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Big Block Ford Ignition System
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Big-block Ford ignition, starting and charging systems aren’t any different than the small-block
systems already addressed earlier. All standard Ford big-block engines ranging from the 332 to the
460 were equipped with a single-point Autolite or Motorcraft distributor equipped with vacuum and
centrifugal advance. From 1958-74, these distributors didn’t change much, with the exception being
a vacuum advance/retard unit beginning in 1968 on some engines. Equipping some applications
with a spark advance/retard (dual advance) unit improved emissions on deceleration by retarding
the spark. Step on the gas and the spark advances. Back off and the vacuum shifts to the retard
side of the unit to retard the spark.
Ford Dura-Spark electronic ignition was introduced in 1975 on all big-block Fords and used until
SEFI was introduced on the 460 in the 1980s. This means you can upgrade your pre-1975 Ford
big-block with ease because Dura-Spark was available on both the “FE” series and 385-series
engines. “FE” series engines were in production through 1976.
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Distributor Identification
Big-block distributor identification is easy. Just follow the chart ahead. The distributor identification
number is stamped in the housing, which tells at a glance what the distributor’s application was in
the beginning. This doesn’t mean that particular distributor won’t work on another application. The
identification number tells how the distributor was “curved” or calibrated to begin with. Two items
determine calibration or “spark curve”—centrifugal and vacuum advance rates with engine rpm and
load. Each distributor type was curved at the factory for a specific vehicle type and environment.
Centrifugal advance curve, for example, was curved with springs and weights. Vacuum advance
was calibrated with shims that controlled spring tension. Any “FE” distributor, for example, will fit any
“FE” block. All you have to do is adjust the spark curve.
Like the small-blocks, there was also Thermactor and IMCO emissions control systems. Thermactor
was the smog pump system first used in 1966 on California-bound Fords and Mercurys. IMCO
(short for “Improved Combustion”) was a combination of spark curve and fuel mixture. Thermactor
and IMCO are two different systems.
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Aftermarket
Both the “FE” and the 385-series big-blocks enjoy the availability of aftermarket ignition systems.
The easiest aftermarket ignition modification is the Ignitor electronic ignition retrofit from Pertronix.
The Ignitor installs in single and dual-point Autolite/Motorcraft distributors in 30 minutes and it is not
visible externally. No one knows it’s there but you.
If your desire is to install an ignition system that can take high revs or severe-duty conditions, the
aftermarket has a wealth of ignition systems available for off-road and race track duty.
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The 1970 428 Cobra Jet engine with four-speed
was the only FE engine to have dual-point
ignition after the 427 passed away in 1968. All
other "FE" big-blocks of the era, the 390 High
Performance and all other 428 Cobra Jets, had
single-point ignition. None of the 385-series
engines ever had a dual-point ignition except for
the 1969-70 Boss 429.
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The Autolite single-point distributor was a
mainstay on all big-block Fords from 1958-71.
Beginning in 1972, the Autolite name was
dropped and Motorcraft used instead. Despite
the name change, this distributor didn't change
until 1975 when Dura-Spark electronic ignition
was introduced.
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Previous | Next
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This has been a sample page from
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High Performance Ford Engine
Parts Interchange
by George Reid
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First-ever book about Ford parts interchange
Covers the entire range of Ford engines from
221-CID to 460-CID
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This is one of the best books ever written about Ford engines.
Covering both big- and small-block Ford V-8 engines, this
first-ever book on the subject provides indispensable information
to the Ford enthusiast. Included are high performance factory
parts, interchangeability between Ford Windsor and Cleveland
engines, extensive coverage of the 302 and 351 series as well as
the 352, 390, 406, 427, 428, 429, and 460 big block engines,
factory casting numbers, etc. Read the sample pages from each
chapter to learn more!
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Click below to view sample
pages from each chapter
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"If you are trying to mix and match cranks and rods, this book
will tell you if it can be done. If you are trying to find the correct
casting number for a Boss 429 distributor, this book will have it
listed. What we really find appealing about the book is that, not
only is it a perfect resource for those interested in factory
correct restorations, but it is equally as useful for the
performance oriented engine builder. Each chapter points out
building tips, such as how to improve a Cleveland's oiling
system, or what heads will yield the best horsepower gains. As
with all SA Design books, this one is filled with pages of detailed
photographs and diagrams. This book will prove to be a
priceless resource, as many of the original Ford V-8 parts
become harder and harder to come by." -- FORDMUSCLE
webmagazine, February, 2000
Currently Unavailable
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Small Block Fords
Chap. 1 - Small Block Ford
Chap. 2 - Cylinder Block
Chap. 3 - Crankshaft & Rods
Chap. 4 - Oiling System
Chap. 5 - Cylinder Heads
Chap. 6 - Intake System
Chap. 7 - Ignition System
Chap. 8 - Exhaust Manifolds
Chap. 9 - Cooling System
Big Block Fords
Chap. 10 - Big Blocks
Chap. 11- Cylinder Block
Chap. 12 - Crankshaft & Rods
Chap. 13 - Oiling System
Chap. 14 - Cylinder Head
Chap. 15 - Intake System
Chap. 16 - Ignition System
Chap. 17 - Exhaust Manifolds
Chap. 18 - Cooling System
All Ford Engines
Chap. 19 - Gaskets
Chap. 20 - Engine Math
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Softbound
8-3/8 X 10-7/8
160 Pages
417 Color Photos
Item # SA56
Price: $
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Click here to buy now!
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This is a great book that any Ford engine enthusiast or
engine builder is sure to love!
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Payment, Shipping & Sales Tax: Iowa residents must pay 7% sales tax. Items usually ship
within one business day of receipt of payment! Standard shipping is a flat rate of $5.95 to
anywhere in the United States with USPS Media Mail. Priority Mail shipping is available for an
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purchases of 3 or more items shipping is automatically upgraded to Priority for no additional
charge! We offer world wide shipping and ship to Canada with USPS Priority Mail
International for $25.95, and to most locations in Europe, Australia, Asia, Japan and South
America for $35.95. Satisfaction is Guaranteed. Our store has a NO HASSLE RETURN POLICY
within 30 days of purchase.
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