headers and distributor upgrade

[So Cal Mark]

vac advance won't have much effect on performance; since it works at high vacuum/low load situations it mostly affects gas mileage

[Hvnfn]

This was an interesting read, thanks guys...

I have a question about the e-ignition on the '79... Are there upgrades for the electronic ignition for the '79 that would improve performance? I thought the ignition that was on this car stock was actually pretty decent... If there are good replacement options... what have you gone with?

[manoa matt]

Most of the parts for that electronic system are stock parts, there are some minor upgrades. Accel makes a performance ignition module, sells for around $50 part # 35361 the standard ignition module sells for around $15. Accel also makes a coil for electronic systems, sells for around $40 part # 8145.

Other than that just try to get good plugs, good wires, and a good distributor cap with the brass contacts on the inside.

[So Cal Mark]

we've been using e-coils on these systems. Voltage output is almost double of the oem Bosch or Marelli coil. You can get a Ford Dura Spark coil that works well at most any parts store. Upgraded modules can be good also. We've used one from ProComp Electronics that works nice. MSD also makes one

[Hvnfn]

Matt,
Thanks for the reply... I will look into that option....

Mark,
Are you guys using the economy E-Coil or the professional one? From what I have read, there is no difference outside of the warranty...

[So Cal Mark]

usually we snag used ones from Pick a Part. How much price difference between econ and prem?

[MIGHTY 8]

Hey Guys,

I didn't mean to hijack this thread, but I had a recent problem that I thought was inline with the topic.

I swapped my Fuel Injection to dual 40IDFs on a 2L '80 spider. Or to be exact, my mechanic did!

Anyway, we both commented on the resulting mild power increase. As of just a few days ago, he's been running on a theory that the original distributor wasn't providing enough advance therefor-not allowing for more power.

Under his direction, I recently purchased an old distributor from a '71 spider. The basic theory that I understood, was that these older units can provide (either stock or with some mods.) a lot more advance then the distributors from the FI models.

I hate to be relaying all this and not being able to be more specific. However, I was curious as to whether anyone here has faced this before and what advice can be provided?

[racydave]

http://www.autosportlabs.net/Main_Page I posted my writen MAP program here. Its a programable dizzy-less system. I hook it up to my computer and make the program, or tweek an existing one. It looks at RPMS and the vaccume signal. The eng starts at 10BTDC and idles at 20. Max adv is 34. Ive re-written it bunches of times and finally am happy. Along with my new headers, and exhaust, its great!

[mdrburchette]

If you don't want to go with the distributorless ignition, the GM module is good enough for our racecars. Of course, I'm running the MSD box with Blaster II coil and 79 electronic distributor (advance plate locked) and haven't had a problem at 8k rpm.

[ga.spyder]

Is there a certain model # or style I should look for on the Ford dura-spark coil? I am all for a bolt in upgrade for my 82.Also,what is an e-coil.Is that a type of coil or model name?
thanks ,Craig

[Hvnfn]

mdrburchette,

I too went with the MSD box and a blaster II coil... I got the 6AL box. I did not lock the dist plate though... why did you do that? And pardon my ignorance, how did you do that? I too have the 79 electronic ignition, on my 79 spider.

I have a couple of questions for you on your hookup...

I cant get my tach to work with the MSD box... did you get an additional part to make it work? is the tach using the opposite signal than the box or something?

There is an output to the dizzy on the MSD box... a + and - ... do you know which one was the positive and which one was the negative at the distributor?

[racydave]

Leaving the vac advance on looks bad, but holding the plate stationary is very difficult, and easilly can lead to worn bushings in the plate and problems. I tried with my dizzy out, and could not get it correct.