Cleaning Up - Too Cheap for Duraspark

[DenCon]

For now, we have no budget for the Duraspark conversion on my son's '85 B2 auto (it's on our wish list). We have no emissions checks here.
How much of the emissions crap can we strip out? Cat's gutted, smog pump w/plumbing is out.

 

[The_Dealer]

none, the carb is dependant on that shit to run, because the computer controls everything. buy the duraspark stuff and make a metering block for your current carb and u can save money on a carb

 

[RobbieD]

none, the carb is dependant on that shit to run, because the computer controls everything. buy the duraspark stuff and make a metering block for your current carb and u can save money on a carb

Honestly and sincerely, I agree. It's not just the "emissions crap", it's the whole engine management arrangement.

I put off Durasparking my '84 for a long time, wanting to keep it stock. But man I'm glad I did it; it's the best thing you can possibly do for the 2.8.

The factory system sucks, plain and simple, especially with age and wear.

The Duraspark conversion is well worth it, and doesn't cost that much if you do it right. I did mine for well under $200, for everything.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

It cost me about $130 for the ignition parts and you can use that carb if you put a metering block on it. If you can find a donor late 70`s pinto, mustang II with the 2.8 in it you will have everything you need but pulling stuff of the engine for the computer will just get you frustrated I know from personal exp. You can use the stock coil just get the dizzy, cap,rotor,adaptor and module. The wiring is easy you just need a small harness or just hard wire it with three wires to bring that engine to life.http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/2_8Duraspark.html here is the link to the tech library for the conversion and if you need help just ask.

 

[DenCon]

What's a metering block?

 

[martin]

It replaces the mixture control solenoid on the back of the carb. It's easy to make with hand tools and saves having to find another carb and then rejet it etc. I believe the information is somewhere on the site, perhaps someone remembers where it is.

 

[SR185]

If you buy the pigtails that are listed on the Duraspark instructions, in the library, you won't need a donor harness. All you need to make your own harness is the two pigtails, and 4 lengths of 18 gauge wire about 3 1/2 fit each.

 

[The_Dealer]

It replaces the mixture control solenoid on the back of the carb. It's easy to make with hand tools and saves having to find another carb and then rejet it etc. I believe the information is somewhere on the site, perhaps someone remembers where it is.

if u have to ask, its prolly better u buy a new carb, u have to have some basic carb knowledge and a little tuning know how

 

[Shran]

There is a way to remove a lot of that shit and make it run without doing the Duraspark swap. It basically entails leaving the computer, wiring, coil, and distributor in place and running power to each from the computer. You do end up using a different carb though. I can't tell you much more about it besides that it looks like a cluster fawk but it DOES work. I had an '84 Ranger set up that way that I eventually did the Duraspark swap on because it was just too weird.

If you buy the pigtails that are listed on the Duraspark instructions, in the library, you won't need a donor harness. All you need to make your own harness is the two pigtails, and 4 lengths of 18 gauge wire about 3 1/2 fit each.

I do not believe the pigtails are available anymore, better to just clip them from the junkyard. I asked NAPA three different times and they said they are discontinued. No other parts store knew what I was talking about.

 

[Shran]

if u have to ask, its prolly better u buy a new carb, u have to have some basic carb knowledge and a little tuning know how

No, you have to have "basic carb knowledge" just to put a new carb on any engine. The metering block mod is not exactly common knowledge. Martin knows what he's talking about. :icon_thumby:

 

[SR185]

There is a way to remove a lot of that shit and make it run without doing the Duraspark swap. It basically entails leaving the computer, wiring, coil, and distributor in place and running power to each from the computer. You do end up using a different carb though. I can't tell you much more about it besides that it looks like a cluster fawk but it DOES work. I had an '84 Ranger set up that way that I eventually did the Duraspark swap on because it was just too weird.



I do not believe the pigtails are available anymore, better to just clip them from the junkyard. I asked NAPA three different times and they said they are discontinued. No other parts store knew what I was talking about.

I just purchased both pigtails from NAPA a few weeks ago. I gave them the order numbers listed on the DS instructions, and had them a few days later.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Even without the metering block just do the ignition and it will run alot better than if you run it with half the computer. The metering block is not that hard if you know how to thread drill and cut. All it will do without the block is run a little rich and who knows you might get lucky and the feedback solenoid already is leaking enough to make it run decent. Just do the ignition for now you will be amazed but I do recommend a compression and vacuum test to see if the engine is worth it first.

 

[The_Dealer]

i was saying to DenCon if u have to ask what a metering block is u aint ready to make one

 

[kimcrwbr1]

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/500837/3 here is the link to the block it dont take a master mechanic to fab one up.

 

[DenCon]

I do have plenty of carb & FI knowledge - I just need help with identifying the emissions/engine management crap. My Chilton CD manual isn't exactly specific...

 

[The_Dealer]

i would save up and do the duraspark, hell do like im doing and puy one piece at a time, it will run so much better. im doing it because half of my wires are cut and vacuum lines are missing(o2 sensor is cut, that cant be good)

 

[kimcrwbr1]

You should see if you can get the parts at the bone yard for cheap Late 70s pinto mustang II or any duraspark module with the blue grommet where the wires come out of it or see if someone here has some parts they are willing to part with just start a new thread for parts wanted.

 

[Shran]

I have some of the stuff you need to do the Duraspark swap and will sell it cheap - came out of what I think was a '76 Mustang II. I have the distributor, ignition module, and at least one carb - PM me if you are interested.