1. PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKLIST
A)
Inspect your new Stromberg e-FIRE distributor
for possible shipping damage. Check you have
the correct model for your application. Model
details are clearly marked on the distributor
packaging and ID plate.
WARNING:
DO NOT proceed unless your vehicle’s electrical
system matches that clearly marked on your
new e-FIRE distributor. The wrong polarity will
cause the e-FIRE ignition module to fail and void
your warranty.
B)
Stromberg recommends the use of a traditional,
points style 1.5 Ohm ignition coil for both 12v and
6v e-FIRE distributors. That’s 1.5 Ohm primary
resistance measured across the low tension
positive and negative terminals. 1.5 Ohm coils
are sometimes called 6v or 9v coils, though in
practice, ignition coils are not designed for a
specific voltage input. Please refer back to the
previous page for further advice.
C)
With a 12 volt e-FIRE model, battery voltage
measured at the coil’s positive terminal with the
engine running, must not exceed 14 volts at any
RPM level. With a 6 volt model, aim for no more
than 8 volts in the charging circuit, under no
load (ie. no lights, no heater etc.)
WARNING:
Excessive voltage can lead to overheating and
ignition module failure.
D)
DO NOT use solid core (typically copper) spark
plug wires, which lack resistance and do not
suppress Electromagnetic/Radio Frequency
Interference (EMI/RFI) which can damage the
e-FIRE ignition module. Stromberg recommends
e-FIRE suppression style high performance spark
plug wires.
E)
Unlike a points distributor, electronic ignition
needs a reliable, independent power feed and
quality ground (earth) connections. On 6 volt
models, choose a power source as near to
the ignition key as possible. Check all ground
connections and even run an additional engine
ground if required.
1
USE E-FIRE HIGH PERFORMANCE
SPARK PLUG WIRES.
Designed for optimum performance with your e-FIRE
electronic distributor, Stromberg e-FIRE spark plug
wires mix strong fire power with high level RFI/EMI
resistance. The spiral-wound, stainless steel
suppression core is protected by tough fiberglass
reinforcing braid for strength and flexibility. And the
100% silicone insulation resists high temperatures,
moisture, oil and chemicals, and protects against
arcing and voltage leaks. With low 500 Ohm/ft
resistance, they get more energy into your plugs too.
For easy installation, the 90-degree cap terminals
and boots are pre-fitted for smarter ‘distributor
first’ installation. This also leaves you free to use the
supplied 90-degree spark plug boots or choose your
own hot rod terminals. All leads are designed to fit
through your flathead
plug wire looms or
tubes, and they’re cut
to length, too, with an
extra-long coil wire
to reach your firewall.
2
F)
This e-FIRE distributor fits all of the different
Ford 8BA front covers (distributor mounts). If it
is too tight and the flange won’t sit down onto
the cylinder head, the hole might be rusted or
corroded, so open it out to the OE spec - 3/4in
(19mm). Please note that the slot in the end
of the shaft is used for Stromberg in-house
assembly and pre-ship testing only. Every e-FIRE
distributor is machine tested before boxing to
check timing and high tension function to the
spark plugs.
2. REMOVE EXISTING DISTRIBUTOR
A)
Disconnect the vehicle’s battery. Remove the
condenser and any radio suppressors. They are
not required, nor compatible with the Stromberg
e-FIRE distributor. Disconnect the distributor low
tension wire at the coil.
WARNING:
Always disconnect your vehicle’s battery, making
sure the ignition is off and the engine is cool before
performing any work. Failure to do so may result
in sparks or burns, and cause a fire or explosion,
resulting in property damage, serious personal
injury or death.
B)
If you are replacing the original Ford Loadomatic
distributor, carefully disconnect the vacuum
advance line at the distributor and carburetor.
It is not required by the e-FIRE distributor. Plug
the vacuum line port in the carburetor.
C)
Disconnect the spark plug wires from the
distributor cap. To make replacement easier
on the new distributor, label each wire with its
destination cylinder number.
D)
Remove the cap from the original distributor
and make a note or mark where the rotor points
BEFORE removing the distributor from the
engine. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Take a photo!
Now remove the clamp and the old distributor
from the engine.
3. INSTALL NEW DISTRIBUTOR
A)
If you are simply replacing another distributor,
smear the drive gear with a little engine
assembly lube and install the new e-FIRE
distributor into the 8BA timing cover engaging
the drive gear into the camshaft gear so that
the rotor points in the same direction as your
old one did (you marked it, remember?). As the
distributor seats down onto the head, the rotor
will spin clockwise as the gears engage, so you
will need to start further counter-clockwise
(about 40 degs) to end up in the right spot.
B)
If you are building a new engine, crank it to
Top Dead Center on the compression stroke of
Number One cylinder (See A) and install the new
CLIP
CLIP
A
