Author Topic: Duraspark Box (Read 1069 times)

65fast · « **on:** September, 17, 2010, 06:39:37 AM »

Does anyone have a list of what vehicles you can source a Duraspark Ignition box from? I believe the box with the Blue grommet is the one to look for?

Thanks.

6t6red · « **Reply #1 on:** September, 17, 2010, 07:00:58 AM »

I know they came in the 85 mustang GT. I bought a new box thru Summit racing for $70.

tarafied1 · « **Reply #2 on:** September, 17, 2010, 08:07:00 AM »

Just about any mid 70's and up V8 Ford. In 1981 I converted my 67 to Duraspark II and used a 76 Mustang II box.

cmayna · « **Reply #3 on:** September, 17, 2010, 06:36:37 PM »

Red uses Duraspark but don't remember which year except it was plentiful and cheap. I keep a spare box in the trunk.

Starfury · « **Reply #4 on:** September, 18, 2010, 07:30:37 AM »

You're in luck. My coworker called me about this a couple days ago, and I got it on the first try.

Look up an '85 F-150 with a 302. Should be the box with the blue insulator.

65fast · « **Reply #5 on:** September, 19, 2010, 01:33:40 PM »

Picked one up for $12 from an 85 truck today.

Thanks for the help! Now to get it wired up!

6t6red · « **Reply #6 on:** September, 19, 2010, 03:33:08 PM »

Just in case you need it, here is a link to a wiring diagram for the duraspark hook-up

http://www.mustangsteve.com/conversion.html

cmayna · « **Reply #7 on:** September, 19, 2010, 04:21:41 PM »

On Red, I installed the durasparky box on the slanted brace of battery tray. Somewhat hidden yet accessible if needed.

tarafied1 · « **Reply #8 on:** September, 19, 2010, 04:54:34 PM »

Quote from: 6t6red on September, 19, 2010, 03:33:08 PM

Just in case you need it, here is a link to a wiring diagram for the duraspark hook-up

http://www.mustangsteve.com/conversion.html

that's cool. I made a diagram many years ago when I did it. I wish I would have had that one!

65fast · « **Reply #9 on:** September, 19, 2010, 05:21:50 PM »

Thanks,

I am guessing you cut the connectors on the harness off?

gotstang · « **Reply #10 on:** September, 19, 2010, 05:39:37 PM »

I'd consider running a Chevy HEI module. They are real cheap, smaller than a Duraspark box (ie. easier to hide :lol ) and unlike the Duraspark, you can buy the connectors and make a nice harness for cheap.

tarafied1 · « **Reply #11 on:** September, 19, 2010, 05:54:30 PM »

Quote from: 65fast on September, 19, 2010, 05:21:50 PM

Thanks,

I am guessing you cut the connectors on the harness off?

the connectors are all flat blade type, it was easy to do with out cutting anything.

6t6red · « **Reply #12 on:** September, 19, 2010, 07:45:39 PM »

I just crimped weatherproof female connectors on the wires coming from the dizzy and the power source and slid them on the male connectors on the box. You can see the box on the drivers side apron.

65fast · « **Reply #13 on:** September, 20, 2010, 05:24:31 AM »

Okay, I see what you guys are saying now for the connectors.

I think I might try mounting under the battery tray like Craig suggested.

tarafied1 · « **Reply #14 on:** September, 20, 2010, 11:30:38 AM »

mine is under there too but the battery is in the trunk so I have dual oil filters for the transmission there. Anyway, can't really see it unless your looking for it.

65fast · « **Reply #15 on:** October, 24, 2010, 05:36:01 PM »

I saved all the connectors of the vehicle I got my box from along with about 8" of wire off each connector. Has anyone reused the stock type connectors and then crimped their own wiring off the stock type connector?

I tired to confirm today which wire went to which female connector, but didn't have any success when I checked using voltage or resistance.

cmayna · « **Reply #16 on:** October, 25, 2010, 12:42:08 AM »

Yes, I believe Red is using the original Duraspark connectors down by the box. Did this so in case the box gets toasted I can simply swap out the box for the spare box sitting in the trunk. I believe I also used the original connector by the dizzy as well. Most of the sparky boxes I've obtained have come from early 80 F150 trucks.

I can take pics of Red's setup upon request.

65fast · « **Reply #17 on:** October, 25, 2010, 04:14:57 AM »

Thanks for the offer Craig, I should be good without a picture though. I sourced my box from an 85 truck.

When you used your connectors, did the respective wire on the back correspond to the respective plug on the front? I cut a connector in half yesterday to double check and it looks like they do, but I could not confirm this with a voltage or resistance reading.

cmayna · « **Reply #18 on:** October, 25, 2010, 05:41:59 AM »

Not sure if I totally understand your question but I did not remove and relocate any of the plugs (male or female). I just followed the schematics and tapped into the wires a good distance from the connectors.

65fast · « **Reply #19 on:** October, 25, 2010, 08:21:52 AM »

lol, I am just over thinking this.

tapped into the wires a good distance from the connectors. - that's what I needed to know!

Thanks!

65fast · « **Reply #20 on:** November, 12, 2010, 08:08:42 AM »

What plug gaps is everyone running with their Duraspark Ignition?

I will be using a Pertronix Coil.

tarafied1 · « **Reply #21 on:** November, 13, 2010, 08:07:07 PM »

MSD says:"Compression Spark Plug Gap
Up to 10.5:1: 0.050" - 0.060"
10.5:1 - 13.0:1: 0.040" - 0.050"
Above 13.0:1: 0.035" - 0.045"

I gap mine at .050"
I'm running 10.5:1 CR and Bosch Platnum plugs. I have the Duraspark II and MSD Blaster coil with Ford Motorsport 8mm wires. Works okay for me.

pprince · « **Reply #22 on:** November, 15, 2010, 10:43:47 AM »

I have been hearing quite a few stories lately of guys having trouble with their Duraspark modules.

I don't know what is fact or fiction.

cmayna · « **Reply #23 on:** November, 15, 2010, 11:06:51 AM »

You know? I don't remember what spark plug gap I'm using on Red who uses a Duraspark. For some reason I don't think it is as big as .050. More like .035.

Haven't heard any issues with these boxes. Red's been running strong for 3+ years.