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DS-II For Jose
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DS-II For Jose
 
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Jose, from Mexico, is looking for the components to convert his late father's '81 F150 to DS-II, as described on his introduction thread, here: Hello People ! But that's getting very little participation, so I thought I'd start this thread in the hopes that others will see it and jump in to help.
As you can see in the other thread, his '81 has a computer-controlled ignition. But, with so many things being disconnected I'm pretty sure the computer will have the advanced locked in limp-home mode. So, I suggested that he convert it to DS-II, and he asked me to come up with a list of things he needs. Here goes, but when I go wrong please correct me. And, it looks to me like there are two approaches - go back with the Ford DS-II system or a one-wire HEI: FORD DS-II SYSTEM: Engine Wiring Harness: The engine harness on the truck must be the DS-III harness, so he will need a DS-II harness. And I know of only two ways to do that:Salvage yard: If one of you has a Windsor DS-II harness or can get one from a salvage it would save quite a bit of money.Painless: The only other way that I know of is by buying a Painless Performance #30812 harness. That's available from Amazon, Summit, Jegs, or many other places for $160.DS-II Module: He will also need the blue-grommet module, and that could come from a number of places:I may have an extra and will look laterAmazon has a Motorcraft for $40.60, and a Standard Motor Products for $26.91. But there are lots of sources for them.Ignition Coil: A stock Ford coil would work perfectly:Again, I may have one and will look later.Or, this <a href="http://">Standard Motor Products one from Amazon would be fine.Distributor: This Spectra Premium from Amazon would fit the bill.HEI One-Wire Distributor: Guys, why not just use an HEI-style distributor and be done with it? No need for a new harness, nor ignition box, nor coil. It is so much cheaper as here's one from Amazon for $50, but there are lots of other options. And, I realize he would need a relay and some hefty wire to light it up, but that's inexpensive and fairly easily done. So, help me think through this, please. And remember that he has to get all of this shipped to Mexico. 
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile
Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
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Re: DS-II For Jose
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Re: DS-II For Jose
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Re: DS-II For Jose
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Re: DS-II For Jose
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In reply to this post by 85lebaront2
Hi 85lebaront2,
There should be no doubt, it is a 302 (not 302 H.O. nor 351), and i can tell it by the firing order 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 I took a shot of the certification label at the driver's door, unfortunately it wont be of much help as it is almost gone by corrosion, besides it was printed in spanish.  I appreciate all your comments !
F150 81 302 5L
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Re: DS-II For Jose
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Well, it certainly isn't a Made In The US truck.
 Jose - I'm reasonably sure that the easiest and cheapest way to fix your ignition system is to go with the HEI-style distributor. But you will have to add a relay and fuse. Use the Red/Light Green wire that probably goes to the coil at present to pull the relay in. And use a minimum of a #12 wire to the battery through a fuse to provide power to the relay.
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile
Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
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Re: DS-II For Jose
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Re: DS-II For Jose
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