I have a '65 VW bug on a 1985 Ranger frame with the V6 engine. I was making progress until I realized that the ignition system is unlike anything I am used to. Is there a way to get this thing running without spending an arm and a leg?! I don't need it to pass any environmental inspections as, if I ever decide to register it, it will be listed as a '65. It was my dad's old Ranger and I would love to see this project completed... Anybody have any help? PLEASE.

 

Welcome to the forum

Would be good to know what engine you have in the 1985 Ranger frame, there were 4 options
2.8l V6
three 4cyl models, two gasoline and one diesel

I would assume it is a gasoline model, unless "ignition system" doesn't mean spark

 

It's the V6. I am trying to jerry-rig the ignition system to the existing VW electrical system and I am somewhat at a loss. I have succeeded in getting the starter to turn the engine over but I can't check for "spark" until I figure out the coil and distributor hook ups... Thanks.

 

Starter is 1 wire, lol

The 2.8l V6 Ranger would have a TFI spark system which were/are a PITA
And you MUST use the engine computer with it, not an option

But you can used it, wiring and trouble shoot seen here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...agnostic.shtml

You really just need to supply it with 12v and ground to get it work, but need the computer for spark advance
TFI module were known failure points


The more popular thing to do is to get a 2.8l Duraspark distributor, has vacuum advance so no computer needed, and pair that with GM's HEI 4 wire unit(cheap)
Wiring seen here: http://st.hotrod.com/uploads/sites/2...ng-diagram.jpg

 

Ok, I'm finding plenty of the HEI 4 pin units. Now I need to find the Duraspark distributor. Question: Can I use the new OEM coil I just bought or do I need to convert that too? Thank you for the help. I appreciate your time.

 

While the starter may be "1 wire", remember this is all from scratch in a 1965 VW bug. The battery is in the old engine compartment in the back and the V6 is in the "trunk", in front!

 

Yes, you can used the stock/new coil just use the connector and splice the wires

The HEI unit will get very hot, like all spark modules, so its good to bolt it to a heat sink, a metal plate so it can dissipate heat
Google: HEI 4 wire module heat sink images

Yes, you would run out of room pretty fast in the truck of a Bug :)

 

Will I need to replace the carburetor also? Thanks.

 

You will be better off without a feedback carb if that's what it has now, but most had already been swapped out by previous owners
Look to see if its has idler jets screw, if so then its already been swapped

 

Just my luck.... no jets and lots of wires going to it. Time for a trip to the junk yard! Thanks for the help!

 

Well you won't need the computer which saves alot of wiring

 

I'm having a hard time finding a long shaft distributor with the vacuum advance for this 2.8L. Can anybody point me in the right direction, please? Nothing in any junk yards in my area.....
Thanks in advance.

 

Rockauto has a "return and rebuild" if you have an original

2.8l was used in the Pintos, Mustangs, Bobcats, Capris and Granadas pre-1980, 1975 to 1979 I believe

Google: Cardone Distributor Ford 2.8l

 

The one I have is the computerized one. I don't want that rebuilt, I want to go with the conversion. Thanks, though.

 

The earlier one is still a "pointless" distributor(electronic), but you can use the stand alone HEI module with it

Try car-part.com

And do search for:
1978
ford mustang
distributor
"your zipcode"

Then it will ask for what engine, its a 6-171

Found a few in my area

 

Ok, here's where I am with this project..... About the only deal I've found for an electronic distributor is on eBay in the United Kingdom. It's listed by a business called "Simonbbc" and will run me about $170. It's listed as a "Ford Cologne V6 Distributor with Powerspark Electronic Ignition Capri, Cortina" and they assure me that if my '85 Ranger's 2.8L V6 engine was made in Cologne, it will fit. My research shows that ALL '85 Rangers that had V6 engines, had Cologne engines. Having said all that, does anyone have any opinion on this one way or the other before I pull the trigger on this deal? Thanks for your time. I greatly appreciate the help.

 

Ok. It must be an ok deal as nobody is warning me not to do it. I will take a chance...

 

I think you are in new territory so no one has done it before

 

Fair enough. I will hopefully post some positive results!