Advice on ignition set up 390

[Lukedukem14]

I’m looking to update my ignition on my 75 Ford F-250 with a 390. Every time I search for best electronic ignition it seems people are saying use the pertronics II. I’ve used it in the past with no problems but what the difference between the pertronixs 1 and 2? Whats a good coil and plug wires to use?

[tnlprt]

Duraspark distributor and an MSD box

[sargentrs]

I've had problems with Pertronix so I'm a die hard Duraspark fan. It's a Ford, it wants a Ford igntion.

[Manny]

I've had problems with Pertronix so I'm a die hard Duraspark fan. It's a Ford, it wants a Ford igntion.

This may cause a ruckus. Sarge you gonna come smack me in the back of the head as i have hidden a few certain modules in duraspark boxes. They are hei but Chinese borg warner ones not gm. Duraspark gets a vote you want a little more than that you can cheat or go msd.

[sargentrs]

I'll agree with you there, Manny. For all out performance there are better ignition systems available than Duraspark. Seems like everything you get these days is imported, all or in part, anyway.

[ddcrim]

I went with the Pertronix II, Flamethrower coil, heavy wires and those new type plugs. Forgot the name but
they have 3 electrodes. Real happy with the setup. Went from 10.5 MPG to 13. Acts a little peppier, for a 360
that is. But I did notice a difference.

[Manny]

I went with the Pertronix II, Flamethrower coil, heavy wires and those new type plugs. Forgot the name but
they have 3 electrodes. Real happy with the setup. Went from 10.5 MPG to 13. Acts a little peppier, for a 360
that is. But I did notice a difference.

The e3 spark plugs? Also one thing 13 mpg from a 360!!! That is a miracle!!

[magic bus]

I've had problems with Pertronix so I'm a die hard Duraspark fan. It's a Ford, it wants a Ford igntion.

This may cause a ruckus. Sarge you gonna come smack me in the back of the head as i have hidden a few certain modules in duraspark boxes. They are hei but Chinese borg warner ones not gm. Duraspark gets a vote you want a little more than that you can cheat or go msd.

I just converted my 71. After rebuilding the 360 into a 390 I used a 76 ford 360 duraspark dizzy and coil. I reluctantly went with the 4 pin gm hei hidden under the seat (shameful I know). After reading multiple threads it seems that the general consensus was that the gm style was more reliable than the duraspark box. And hey it was cheap. I got all the parts new for less tha $100. Not enough miles on it yet to tell, but it does run!

[sargentrs]

I reluctantly went with the 4 pin gm hei hidden under the seat

I did a similar swap in a '74 Dodge Dart I used to have. Easy to do and worked great.

[ddcrim]

Hey, Dapper Dan..... Yes, E3 plugs from Summit. They are steep, but they had one helluva rebate at the time.
As for 13 MPG: 1974 F250 Camper Special 360 motor w/2 tanks. 2 tests, one with points, cheap but fairly new wires original coil,and regular plugs. 2nd run, Pertronix II, Flamethrower coil 8.5mm wires and E3plugs. 1st run..10.5 MPG
2nd run 13.5 MPG. Both started with 1 Gal. in spare empty tank, same highway start point, and at 55 MPH.
Impressed me too. I rebuilt the engine a year ago so it"s not a wore out unit.

[Manny]

Hey, Dapper Dan..... Yes, E3 plugs from Summit. They are steep, but they had one helluva rebate at the time.
As for 13 MPG: 1974 F250 Camper Special 360 motor w/2 tanks. 2 tests, one with points, cheap but fairly new wires original coil,and regular plugs. 2nd run, Pertronix II, Flamethrower coil 8.5mm wires and E3plugs. 1st run..10.5 MPG
2nd run 13.5 MPG. Both started with 1 Gal. in spare empty tank, same highway start point, and at 55 MPH.
Impressed me too. I rebuilt the engine a year ago so it"s not a wore out unit.

Just goes to show healthy ignition makes it that much sweeter. How you like the e3’s always been curios but can’t peel from my autolite.

[sideoilerfe]

Duraspark distributor and an MSD box

I took it to the next level and put in an MSD distributor with the vacuum advance and it's more responsive than the Duraspark.

[Ohiotinkerer]

I must be a dinosaur because part of the reason I bought my bump was because it HAS points........I hate electronics on cars.....

[BobbyFord]

I have a recurved Duraspark with a 6al box in one truck and an 18 year old Pertronix in the other truck.

[1972f100rangerxlt]

MSD! The best