Crank No Start

[BBMK790]

Im going to buy parts today. This is list I got so far...

E-Coil
Rotor
Cap
Cap Adapter
Distributor
Pigtail Connector
Wire and connectors or wire harness
Fender mount for Coil

The mount I can find from 90's cars with 5.0?

[1987cp]

Basically, grab any bracket you're comfortable with. I like mine since it mounts the coil flat on the fenderwell, but the engine-mount style is okay too. Here's a shot of mine, though I've currently got it on the other side of the engine bay: http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/attachme...6&d=1249999982

Some performance coils don't require an additional bracket ... not familiar with two of these three, but the Crane coil uses a Ford-type plug ...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-850500/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MSD-8207/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CRN-730-0091/

Or my easiest-and-cheapest idea yet, refer to my pic and the pic of the Crane coil and make your own bracket. Might be easiest to use two strips of bar stock bent into a doorhandle shape and suitable-size self drilling screws (may require slight filing for clearance ... not sure), or else start with sheet stock and take the time to cut out the necessary recesses to clear the coil.

[BBMK790]

I got the Distributor, cap adaptor, cap, rotor and the wiring from AZ for the e-core coil. I gotta order the coil ( Im just gonna go with one that has a built in bracket) and buy wire and connectors. Im guessing I match the gauge wire thats on the parts. As for the connectors is there any that are superior to others as far as not coming lose after awhile?

[BBMK790]

For timing I take note of where the rotors pointing and at which # wire and match it when the new one goes in?

[1987cp]

That's easiest. Or skip that step, make a piston stop, and start setting your timing from scratch by finding true TDC. Whatever you find easiest to get the timing close enough to get the engine running, and then you can grab your timing light and set it properly. Some guys recommend marking only true TDC (after doing the piston-stop check) and getting a timing light with an advance knob rather than relying on timing marks on the balancer (I just have a cheap timing light, so I got a Summit timing tape for mine).

Which coil did you end up ordering? The Summit and MSD coils I linked to appeared to require ring-terminal connectors, but at least returning an unneeded connector to AZ is no big deal. If it was one of those you're getting, were you able to verify that it'll work nicely with your module? (can't imagine why it wouldn't, but one never knows)

[BBMK790]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CRN-730-0091/

Thats the one.

As far a wiring goes, I just follow this diagram?

http://webpages.charter.net/1bad6t/duraspark.html

I dont completely understand all of it (start bypass, ballast resistor). Ill have to find a real picture to reference.

[BBMK790]

So I have duraspark 3. Do I swap control modules to go to 2?

[1987cp]

Random tip, on my '81 I found one wire in the old harness on the fender that was hot both in Start and in Run. If you also have such a wire, you can just use that to switch your aftermarket ignition relay. I took advantage of mine by leaving the stock plug and shoving in a lightly-modified male bullet connector - very convenient.

Any ideas what the ballast resistor was for? I'm thinking it's something to do with the old-style coil and isn't necessary with a modern coil, but I'm not 100% certain on that.

[BBMK790]

Aftermarket ignition relay?
The DSIII module is still connected. When I replace it with a DSII (2 prong connector and 4 prong connector?) I wont be using any of that wiring right?

[1987cp]

Well, yes, I'm anticipating that you'll want to use a relay to power your new ignition system ... right? They didn't at the factory, but that wouldn't be the first thing they refused to use a relay on when it might have been beneficial (*cough* headlights *cough*). I'm not using a separate relay with my Hi-6, but it comes set up to use an internal relay of some sort (fat red wire for power and skinny red wire for on/off). My HEI is definitely powered via a relay; I used a regular Bosch style and mounted it next to my replacement horn relay (at least, I think I have a horn relay on that car ...).

As for your DSIII wiring, is any of it the same as what's needed for DSII? If so, you might try using it. Even if not, are any of the plugs the same? Reusing a factory plug would be nicer than doing the spade terminal routine. I can't comment on the suitability of the DSIII box, as I've never owned one and haven't bothered to read about them.

[86VickyLX]

Well, yes, I'm anticipating that you'll want to use a relay to power your new ignition system ... right? They didn't at the factory, but that wouldn't be the first thing they refused to use a relay on when it might have been beneficial (*cough* headlights *cough*). I'm not using a separate relay with my Hi-6, but it comes set up to use an internal relay of some sort (fat red wire for power and skinny red wire for on/off). My HEI is definitely powered via a relay; I used a regular Bosch style and mounted it next to my replacement horn relay (at least, I think I have a horn relay on that car ...).

As for your DSIII wiring, is any of it the same as what's needed for DSII? If so, you might try using it. Even if not, are any of the plugs the same? Reusing a factory plug would be nicer than doing the spade terminal routine. I can't comment on the suitability of the DSIII box, as I've never owned one and haven't bothered to read about them.

Duraspark III uses input from the computer to adjust timing and stuff. Duraspark III and Duraspark II are basically the same. the connector that goes to the computer is just shorted together and you have a Duraspark II system. At least that's how we did it with the Black 88 Vic...

[BBMK790]

How do you know when buying a coil if needs/dosent need a ballast resistor?

[BBMK790]

I bought a MSD Blaster 2 coil. This is what there website says..

"If you are installing the Blaster Coil with the stock points ignition (Figure 1), MSD Blaster Ignition or an MSD 5 Ignition Control (Figure 2), the supplied 0.8 ohm ballast resistor must be installed on the coil positive (+) wire."

Since DSII is electronic ignition and not points, I dont have to worry about a resistor right?

[1987cp]

Duraspark III uses input from the computer to adjust timing and stuff. Duraspark III and Duraspark II are basically the same. the connector that goes to the computer is just shorted together and you have a Duraspark II system. At least that's how we did it with the Black 88 Vic...

Excellent info! So it sounds like he's already got everything he needs!

I bought a MSD Blaster 2 coil. This is what there website says..

"If you are installing the Blaster Coil with the stock points ignition (Figure 1), MSD Blaster Ignition or an MSD 5 Ignition Control (Figure 2), the supplied 0.8 ohm ballast resistor must be installed on the coil positive (+) wire."

Since DSII is electronic ignition and not points, I dont have to worry about a resistor right?

I don't know of anyone who bothers with a resistor on their electronic ignition system.

[BBMK790]

Where does the aftermarket ignition relay go?