3.8 Duraspark distributor cap adapter ?

[Walking-Tall]

I get conflicting information and no clear answer when I go looking for a distributor cap adapter for an '83 3.8L V6 Duraspark.
Ebay and ignition part manufacturer web sites is where I've looked. A number of them incorrectly show what's on my '86 TFI, which is a small diameter cap and has screws that attach it. NOT the case for a Duraspark. Two pair of spring clips (distributor to cap adapter, and cap adapter to cap) is what's necessary.
Anybody know if the 5.0L cap adapter is the same deal? I really don't care about ultimate or "correct" rotational cap orientation, just as long as it fits the distributor and cap and will be at the right height for the rotor for an '83...

[mustangxtreme]

I think the adapter is the same for 3.8s and 5.0s.

[great white]

All my 302 adapters I've ever had were "flared" at the top, like so:



I'm assuming for separation for additional protection from arcing.

TFI distributors seem to have straight adapters, but I haven't dealt with a lot of TFI dists.

My 83 3.8 adapter is straight.

[KevinD]

Is this what you are looking for?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-1982-83-...tWL1S-&vxp=mtr

[mustangxtreme]

great white you may be right. It's been years since I replaced the 3.8 with my 5.0

[great white]

great white you may be right. It's been years since I replaced the 3.8 with my 5.0

maybe not. mine is duraspark, his is cfi which is tfi unless im mistaken (which happens more than i'd like!). his cap could be different than mine...

[Walking-Tall]

All my 302 adapters I've ever had were "flared" at the top, like so:



I'm assuming for separation for additional protection from arcing.

TFI distributors seem to have straight adapters, but I haven't dealt with a lot of TFI dists.

My 83 3.8 adapter is straight.

3.8 Duraspark distributors do have a flare out cap adapter too. I'll post a photo in a sec...

[Walking-Tall]

Is this what you are looking for?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-1982-83-...tWL1S-&vxp=mtr

Thank you, yes it looks like that is one, and the ad gives me a part #... but HOLY $82+ Canadian! I might quite likely be wrecking yard bound...

[Walking-Tall]

maybe not. mine is duraspark, his is cfi which is tfi unless im mistaken (which happens more than i'd like!). his cap could be different than mine...

It's a Duraspark (I got an '83 for the car) cap adapter that I'm looking for. The '86 TFI distributor in the car now will be getting the boot

[Walking-Tall]

Sorry it's not a great picture, but here's the 3.8 Duraspark in my '83 Cougar. It's a distributor cap damn near or the same diameter as on 5.0L's... and a cap adapter is necessary...



Here's the little fella TFI that's on my '86 right now...



As I said above, I'm likely wrecking yard bound with the Duraspark and a new cap'n'rotor in hand to sort this out. Thanks guys

[great white]

you can have this one if you want it:





Striping the 3.8 to get ready for the 302 and its going in the trash.....no good to me.

its pretty much straight. if anything, i'd say it has a bit of a taper vice "flair".....the picture exagerates it a lot,

[Walking-Tall]

Hey, thank you! If you don't need the cap, rotor, or plug wires either, I'd be an interested buyer.
I'm out to change the fluid and filter in the transmission this afternoon, but shoot me a PM, kind Sir, and I'll be back later.

[great white]

cap and rotor are yours if you want em. you'll have to clean em up a bit, theyve gone fuzzy.

i last boght this stuff at plain ol crappy tire if you havent checked yet,

keeping the wires.

no need to buy, just pay for the ride to your door.

if you feel the need to pay something for them, buy me a drink and a cigar. 10 bucks would cover most of it.

[Walking-Tall]

cap and rotor are yours if you want em. you'll have to clean em up a bit, theyve gone fuzzy.

i last boght this stuff at plain ol crappy tire if you havent checked yet,

keeping the wires.

no need to buy, just pay for the ride to your door.

if you feel the need to pay something for them, buy me a drink and a cigar. 10 bucks would cover most of it.

Thank you, I'll take 'em

I was planning on crappy tire or some place for cap and rotor... it's the 3.8 adapters that seem a b*tch to find and not readily/inexpensively buy-able just anywhere nowadays.

I'll PM you my details nearer the end of the month.

Thanks again,
Mike