I guess I am a little confused but only by your search for small pieces and parts.
What I mean is: There doesn't see to be a shortage of "cheap", used distributors.
Finding NOS wear items is the portion that is becoming the challenge.
I'm sure you've looked at Ebay already but man... You can still get a dozen used ones, cheaper than you can a bouquet of roses.
Anywho... I digress:
Here are some crappy notes and is probably not [all] inclusive:
What I mean is: There doesn't see to be a shortage of "cheap", used distributors.
Finding NOS wear items is the portion that is becoming the challenge.
I'm sure you've looked at Ebay already but man... You can still get a dozen used ones, cheaper than you can a bouquet of roses.
Anywho... I digress:
Here are some crappy notes and is probably not [all] inclusive:
| Vehicle | Years | Engine/Application |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Mustang (Fox‑body) | 1986–1993 | 5.0 L V8 – standard fit |
| Ford Country Squire | 1987–1991 | 5.0 L/302 V8 |
| Ford LTD | 1986 | same distributor |
| Ford LTD Crown Victoria | 1987–1991 | same fitment |
| Ford Thunderbird | 1986–1988 | 5.0 L engine |
| Lincoln Continental | 1986–1987 | fits same TFI unit |
| Lincoln Mark VII | 1986–1992 | identical distributor |
| Lincoln Town Car | 1986–1990 | same distributor |
| Mercury Capri | 1986 | same fitment |
| Mercury Cougar | 1986–1988 | identical distributor |
| Mercury Colony Park | 1986–1987 | same distributor |
| Mercury Grand Marquis | 1987–1991 | TFI distributor used |
I would suggest making a thread in the "WTB" forum. If anybody has parts laying around holding their papers down, they might see that thread.
Also.... Waaaaaaaaaay down at the bottom of the page, I have this:
Known Good Original Ford Part Numbers
E6ZE-12127-BA or E7ZE-12127-CA – Common on 1986–1989 5.0L Mustangs
Motorcraft Part: DU-30 (or DU30)
Ford Engineering Number: F2PZ-12127-A for later versions
These were used on everything from Mustangs to Town Cars and had steel gears mated specifically for the hydraulic flat-tappet cam in the 5.0L.
I remember thinking that no matter what gear came on what, that it would get swapped out for the correct, [roller] steel gear. Just to be sure. The magnet test is not the end all because there were some iron gears too, if I recall.
And you're not being, "cheap".
Aftermarket distributors for our cars are [mostly] garbage.
Aftermarket distributors for our cars are [mostly] garbage.
It depends on the application. Some have longer shafts than others but the length of the shaft is irrelevant.
The gear of course, is application specific.
The electronics, (PiP, TFI) are the same per application but I think you're already aware of the differences between the TFI for a manual and one for an Auto. Finding NOS PiP sensors can be a challenge.
Where I wrote "identical" it means it has all the same parts as a roller distributor and "same" meant that it has the same housing and contained parts that were questionably, not the same as a roller distributor.
Also.... I just came across this explanation for the TFIs. It's better than my description:
Interchange Warning:
Physically interchangeable, but electrically incompatible. Swapping the wrong one causes:
I never gave this part much thought because I've always used the same part number, every time.
Also.... I just came across this explanation for the TFIs. It's better than my description:
| Feature | Gray TFI (Push-Start) | Black TFI (CCD) |
|---|---|---|
| ECU Strategy | Push-start dwell, ECU later takes over | ECU controls dwell from crank |
| Timing Control | Mechanical/ECU hybrid | ECU dominant |
| Vehicles | Early EFI, CFI, carb'd models | Later HO EFI systems |
| Emissions Calibration | Basic | Advanced |
| Performance | Basic ignition map | Tuned for 5.0 HO, precise advance curves |
| Compatibility | Not cross-compatible with black modules | Not cross-compatible with gray modules |
Physically interchangeable, but electrically incompatible. Swapping the wrong one causes:
- Hard starts
- Timing issues
- Misfires
- Possible no-starts
…and worst-case, a blown ECM.
How to Tell Them Apart
- Color-coded plastic body—gray or black
- Stamped numbers like E43E, E63E, etc.
- Black modules were exclusive to computer-controlled dwell systems (CCD) found in '87–'93 Mustang GT/LX 5.0 HO and similar vehicles.
- If you’re unsure—use Motorcraft and match by part number and year/model.
I never gave this part much thought because I've always used the same part number, every time.