ignition upgrade questions

[brent]

Done my homework and reading, this list and elsewhere.
--In theory, do the dist cap, dist cap adapter, and rotor kit need to be purchased for compatibility? Do I need to get these items all for a '79 F**d for example?
--I can't believe all the raves for Accel plug wires. I've used 'em a couple times and wasn't dazzled. Are they that good?
--Can I keep my blaster coil or do I have to get a modest one?
--LASTLY, what's considered a spark plug upgrade? What am I looking for from a plug that's an improvment from the basic plugs I got now?
I know it's a tall order, but it's still around $150 I gotta spend right.
Very much appreciated, Brent

[Cliff]

Brent, I don't think their will be a compatability problem with the ignition compnents. My AMC Spirit uses the same TFI, and I have a Blue Streak Cap on an Accel base. I think basic Accel wires suck - my choice is Taylor. My spark plug choice is AC - nothing fancy. I have used NGK V-groove plugs, but just don't notice any difference. I "think" the Blaster coil is okay with TFI - check the archives here. I am using an OEM AC coil, but more expensive than a Blaster.

[brielly]

Brent,I use a blaster coil with the tfi cap, rotor and wires and it works great. My blaster coil actually isn't a tfi but puts out just as much energy and fits into the stock coil bracket. I'm using bosch platinum plugs gapped at .045. I can't say Ive noticed a big difference from other plugs. The price for all components should be around $100 or less depending on how pricey the wires are.

[AMX factor]

When I did my TFI upgrade I went with an Accel Supercoil but eventually switched to a factory Ford coil off an SHO Taurus(think a coil is a coil though). I used the wires off a Ford 3/4 ton truck. If you get wires from Autolite they ar ea 8.5mm wire which is huge and they cost me $19.95 whereas same Accel wires are over $30. I run Autolite plugs gapped a bit larger. All runs good on my truck.

[89grand]

Add a MSD6A to the TFI and you'll really start seeing improvements. After I did the TFI my Grand ran better but when I installed the MSD it was like doubling the improvemnet over the TFI upgrade by itself.

[turtlejoe]

I've never used the Accel wires, but I went with MSD and have been pleased. Used a set for a 351W and the lengths worked out great.

[tito]

A TFI coil and bracket ($10 junkyard) off an early 90's Lincoln 5.0 fits perfect. All I had to do was drill 2 holes in the TFI bracket and it bolted right into my FSJ's stock coil location. Used Super Stock 8mm wires ($20 I think) and asked for dist cap/rotor/adaptor ($15 I think) for a Ford 460 V8 (didn't specify year)and all works good. Using AC plugs, but prefer Splitfires which some say is "snake oil". Don't forget to reset/check the timing.

[timmirvin]

Ditto on alot that has been said. I would check your Blaster coil specs, I am pretty sure that an inexpensive OEM TFI puts out more. The key to the plug wires is the spiral core, and they do make a difference. Everyone has a personal preference as to the brand/type of plugs. Personally I play with the plug types until I get one that will stay clean in each individual engine. IIRC, I am running Autolites in Harley and Boschs in Sherman. Both seem to run nice. But Harley just has not liked Boschs or NGKs since the rebuild and TFI upgrade.

The TFI is worth it, just don't cut corners......

[Joe Guilbeau]

Taylor 8mm wires are good for the price.

NGK spark plugs 2635's

Keep your coil

save the money for a Mallory Unilite Optical LED Distributor.

[Wagillac]

MSD 8.5mm Super Conductor Spark Plug Wires are the best. They have the least ohms per foot of any other automotive spark plug wire. Though I dont know that I would pay the $$ for them on my Jeep, I do have them on my 70 Tempest though.

[SamoyedSled]

I did TFI thing for $105 with a new ford coil. Don't know if this is true, but in a really detailed write up in archives on tfi upgrade, says tfi coil is better than "can" type. Don't know if true, but new tfi coil didn't cost much.

Gapped plugs at .050.

Not happy with lenght of plug wires for 86 Fo*d 460. Way shorter than what was on there. I think I got autolites..

Started right up and runs much better. I still need to find a bracket for tfi though, used piece of metal off a window curtain + 1 minute with the dremmel. Ugly but works for now...

[89grand]

SamoyedSled I used the factory coil bracket. A few minutes with a hacksaw so the TFI coil would fit in there and it was done. It works perfectly.

BTW the TFI and MSD combo is impossible to beat for the money. My Grand runs SO much better than before, it feels like a new engine.

[ June 13, 2003, 04:53 PM: Message edited by: 89grand ]

[SamoyedSled]

89Grand

I'll look at that factory can coil bracket again. Got a pic? I'm not sure how the round bracket fits that square resin frame of the tfi coil?

Also, if after I adjust timing, I still have slightly rough idle, I may look at msd6 upgrade.

Did you get the msd wiring harness? I hear there is one that eliminates cutting/splicing....

I can already tell big difference with tfi on idle and acceleration, especially with ac on...