When did Ford stop using Duraspark?
Ford stopped using the Duraspark ignition system in the mid-1990s as it moved toward distributorless ignition and coil-on-plug designs; by the 1995–1996 model year, Duraspark was largely phased out in new Ford vehicles.
What Duraspark was
Duraspark was Ford's brand name for a family of transistorized ignition systems that replaced points-and-condenser distributors starting in the late 1970s. The lineage included several variants (often referred to as Duraspark I, II, and III in different markets), evolving from distributor-based modules to more integrated coil-pack and electronic-control configurations before Ford ultimately shifted to distributorless designs.
When Ford phased it out
The transition from Duraspark to newer ignition architectures happened gradually across Ford's lineup.
Below is a high-level timeline of Duraspark usage and its eventual phaseout across Ford's passenger cars and light trucks.
- Late 1970s through the early 1990s: Duraspark was widely used across many Ford engines, replacing points-and-condenser systems in a broad set of vehicles.
- Early to mid-1990s: Ford began shifting models to distributorless ignition systems (DIS) and, later, coil-on-plug configurations, reducing reliance on a traditional distributor-based Duraspark module.
- Mid-1990s onward: For most new models, Duraspark was phased out; remaining uses were typically in older designs, certain export markets, or vehicles kept for fleet maintenance and restoration projects.
In summary, the typical end of Duraspark in Ford's new vehicles occurred by the mid-1990s, with some residual applications persisting in niche cases for a short period afterward.
Context and caveats
Because Ford deployed multiple variants and for different markets—Duraspark I, II, and II with different hardware—the precise end date can vary by model and region. For restorations or repairs, always verify the specific ignition system on the vehicle by checking the VIN, engine code, and distributor components.
Summary
Ford’s Duraspark era effectively ended in the mid-1990s as the company adopted distributorless ignition and coil-on-plug technology across its lineup. For collectors and restorers, Duraspark parts and distributors remain available but are generally applicable to older, pre-1995 models.
Do they make a Duraspark distributor for a 351 Cleveland?
This is a 'Blueprint' Ford Motorcraft Dura-spark distributor. Suits 351 Cleveland or BBF 429-460 - 1970 to 1978 / with the Larger . 530" (13mm) Shaft.
When did Ford stop using Cummins engines?
yes Ford did at one time own a piece of Cummins. During the mid 1990s all the way up through 2015 you could indeed get a Ford with a Cummins Engine.
When did Ford start using ECUs?
The Ford EEC or Electronic Engine Control is a series of ECU (or Engine Control Unit) that was designed and built by Ford Motor Company. The first system, EEC I, used processors and components developed by Toshiba in 1973. It began production in 1974, and went into mass production in 1975.
What years did Ford use Duraspark?
The Duraspark II is a Ford electronic ignition system. Ford Motor Company began using electronic ignitions in 1973 with the Duraspark electronic ignition system and introduced the Duraspark II system in 1976.
