recommended to me to drill a couple of holes in the cap to reduce the buildup of ozone and thereby reduce the potential of cross firing.

http://www.autozone.com/ignition-and-tune-up/ignition-control-module?filterByKeyWord=f100&fromString=search&isSearchByPartNumber=true

Personally, I wouldn't use the exact product they are referring to in this article, but it does seem to have some useful information:

http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2006/12/DuraSpark/

Rich

 

[conanhomer]

too big

it is not just the distributor cap that is too big, the whole housing won't clear the intake.

 

[DanR]

Mike, Got any PIC's?

Send me some via my E-mail....

 

[coupe]

I'm using the smaller duraspark dizzy and the box also I have never had a spark problem. The next thing I want to do is put the box in the cabin to save it from the hot engine compartment, it's got 800 miles on it but it's not if it will fail it's when. I think mine was a pinto dizzy.
Coupe

 

[conanhomer]

success!

When in doubt, remove all extra parts (air cleaner) stick your tongue out the side of your mouth and twist! Voila!