Register now to get rid of these ads!

Hot Rods What distributor for reliable daily, Ford FE

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Roothawg, Jun 28, 2025.

  1. Roothawg
    Joined: Mar 14, 2001
    Posts: 25,778

    Roothawg
    Member

    Not super familiar with what's available for the FE. Is there a certain year/model of a production distributor that would prove to be a reliable option for a daily driven hot rod? I don't put nearly as much faith in todays aftermarket world as I used to.

    I'm not really interested in points type. I want plug and play.
    No GM HEI conversions either. I want to keep a small cap.

    I know, I'm picky. Low maintenance is the key here. I'm old, fat and lazy.
     
  2. I put a pertronix in my stock FE points dist. Don't have a ton of miles on it yet, but it runs great.
    Duraspark(FORD) is another option. The early version had a small cap
     
    RichT in Sanazay likes this.
  3. I had great service from points.
    If going duradpsrk gut the box and install that gm module we don’t talk about here.
     
    bobss396 and guthriesmith like this.
  4. rattlecanrods
    Joined: Apr 24, 2005
    Posts: 522

    rattlecanrods
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Roothawg likes this.
  5. Wasn't aware Gm module was verbotton!

    Roothawg, can't say regards Ford specifically, but have a suggestion. Message me if interested.

    Ben
     
    Roothawg likes this.
  6. Well, I try not to discuss em here anyway.
     
    Moriarity and firstinsteele like this.
  7. Roothawg
    Joined: Mar 14, 2001
    Posts: 25,778

    Roothawg
    Member

    What years did they use the duraspark?
     
  8. Flatrod17
    Joined: Apr 25, 2017
    Posts: 673

    Flatrod17
    Member

    I use the Duraspark with a Chrysler box, or a Standard Products LX101. Easy 4 wire hook up and available everywhere. Summit sells a harness for it too.
    Duraspark was used in the last few years of the FE run.
     
    wfo guy likes this.
  9. Some truck FEs got Duraspark in '74, they all did in '75-76. These were the 'large cap' versions but after removing the adaptor will accept the earlier small cap/rotor (although it appears that not all got the large cap). New ones are under $80 at RockAuto.
    More Information for CARDONE 842897
    The downside is these need to be recurved for performance use. Here's a how-to...
    Duraspark_distributor_recurve_instructions_index

    I'm using a MSD 7AL box rather than the Ford box. More $$$ than some other options, but better starting/idle quality, can use a Ford yellow top coil and fairly easy connection for a shift light (I'm not running a tach). I'm integrating the shift light into the instrument cluster for a stealth install.
     
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2025
  10. tjm73
    Joined: Feb 17, 2006
    Posts: 3,650

    tjm73
    Member

    You can HEI convert without the hideous giant cap using a Duraspark distributor. Popular in newer truck and other circles. Just use a coil compatible with the HEI module. Alternately you could run a complete Duraspark setup.

    hei_pic_new_1small_1fab03c62da713755916a296c9a9a34417d18d8e-2376673556.jpg

    Google "Ford HEI module conversion" and you will get lots of threads on the conversion.
     
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2025
    wfo guy, rattlecanrods and Roothawg like this.
  11. Roothawg
    Joined: Mar 14, 2001
    Posts: 25,778

    Roothawg
    Member

    That helps. Thanks.
     
  12. 4 pedals
    Joined: Oct 8, 2009
    Posts: 986

    4 pedals
    Member
    from Nor Cal

    I have and O/T 70 F100 with a 360. The stock distributor has given me ZERO troubles in the 15 years I've owned it, even with points. I did disconnect the vacuum retard side. The curve in the advance is surprisingly good. If you had to have electronic, I'd use a Pertronix in that one.

    Devin
     
    Roothawg, firstinsteele and RMR&C like this.
  13. Used a Duraspark for 20 years in my 65 Galaxie,
    75 rockauto dist, blaster 2 and a msd6a, no problems EVER.
    Using a Pertronix conversion in my OT 2.0 ford SOHC ( pinto) , Mallory dual point,been in there for 12 years. Cheaper and simple.
    55 f100 is getting a Pertronix conversion in a stock dist.
     
    Roothawg and firstinsteele like this.
  14. I’ve had outstanding success with Pertronix. That would be my go to. Brillman Company has them and the correct coils as far as ohms are concerned. That being said, I would also use a Duraspark Distributor with an MSD 6A or 6AL if you prefer.
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.