ignition question

[painterdude923]

I am going to be putting a .040 302 in my 97 2wd extended cab that has 4.0. going to have a carb and just picked up an HEI distributor for the swap. converting from computer controlled distributorless ignition, anything I need to know before hand? its going to be awhile before the swap. still need alot of parts and only have so much $ extra each month to spend.

[plowboy34]

If your going to run carb and HEI distributor just run a hot wire to distributor and all is good. Exactly what we run on the boys truck.

[v8ranger]

If your going to run carb and HEI distributor just run a hot wire to distributor and all is good. Exactly what we run on the boys truck.

Make sure its a key on, key off power. You dont want power going to the distributor all the time...

[plowboy34]

Sorry, I presumed that was a given and we all know what a presumption is correct, but while we are at it it has to have power in the start position also. Some power wires lose power in the start position so just just make sure it has power in start and run position.

[cgrey8]

I remember helping my buddy back in college build his 68 Camaro. We accidentally powered the distributor off of "start-only" power. It would crank and run as long as you had the starter running too. It didn't take long to figure out what was going on and rewire it correctly.

[plowboy34]

LOL....My story is just the opposite. We wired it hot on run but not start. cranked and cranked but wouldn't start. Kept checking for power and yep it had it....in run. I kept noticing that right when you would let off key it would almost start. We didn't figure things out real fast but there was influences at the time, I blame it on them. I bet Dave knows what I'm talking about....lol

By the way Chris, you didn't get hit by any of them storms in the Atlanta area did you. Kept meaning to check on you and when was on puter would forget.

[painterdude923]

what about the computer? leave it and hook up power or remove the computer all together? my last v8 ranger was an 1984 so it was so easy!

[cgrey8]

Storms came through which put us under tornado watch, but they blew on through without incident...just a lot of the wet-stuff. But ever since we had a drought a few years ago, I learned not to complain too much about rain. As a farmer, I'm sure you know that all too well yourself.

[plowboy34]

Yepper on the rain Chris, I have always made a better crop in wet years than I ever have a dry year. We had a bad drought this year, went 88 day's with less than an inch of rain and 95+ degree heat. It was brutal.

Painterdude, I am not completely positive on the computer but I am fairly certain you can just ditch it unless it operates other things on the vehicle. Not real sure on a 97, cgrey8 or Malcolm probably know, they got that EFI crap down. I am old school on the hot rods.

[87sc302]

Check the run power it may have resistor wire built-in.

Not sure if the HEI does or does not need resistor.

[Teddyzee]

The ECU will not control anything other than the engine.
Does not affect cruise control.
It does send a signal to the fuel pump relay, but you have not mentioned your fuel system yet.

[painterdude923]

just planning on running an aftermarket electic fuel pump. a holley or mallory, dont have one yet. all part of my plan. my 4.0 is still running pretty good so i'm still putting my engine together. live on social security disability so money is tight. slowly getting all my ducks in a row

[pkjorlie]

You might find some useful information here: http://www.gofastforless.com. I used his "cheap and dirty electronic ignition" on my Bronco II and it works just fine. I used the original coil, a GM HEI module and a Ford Duraspark Dist. I don't know much about the TFI, but his TFI fit might work for you. Otherwise, just email him. He was quite helpful to me.