erikpd

I don't really like distributors. I have no specific reasons other than I don't like that big mechanical mess of a distributor cap staring me in the face every time I raise the hood. And while I'm not a fan of too much computer interference with a car, this is one place I can see where electronics can improve something. I've spent a few years researching distributorless ignition systems in hopes of retrofitting my 302 with one. The one I've found that is easiest with the most promise is the Explorer 5.0 system. But I haven't been able to figure out if that is compatible with my car, which is a 95 Cobra.

And most of my searching and research has been around "distributorless ignition," but over the last few weeks I've been reading about crank trigger ignitions. Is this the same thing or a component of the whole thing? And the main thing searching under this search term is that it seems to come with a lot of aftermarket support. MSD comes to mind as far as that goes.

So back to my root question. Is the Ford Explorer 5.0 distributorless ignition compatible with my car? And/or can I use an aftermarket crank trigger system to help eliminate the distributor? I have figured out enough to know that I need the distributor shaft at least to keep the oil pump running, but it's the rest that baffles me. Thanks in advance!

Erik

reldla1996

The 5.0 factory Ford distributor works extremely well up to about 450 hp or so, which is why you see so few aftermarket distributor systems on 5.0 engines. I'd leave well enough alone there, and spend your money where you'll see more benefit.

lxman1

The Explorer is probably OBD-II where the 95 V8 cars are OBD-I I believe. You would have to rewire under the hood and need something in the block to turn the oil pump as well.

I agree on leaving well enough alone. Get a Dyno-mod TFI module and a screamin demon coil from Performance distributors.