ignition box carb 2.3T

[89 AZ SSP]

How good are the "standard" brand ignition boxes. I was having issues with the cobra dying after about 5 minutes of idling fine. I bought a new ignition and it fixed it.
Well after it started getting warm this summer the car would just die on my way home from work. I will let it cool down for 10 minutes and then it would start right up and go for another couple miles before it would die again.
Recently I heard that the ignition boxes on the old fords were notorious for shutting down after heating up. Is there any truth to this? If so should I try and find a Ford Duraspark ignition box?
I do have a MSD 6AL laying around is it possible to hook this up instead of a normal box?

I have already replaced the ignition stuff in the distributor too.

thanks

[ethangsmith]

The duraspark boxes are pretty good. I've heard the cheap aftermarket boxes can be crappy sometimes. As for putting an MSD box on, it's pretty easy and you can actually delete the duraspark box. I did it on the Capri when I backdated the ignition system. Works like a champ.

[89 AZ SSP]

The duraspark boxes are pretty good. I've heard the cheap aftermarket boxes can be crappy sometimes. As for putting an MSD box on, it's pretty easy and you can actually delete the duraspark box. I did it on the Capri when I backdated the ignition system. Works like a champ.

Thanks! I will try and find the directions to install the MSD box. I am ready to start driving this car again!!

[Jax Rhapsody]

This reminds me, I should check the Duraspark in my car. Hopefully I wont forget.

[Naja]

My 2.3 Turbo has been running for 29 years with the original duraspark ignition box... I got no complains about it...
Now i've installed and Indiel electronic distributor with a new ignition module and I have 5 durasparks in a box in my garage... One of them is NOS :-p

[loutheplumber]

Works like a champ.
yet you are afraid to take it any where hrmm?

[ethangsmith]

I'm afraid to take it to far because of fuel and timing issues, not reliability of the ignition box.

[kckeener]

Isn't there a retard in the turbo ignition boxes for high boost timing? I am not sure how it works but I thought it was in the box. I think MSD make a turbo retard box. I was considering upgrading my carbed turbo ignition, but I didn't research it yet and this is my first turbo.

[ethangsmith]

I thought the timing retard was in the distributor vacuum advance unit. I think they're a dual diaphragm deal where it can move the advance rod foreward or backward to advance and retard the timing. I could be wrong though.

[kckeener]

You could be right, I know mine has two vacuum switches in the fender. I assumed they got the vacuum/boost signal and sent it to the ignition box. I hope someone who knows will chime in with some info soon. I may pull my car in today and check it out a little, see what I can find out.

[ethangsmith]

That's a good point. I'm not sure what the retard switches are for. They very well could signal the Duraspark box that the car is under boost. There were so many systems and variants of Duraspark during that era.

I see your from PA, whereabouts in the state are you?

[kckeener]

I pulled my capri in the shop and never got to the hood release. A call that my buddys truck left him sit. maybe today I can look at it, after I finish the distributor job.
I am in Lebanon, PA

[ethangsmith]

Lebanon. You're right up the road from Pextor and I. And you're right down the road from 83RSturbo. Hopefully you can get your car going soon. We will have to meet up and do a mini-cruise or something.

[Sellis1012]

There are five vacuum switches mounted on a bracket on your driver's side inner fenderwell. Mine is California emissions but I think all the carbed turbos have five. These are ALL controlled by the vacuum tied into the turbo. I know for sure that one is for the green boost light, and one is for the overboost warning. The other three are tied to the distributor for spark retard. These three are also wired together and go straight into the ignition module. So, I'm thinking your car won't run right without the correct module.

[kckeener]

I was working on mine and see the ignition box has an extra plug, 3 plugs, and
i know normal boxes have two plugs. I think I am making progress and found my turbo problem. I ordered a kit for the turbo and they sent bushings that are .015 larger than the turbo shaft.
Kerry

[Sellis1012]

I was working on mine and see the ignition box has an extra plug, 3 plugs, and
i know normal boxes have two plugs. I think I am making progress and found my turbo problem. I ordered a kit for the turbo and they sent bushings that are .015 larger than the turbo shaft.
Kerry

Ihave the vacuum schematics and the service highlights for the 79 turbo as well as the electrical & vacuum troubleshooting manual if you need any more help.

[Play400]

I have the manuals for the 82 2.3T if needed. It only uses 2 switches verses the 80's bunch.