can a 2.9 distributor run off of a 2.8 ignition system?

ok the project is really for a Pinto, but who better to ask then ranger guys. the ranger had the 2.8, 2.9 and the, 4.0.

well i’m thinking of building a 1979-1980 (or older if the front clips are swappable ) Ford Pinto Cruising Wagon.

(sorry, i really don’t want to do a V8 unless there is no other option, and NO!!!! i’m not doing anything with fuel injection. i have an 1987 ford ranger 2.3 with multiport fuel injection, i put a 480 lift cam in it and the ECM told me to go F myself. and NO ONE sold a chip for it. and i didn’t have the money to send it out to a tuner ever time i want to change something on it.. (that why the ranger is now running with a carb ) )

well anyway i was thinking of swapping in the 4.0 ohv V6. i know i can find a carburetor intake manifold for the 4.0 ( Tom Morana Racing Engines ) and i know the 4.0 has a distributor hole in the block and the cam has a distributor gear. and i know that the 2.9 distributor works in the 4.0 just like it would in the 2.9.

so if everything works. can i just drop in the 4.0, and put the MORANA Conversion Intake Manifold on it, use a 390 to 500 cfm holley 4bbl carburetor, and drop in a 2.9 distributor and run it off of the existing 2.8 ignition system and wiring harness with little or no modifications?

 

Yes, 2.8l and 2.9l used the same TFI ignition system.

And yes 2.9l distributor will work in a 4.0l and distributor should plug into 2.8l wiring.