Carb and ignition swap. 80 35w w/VV dist?

[351-lincoln]

That's definitely no TFI distributor; I presume that's what your Duraspark III unit looks like?

Extreme funkiness about that shaft length. Can't imagine more than one oil pump shaft was used, though.

i didnt post the one that "looks" like a TFI.

[351-lincoln]

this is the one they have listed that LOOKS like a TFI. i say that because of the spot that looks to be for a module of some sort.

[1987cp]

Ah, okay, that's the one I had associated with EEC-III on CFI cars. Still no Hall effect sender ... weird.

[P72Ford]

I convereted my 1990 351 from DS3 to DS2 when I did the 4 bbl carb swap (from the VV 7200). I used the original distributor (which I had replaced shortly before the intake and carb swap). All I did was buy a DS2 module (with a blue stress relief strip, as opposed to the DS3 yellow strip). The DS2 unit only has two plugs. One goes to the ignition switch (the 4 wire plug on the DS inner fender), and the other plugs directly to the wiring from your distributor, which you should still have intact. The third plug I left unplugged. I bought the module for an '87 F350 w/460, but they are all the same.

It works great, and the module is only like 20 bucks. Other options are available, but the DS2 switch is easy and cheap. I haven't had any issue with my control module either.

[P72Ford]

This is the unit in my car.

[1987cp]

Funny, I had a hard time finding Duraspark modules that cheap (even more so lately!), and I've heard lots of rumors of replacement units being unreliable. That, combined with the fact that I would still have to fabricate my harness, was most of the motivation for my getting a HEI module.

[351-lincoln]

This is the unit in my car.

interesting thats was the stock one in your car. man i got the short end of the stick.

[Pirate]

peep the difference.

If you will notice, everything except for the dark brown protrusion on your distributor is the same. The shiny part under the gear is where the shaft contacts the block; the dark spot under that shiny area isn't in contact with anything. Unless you have a shorter oil pump driveshaft (and I've never seen one, they are all the same length, but the 351W shaft is larger in diameter), there shouldn't be a problem switching to a non-EEC3 distributor. You will need to peek down into the hole to see if the oil pump shaft is almost flush with the boss that the dizzy gear rides on. If it's not, then there is a problem....you are going to have to fish the shaft out, and get a longer one in there. Considering that there is a collar keeping it from coming out...this might be difficult.

Check and see if the shaft end is visible first.

[351-lincoln]

the drive shaft isnt flush, but from measuring using the oil pump driver kit and some thinking its like 3/8 of shaft will be in the new distributor. i would hate to have to pull the engine just for the drive shaft. wonder what jerk thought it a good idea to have different drive shafts.

[1987cp]

"3/8 of shaft", as in, it engages by 3/8 of an inch?

[351-lincoln]

"3/8 of shaft", as in, it engages by 3/8 of an inch?

yes