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Discussion Topic:
HEI Conversion, 47 Pickup
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jd52cranbrook |
10-24-2013 @ 10:16 AM
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Member
Posts: 9
Joined: Oct 2013
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HI all, New member, just starting dismantleing our 47 Pickup. Want to keep the V8, once I see if it's cracked or not. I did a quick search for HEI conversion, I see mention of it, but not a lot more. I run a GM conversion in my 52 Plymouth Flathead. Can someone direct me with a link or info on this please? Thanks in advance. JD
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ford38v8 |
10-24-2013 @ 4:16 PM
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Senior
Posts: 2767
Joined: Oct 2009
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JD, In my opinion, you're starting off on the wrong foot, wanting to change stuff before you even start.
Alan
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jd52cranbrook |
10-24-2013 @ 6:32 PM
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Member
Posts: 9
Joined: Oct 2013
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Appreciate the input Alan, This is not going to be a points truck, it's going to be a driver, almost daily. If I can eliminate points, condenser with more dependable ignition system, then I want to go that way.
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ford38v8 |
10-24-2013 @ 7:34 PM
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Senior
Posts: 2767
Joined: Oct 2009
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JD, My point is, you might want to discover if you'll need a change before you do it, and then change to something better than what you're giving up. Ignition may have been problematic for your Plymouth, but don't paint Early Fords with that same brush.
Alan
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jd52cranbrook |
10-24-2013 @ 7:56 PM
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Member
Posts: 9
Joined: Oct 2013
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Well said, point taken. I am a long way from that decision, just kind of want to line some things up. Thanks Alan, John
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jd52cranbrook |
10-25-2013 @ 3:23 AM
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Member
Posts: 9
Joined: Oct 2013
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But I still would be interested if anyone has done this conversion. I understand the concept of originality, but in my opinion HEI is a more reliable way to go if it is available. No matter what type make of car.
This message was edited by jd52cranbrook on 10-25-13 @ 3:34 AM
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TomO |
10-25-2013 @ 8:45 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7256
Joined: Oct 2009
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IMHO the dual point distributor on the Ford V-8 is much more reliable than the HEI system or any solid state system. The dual point system gives better coil saturation than most solid state systems and is not prone to sudden failure due to voltage spikes or heat damage. If you leave the truck at 6 volts POS ground, you can have a very reliable vehicle at less cost than changing to 12 volts NEG ground. Your truck doesn't have the accessories that modern cars have, so you really don't need the expensive change to 12 volts.
Tom
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fla48 |
10-25-2013 @ 7:48 PM
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New Member
Posts: 128
Joined: Nov 2011
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I agree with TomO. I installed an HEI system on my 72 Ford truck and it laid down on me on a cold rainy morning. After a 2 mile walk to get help, I went back to the original ignition system. There was no advantage to the HEI system and I have not had a problem with a stock system laying down on me (knock on wood). My 48 also retains the original 6 volt negative ground with the original style ignition. Works well.
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jd52cranbrook |
10-25-2013 @ 8:42 PM
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Member
Posts: 9
Joined: Oct 2013
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Maybe I posted this in the wrong forum. While it's true I am new to Older Ford Trucks, I an not new to old cars. I have run several over the years, no trailer queens, all drivers. I have driven from the Bay Area CA to Detroit MI and back 4 times over the years for Woodward Dream Cruise. So I have a good idea on what works and what is less dependable. To think that a old points set up is more reliable than a HEI system is simply being unrealistic. That being said, I can see this is a strictly original, NOS type forum, and it looks like I asked a taboo question. My apologies. I hope to find a group a bit more open to dependability rather than strict originality. I thought the cool thing would be to get another old truck on the road, I didn't know there had to be rules as to how.
This message was edited by jd52cranbrook on 10-25-13 @ 8:43 PM
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ford38v8 |
10-25-2013 @ 10:54 PM
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Senior
Posts: 2767
Joined: Oct 2009
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JD, Perhaps you'r right. This Forum and the members of the EFV8CA do go to lengths to maintain originality. We also attempt to share our experience and knowledge of what works and what doesn't. As you obviously know quite a lot more than we do about the Early Ford dual point ignition, I wish you well in your search for a Forum that will reflect your views.
Alan
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