I got my new ignition module and also the tool from 50resto.com to remove the screws, but there's abely NO room for the tool to get one of the screws out (the rear one). Anyone have any suggestions?
I know it's a hex screw, but good luck getting the rear one out. Like I said, 50resto sells 'the' tool, it just didn't have enough space to get to that rear screw.
Take the distributor out or twist it until you can get to the screw.
Take the coil wire out of the distributor. Pull #1 plug, put your finger in the spark plug hole. Have someone crank the engine until it starts to blow air past your finger. Stop cranking, turn the engine by hand (breaker bar on the harmonic balancer bolt, or put the car in gear and push) until the TDC mark on the harmonic balancer lines up with the pointer on the passenger side of the engine. Loose the distributor hold down bolt, remove the clamp, cap and wires, disconnect the wiring harness. Pull the distributor straight up.
The following re-install depends on the engine being lined up as in the previous instructions.
To re-install, turn the distributor rotor to point to #1 cylinder position on the cap. The#1 position is about 11 o'clock if 6 o' clock is the front of the engine. Line the rotor up with it pointing at the #1 spark plug position on the cap and drop it in: you may have to twist the shaft some to get it to engage the oil pump shaft. Then remove the SPOUT connector plug, and use a timing light to set the timing. The SPOUT is the dangling connector on the distributor harness on stangs made prior to 94 and with a computer controlled engine. 10* is stock for most 5.0s' 12*-14* is good for more pep if you are not into NO2 or power adders.
Simply mark the spot the dist. is at now at the base of it and loosen the hold down bolt (1/2"). Take off the module, be sure to clean the surface behind it and add new module compound/dielectric grease. Install the new one and return your dist. to the old setting. As long as the car is not started you wont need to re-time your car. If it was me, I would hit it with the light just for GP....Ya know!!
You can get the tools at any autoparts sotre -- they're relatively cheap. Some cars have torx bits, some are hex bolts -- the tool will have both most likely. You should be able to get to both bolts by just turning the distributor.