1990 F150 302/5.0L Engine

So, every chance I get, I try to put new parts on the truck and upgrade over stock where it's logical. The ignition system is one of those systems where everything I install is at least a step above stock. What's next on my agenda is the ignition module and the pick up coil inside the distributor. The pick up coil inside the distributor will be a stock level (Autozone) replacement. Regarding the ignition module, I remember reading awhile back that this is a part that may give significant benefits when upgrading. I see that Accel has one that screws into the stock location on the side of the distributor and I'm a HUGE fan of Accel parts. Their quality is great. My question is, will upgrading this one part give me a benefit over stock, even if it's a minor upgrade?

Also, I've always seen that Mallory and MSD have the big red ignition boxes that look like they'd have to bolt to the fenderwell. Are these ignition modules as well or do they supplement the ignition module? My goal is 1) reliability and 2) a more efficient spark, which in turn will give me better MPGs and horsepower.

If you've done any of this, give me your feedback and experiences. Any feedback good or bad is welcome.

 

Perhaps I'm turning into the ol' fuddy-duddy that I used to laugh at 30 years ago, but IMO, keep the stuff stock.

The additional money for the higher performance is usually not worth it. I would hesitate on seeing the words, 'may give significant benefits' - if the improvement were a slam-dunk, would think one would see something along the lines of, 'this will light your fires and smoke your tires, guaranteed'.

Use good quality parts - and I don't consider anything from AutoZone to be good quality. Woods is another name I stay away from.

Keep in mind that series of 5.0L was rated for only 185hp, thanks in part to the emissions regulations getting ahead of technology capabilities of the time.

 

Thank you for the input. I've never heard the name Woods when it comes to auto parts.........and I am sure you will cringe big time when I say that I've been going to AutoZone regularly for years......LOL. I guess I'll be thumbing a ride from the side of the road in the near future due to those dadgum duralast parts! I also frequent Napa, O'Reilly's, Advance and a few internet outlets such as eBay and Amazon whenever I see a sho nuff great deal on a quality part.

You know, I was doing some research on Ford ignition modules and found out Ford was hit with a lawsuit regarding the TFI Module that resulted in a settlement and the F series trucks below were included in that settlement along with a long list of other Ford vehicles. Knowing that all the previous owner of my truck ever did was drive it (evident by all the engine sludge I had to clean out when I first bought it), I gotta get this part replaced right away because I know it's an original factory part. LOL, I have to wonder which is worse in this instance, the OEM part, Woods or AutoZone? I generally hold Motorcraft parts to a high standard. That Accel ignition module I looked up earlier and mentioned in my initial post is starting to sound better and better by the minute and may be the winner by default.

Here's the list of F series trucks I mentioned earlier:

1984-91 F-150 Pickup (4.9L)
1984-91 F-150 Pickup (5.0L)
1984-91 F-250 Pickup (4.9L)
1984-91 F-250 Pickup (5.0L)
1984-85 & 1988-91 F-150 Pickup (5.8L)
1984-85 & 1988-91 F-250 Pickup (5.8L)
1984-85 & 1988-91 F-350 Pickup (5.8L)

Here's 2 links to what I dug up:
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...26/031514.html
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...ion-settle.htm

 

I would still go with the stock motorcraft tfi or even a standard igniion tfi. As discussed in other forums just the module alone will not really do anything, there is a matter of adding more stuff to see any difference. The accel tfi is just a worked motorcraft, just like MSD uses Ford pickup modules. The best thing you can do is use an msd ecoil, msd 5200 box, spiral core wires and an msd brass cap and autolite or motorcraft copper plugs.

 

I hear what you're saying. I'm just about there. All of my ignition parts are a substantial upgrade over stock. I've upgraded the ignition coil, wires, distributor cap, rotor and spark plugs. Just wondering would the TFI give any sort of boost to the upgrades I currently have in place.

 

Not really, but it might give more consistent signal for ignition, and for spark, the coil has the last say on how much spark is needed.

 

In digging around, I'm going to go with a Jegs ignition module since I used the Jegs ignition coil and have had good luck with it. After I get it, I'll post my observations, good, bad or indifferent.

 

I agree up until the very last statement......If it weren't for those whiney Mopar babies Ford would have been ahead of the curve YEARS ago. http://www.supermotors.net/articles/...sue01-a2-1.php


On another note, if you change out the TFI and feel a difference I will be surprised, mods like that can only be felt by your butt dyno with other mods done beforehand.

 

Wait a minute let me get caught up, you guys are changin teh ignition system on your f150 trucks. What year are they. I didn't even know that stuff was sold for newer ignitions. I have a 2010 fx4 do they sell ignition system stuff for 2010's if so where can I find that.

Also if you change the ignition module will it work if you have a custom tune on your truck.

 

Hijacking someone's thread, nice one...

Here is the nice owner letter that was sent out to all who were affected by the ICM - no start condition.
1995 Model E and F-Series Trucks:
Kentucky Truck Plant 11/23 Thru 28, 1994
Lorain Assembly 11/22 Thru 28, 1994
Norfolk Assembly 11/22 Thru 29, 1994

Note: Inspect date code on module. If the date code is 4L18B, the module must be replaced.