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Distributor choices

  • Thread starter Thread starter Stang9050
  • Start date Start date May 20, 2025
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Stang9050

Member
May 16, 2025
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Hickory NC
May 20, 2025
#1
  • May 20, 2025
  • #1
My 1990, 5.0, 5 speed recently started shutting down randomly. I was able to limp it home. When I scanned it, it gave the code18 C. I had to have the distributor replaced seven years ago for the same symptoms. So, from that I thought I would replace the distributor, but when I looked for a replacement, none of the lower priced ones have a good review. It seemed like 1 out of 4 was good. Does anyone have any recommendations, or should I go with something like the Accel (for$229). Thanks for all the help.
 

Blown88GT

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Nov 13, 1999
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Palm Beach Gardens, FL
May 20, 2025
#2
  • May 20, 2025
  • #2
MSD Pro Billet
 
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AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes
Founding Member
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May 21, 2025
#3
  • May 21, 2025
  • #3
Rebuild the one you have. Several threads on here that give the part numbers for the PIP and TFI module.
 
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Stang9050

Member
May 16, 2025
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Hickory NC
May 21, 2025
#4
  • May 21, 2025
  • #4
AeroCoupe said:
Rebuild the one you have. Several threads on here that give the part numbers for the PIP and TFI module.
Click to expand...
That's my problem, it seems that all the sensors are made in China and most aren't good. My original distributor lasted from 1990 to 2018 and the shop replaced it. What I'm trying to find is decent replacement. Even Motorcraft is made in China and they have terrible reviews. Thanks for your input.
 

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
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Jan 4, 1985
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May 21, 2025
#5
  • May 21, 2025
  • #5
Buy a used one. Perhaps something like this:

Pardon Our Interruption...

Then take your time tracking down OEM NOS parts to rebuild the one that you have to swap back in or have as a spare.

I picked up another distributor some time ago, and was in no hurry finding rebuild parts.
 
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manicmechanic007

5 Year Member
Sep 26, 2017
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Roy, Utah
May 24, 2025
#6
  • May 24, 2025
  • #6
I'd switch it to a remote mount TFI
Get a 94 or so truck 302 distributor with the newer style stator inside and build a harness for the newer style (heat sinked) TFI module
 
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JD1964

there is enough sticking out to grab on to
15 Year Member
Jun 28, 2013
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Maryland
May 26, 2025
#7
  • May 26, 2025
  • #7
I’ve been running a Cardone distributor for a couple of years now and no problems so far.
 
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manicmechanic007

5 Year Member
Sep 26, 2017
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Roy, Utah
May 28, 2025
#8
  • May 28, 2025
  • #8
I run what I can, or have to
I trust Cardone as much as a Chinese module in a MSD these days
I think I bought the last few DU-30C stators off Ebay a few years ago
IMO Motorcraft ignition Modules are getting hard to find now
 
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Stang9050

Member
May 16, 2025
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2
13
Hickory NC
Jul 10, 2025
#9
  • Jul 10, 2025
  • #9
I bought nos parts, but nobody was willing to take the drive gear off and on for me. I bought a rebuilt Motorcraft by Cardone, but didn't like the drive gear, bought at Napa, but they couldn't tell me if it was a steel gear. Gave it back to them and ordered a new Cardone from Amazon and got it cheaper than the rebuilt Motorcraft (which didn't have the tfi module). New one works well, just need to sell the nos parts and throw in the old distributor. Thanks for everyone's input.
 
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