Ford Ignition parts on AMC V8

[basketcasejeep]

Hey guys, it's been a really long time since I've been on here. My brother just bought a Waggie, he's wanting to upgrade the rotor/cap and other parts to the ones off the Fords that everyone used to rave about years ago. Is this still the best 'cheap' upgrade? It's a temporary upgrade, he's going to be putting in a 4bt soon and this is just to get it running better for emissions/daily driving in the mean time. Thanks a heap, sorry to ask something so basic but I've lost all my old links and search didn't pull up what I was looking for.

[Jim_Lou]

What's needed are the cap, rotor, plug wires and cap adapter - which might have to be ordered - for an early '80s Ford 300 truck engine.

But for a temporary fix, don't bother. It won't make the engine run any better than stock components in good condition. Unless the wires or cap are leaking (watch them in total darkness) or the cap is cracked or the rotor tip is burned up they're doing the job.

The big advantage of the Ford system is that the cap is bigger, so the wire terminals are farther apart. That makes them less susceptible to cross firing from moisture. Also the wire boots are better which also prevents water problems.

I replaced my stock, original wires - 29 years old - with new cap, rotor, adapter and the best silicone wires NAPA had and saw no difference anywhere except that I could again pressure wash the engine without problems. Over the years that quality had been lost.

[mbalbritton]

I run the Ford Cap rotor and adaptor with bigger spark wires. with a tfi coil, GM 4pin module and straight 12V through it. I love my ignition. If I look at the key it fires up on the first cylinder hit.

that being said, if he just want to get it running for now until he puts in the 4bt, I wouldn't bother either. just put new stock parts on it.

Like Jim said, the big cap gets the Distributor terminals farther apart, and that helps with an ignition that is pushing more juice than the stock one.

[jeepgod]

i saw a significant performance jump when i did the stage two upgrade.. over my stock setup.. if this will help for emissions i dont know, didn't have to worry about it.. but it was well worth the upgrade... not sure how long he will run this setup before the engine swap.. total i might have had 150 bucks in it.. but that was for a good set of wire, cap, rotor, plugs, and the ford ignition module..

here is a write up..

TR Ignition Upgrade

if your waggy is a v8, which most are, dont use the ford 300 stuff.. you will need it from a 460, but all that is in the link above.

[basketcasejeep]

Thanks guys. Its a 360, forgot to mention that before. Once the battery was charged up, it fires right up barely touching the key. He got it off craigslist for 600 bucks! There's a crack on the pass. side exhaust manifold, patching that and taking care of the vacuum leaks and it should be good to go for a while. It's amazing how well this beater drives for having been neglected so much.

I'll forward all this on to my brother, thanks for your help!

Jeepgod, was just looking at your site, the great pumpkin has changed a lot! Have you entered it in any more car shows?

[Jim_Lou]

Oops. I ass umed it was a 258.

The parts to do my 258 cost about $80 IIRC, but plugs weren't included.

[OlllllllOCJ]

I can give you the part numbers for the Large Ford Cap/Rotor, wires TFI Coil and more if that's what you want..

Would suggest that you just buy the 4wd.com HEI Distributor, plugs and a plug wire set that works.

Makes it pretty easy but may not be perfect. Any questions just ask.


Dale

[basketcasejeep]

Thanks Dale but I think he's just going to throw new plugs in and fix a few other things. A motor mount busted a few days ago and the fan ripped a hole in a hose. There's always something to fix on a beater... so I imagine he'll get tired of throwing money at it and get that 4bt in there.

[jeepgod]

no more car shows for it.. but i am heading off to Moab next week..