HEI convert

[willysrul]

Am wanting to switch over from points on my 390. Was wanting to know what HEI conversions some of you were running?
Thanks,

[4XFORD]

Skip the hei gm type crap, it's better above 6,000rpms but you'll never see that with a 390. Might not be available for a FE.

DuraSpark is electronic, pointless and simple. Look for a '75 or '76 donor truck with a 360 or 390. Module with blue conector, harness to coil/distributor, coil and distributor are all you need. Make sure the module is secured so it can't vibrate. Recurve it with the Crane kit or do it yourself like this: http://www.reincarnation-automotive.com/Duraspark_distributor_recurve_instructions_index.h tml

Am wanting to switch over from points on my 390. Was wanting to know what HEI conversions some of you were running?
Thanks,

[Proeliator]

I ran a Davies Unified Ignition on one of my old FE's and it was friggin awesome. Dizzy came custom curved for you application, too. Cheaper ways to go about hei though...

[VerticalTRX]

I'm running Proform HEI, which has suited me well, always runs great at any rpm. Most of the HEI haters only dislike it because its a GM thing, and they are purists. It is 100 times simpler than duraspark, and only requires one switched wire to run. I'm sure there are HEI units available for FE's, just look around and I bet you'll bring up at least a couple.

[FordFascist]

Go one better, Durasprak distributor with an HEI module. It's by far the cheapest route.

Here is a very ghetto picture I found on Google:


http://webpages.charter.net/1bad6t/HEI.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/cantwait_forviolence/images/gm_hei_ignmod.jpg


I did this on my flat fender by attaching the HEI module to an aluminum heat sink. It works quite well actually, plus you don't have that huge HEI distibutor cap and HEI modules are dirt cheap. I think I picked up a brand new one for $25 (application: 1978 Camaro).

[Totalled]

Yeah, I would go DS dizzy with an external hei modual. If you decided to go with a 6 series MSD box in the future, you can just run the magnetic trigger for the box right off the DS dizzy.

[Hoxviii]

what i don't get is when people say "HEI only needs one swithced wire to work, it's so awesome!!!". DSII only needs one switched wire to work. hot to the module is all it needs, it does everything else.

DSII and HEI have ALL of the SAME components, HEI just happens to be contained in the distributor while DSII is spread out (which isn't necessarily a bad thing).

HEI and DSII are both great if you use quality components, but DSII is more forgiving to shitty replacement pieces.

Justin

[willysrul]

DSII and HEI have ALL of the SAME components, HEI just happens to be contained in the distributor while DSII is spread out (which isn't necessarily a bad thing).
That is what I was thinking. I have yet to figure cost differences I will do some more searching. Looks as though that either way is going to be a step up from points.

[smitty66]

Not to highjack, but I been wanting to do the same on my 72 302. Any advice?
Thanks

[mj]

the HEI is way harder to curve as well.
the duraspark is the best unit available IMO

[1sicbronconut]

Painless makes a nice little harness for Duraspark conversions http://www.painlessperformance.com/webcatalog/largeview.php?SearchField=30812 I used it for a 302 Bronco project last year, cost around $100. I know you can find stuff in the salvage yards cheaper but it's nice having new parts to work with:D

[mj]

Painless makes a nice little harness for Duraspark conversions http://www.painlessperformance.com/webcatalog/largeview.php?SearchField=30812 I used it for a 302 Bronco project last year, cost around $100. I know you can find stuff in the salvage yards cheaper but it's nice having new parts to work with:D

I think all those connectors are available in the PICO catalogue (not sure if PICO is a local phenom)

[VerticalTRX]

what i don't get is when people say "HEI only needs one swithced wire to work, it's so awesome!!!". DSII only needs one switched wire to work. hot to the module is all it needs, it does everything else.

DSII and HEI have ALL of the SAME components, HEI just happens to be contained in the distributor while DSII is spread out (which isn't necessarily a bad thing).

HEI and DSII are both great if you use quality components, but DSII is more forgiving to shitty replacement pieces.

Justin

Because it is spread out with several wires running between the components is why I and other say that. The less wiring the better on an offroad rig IMO, it makes problems easier to fix on the trail. All I'm saying is HEI is simple, works great and eliminates under hood clutter.

[MC]

HEI keeps it simple and work extremely well under 6000rpm. The only real upgrade would be a multispark unit over an HEI (IMO)

[Chris]

ONly problem with HEI is that the distributor is HUGE which is a problem if you have hood issues. MAllory makes an HEI for sbf's for under $150.

[willysrul]

I have tons of room under the hood that is not an issue. I am having trouble tracking down HEI for 390 FE. All I see is 351, 400, 428, 429. I need info on the BBF not the 302 or 351. I appreciate your info though guys. If the company you are using makes one for a 390 I definately take your opinions into consideration.
Thanks,
Is no one out there running an electronic dizzy on their 390?:confused:

[Proeliator]

I am having trouble tracking down HEI for 390 FE.......Is no one out there running an electronic dizzy on their 390?:confused:

If you'll see my previous post in this thread you'll see I already pointed one out to you. Davies Unified Ignition. HEI for your 390 and they curve the dizzy for your application. Again, not the cheapest option out there but it is what you are looking for.

[willysrul]

I was hoping for something a little less pricey 385.00:eek: But DUI has always had a great reputation. Goes back to the addage "You get what you pay for".

[Chris]

I ran a DUI in a computer controlled situation and had nothing but problems to the point that I removed it and sent it back. I'm not a big Mallory fan but they are cheap, you might try checking directly with them. At the time I bought the 351W distributor it was not to be seen anywhere on line so I called them and they had it.

[chrono4]

the problem with the stock stuff, isnt with all the electronics, its with spark stregth usually. Going with the dui, or hei helps alot normally because of the stronger spark voltage (50,00) as opossed to 20-30 of normal ignitions. to do it on the cheap.. get a bigger coil.

[Slow]

IMO you should go DS2 dizzy, HEI module, TFI coil. See:

http://gofastforless.com/ignition/tfi.htm

[4XFORD]

428 is the same as 390 as far as the distributor/ignition goes. They're interchangeable.


I have tons of room under the hood that is not an issue. I am having trouble tracking down HEI for 390 FE. All I see is 351, 400, 428, 429. I need info on the BBF not the 302 or 351. I appreciate your info though guys. If the company you are using makes one for a 390 I definately take your opinions into consideration.
Thanks,
Is no one out there running an electronic dizzy on their 390?:confused:

[Hoxviii]

Because it is spread out with several wires running between the components is why I and other say that. The less wiring the better on an offroad rig IMO, it makes problems easier to fix on the trail. All I'm saying is HEI is simple, works great and eliminates under hood clutter.

i'll agree that it eliminates underhood clutter, but that's about it. i don't see how it could possibly make on trail fixes easier. to replace a coil or a module on DSII you just unplug the old one and plug a new one in, no taking teh distributor apart to get to stuff.

Add to that that HEI is more sensitive to water and I'm liking DSII. HEI is more sensitive to moisture and cheap parts since everything is in such close proximity. a little moisture in the cap and you start arcing to the advance plate, a cheap replacement coil and you get a secondary voltage arc to the module and that's it, cheap replacement cap and the contacts corrode quickly due to the typically non vented cap design.

Again, with good components both systems are good but if you have a ford for your dollar DSII is the better system. i'd never put HEI on a ford like i'd never put DSII on a gm. they both do their job

and i will say i've never had an HEI setup in a truck, but i had a camaro with it. fought and fought with it until i broke down and shelled out the good money for the coil/cap/module. never had a direct issue after that, just the visual signs of what was going on when i took the dizzy cap off.


As for the 390, when I swapped one into my 85 F-150 I used all of the DSII stuff from the inline 6 and just got a distributor off of a 1976 360 at a local JY.
Justin

[willysrul]

Thanks for all the replies.
DSII it shall be.

[JGVABronco78]

I'd have to disagree witht he HEI being more susceptible to moisture or shorting problems. I had a 76 Monte Carlo that I drove in water over the front tires until the engine stalled from water in the air cleaner blocking off air. Removed the air cleaner, fired right up and drove slower. Did this several times carrying people from there flooded out apartment to higher ground. The felt on the underside of the hood was so soaked it was difficult to raise the hood witht he extra weight.

Later, this same car and I were in a rather severe accident, to the point the car was barely driveable due to front end body damage. When I started it, there was a rattle under the hood, so I checked it out, expecting to see the fan rubbing or a bent p/s bracket. When I raised the hood, the sound was coming from the rear. I initially thought, oh great, I cracked the tranny bell and a piece had fallen in by the flywheel(flexplate). After driving it 10 miles home, I popped the hood to take a closer look. The sound was coming from under the distributor cap. When I pulled the cap, I found that the plastic boss that holds the carbon electrode from the coil to the rotor had broken completely off and was just rattling around as the dizzy turned. A minimum of a 1/4" gap and still running strong with no crossfire.

Now having said all that, I've drown my share of DS II and have never had a problem either, so I'm not saying there worse. And it is entirely possible that the aftermarkets are not as well built as the OEM Delco for GM's either. The simplicity of the wiring is why I am now using the HEI. I have one on my 78 Bronco/400 and am very satisfied with it. Nothing wrong with the DS II either if you keep all the wiring protected, connections clean and tight, an OEM module, and make sure its sealed tight on the back and not absorbing moisture.

[4XFORD]

Nothing wrong with the DS II either if you keep all the wiring protected, connections clean and tight, an OEM module, and make sure its sealed tight on the back and not absorbing moisture.

I agree, and most problems with DS come from after market modules. Especially avoid 'Wells' brand.

[nascarfreak88]

I agree, and most problems with DS come from after market modules. Especially avoid 'Wells' brand.

So your sayin i should stick with the DS that came with my 460? That the aftermarket MSD boxes and such are no good?

what about rev limiters, how is that added to a DS system?

[Totalled]

FWIW I'm running duaraspark with an MSD 5 box and have had 0 problems with it... even with a "Wells" box...

But I'm going to SEFI so it's back to TFI for me... :(

MSD with duraspark is a no brainer..

http://www.msdignition.com/1download.htm
http://www.msdignition.com/pdf/6%20series/pdf16.pdf
http://www.msdignition.com/pdf/6%20series/pdf17.pdf

[willysrul]

OK so.............
For the DS I will need a 75-76 390 distributor, module w/ blue plug, harness, and a performance coil.
Will I need a ballast resistor?
Any pics of this setup would be informative.
Thanks,

[Hoxviii]

For the DS I will need a 75-76 390 distributor,

If you go to parts house and ask for one the catalogs might not list it. Officially the only FE to get DSII was the 360, so ask for one for a 76 360.

To wire up the duraspark all you really need is +12V to the module. It has another option which i LOVE DSII for is "start retard". If you apply +12V to the other "in" wire of the module while cranking it will retard your timing about 6*. Not necessary, but if you're running alot of timing it makes starting much easier.

OT, but I've always thought about hooking that wire up to a WOT switch and a nitrous solenoid. . .

Justin

[4XFORD]

So your sayin i should stick with the DS that came with my 460? That the aftermarket MSD boxes and such are no good?

MSD is OK, I meant aftermarket oem copies by companies like wells who make cheap shit with prison laborers and sell their kidneys when they've chopped off all their fingers and toes and put their eyes out in industrial accidents.

what about rev limiters, how is that added to a DS system?

Dunno, sounds like a good idea. Ask jopes, he's a skinny pedal abuser.

OK so.............
For the DS I will need a 75-76 390 distributor, module w/ blue plug, harness, and a performance coil.

Make sure the coil is DS compatible.

A detail we may be stepping on is DuraSpark vs DuraSpark II. I don't think DSII came out until '77-'79? so that means FEs never got DSII originally, I'm not sure. I believe the difference is the timing retard for start, brought about in the shitty gas era. The blue connector box is the retard box :laughing:. Anyway it wouldn't matter, DS dizzy and blue box and your gtg. Anybody know for sure? Where's Alpo?

[1sicbronconut]

If it helps you out any Painless has a nice wiring diagram. Just hit the view manual. http://www.painlessperformance.com/webcatalog/largeview.php?SearchField=30812

[willysrul]

Here is what I am envisioning.
DSII.

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