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12/26/2023 1:22 PM  #1


To anyone who is running a TFI distributor and needs a smaller cap

I came across a solution for swapping out the big obnoxious TFI cap and adapter for the smaller MSD type cap.  Creates a lot more room for fuel rails and other things in that area.  In my case I did it for the Frankenstein EFI.





 


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12/26/2023 5:08 PM  #2


Re: To anyone who is running a TFI distributor and needs a smaller cap

I watched your video a couple of days ago when I noticed you had new content on YouTube.  I always enjoy watching the content you share.  Thank you for the work.


1968 T-code Coupe with a 302.  Nice car, no show stopper for sure, but I like it.
 

12/26/2023 6:23 PM  #3


Re: To anyone who is running a TFI distributor and needs a smaller cap

Good information.

Is there a “stock replacement” stye cap available if a Mallory cap isn’t available?

Is it possible to use the ‘96 351w distributor instead of the TFI style?

Last edited by Nos681 (12/26/2023 6:26 PM)

 

12/26/2023 7:56 PM  #4


Re: To anyone who is running a TFI distributor and needs a smaller cap

Loved the squeezed illusion


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

12/26/2023 9:05 PM  #5


Re: To anyone who is running a TFI distributor and needs a smaller cap

Nos681 wrote:

Good information.

Is there a “stock replacement” stye cap available if a Mallory cap isn’t available?

Is it possible to use the ‘96 351w distributor instead of the TFI style?

no there is not a "stock" option.   I have several distributor choices for this engine and if I decide to go with the TFI I will buy an extra MSD cap so I have it on hand.  The 96 distributor that came with my 351W is also TFI the only difference is the module is mounted to the inner fender so it has the same big cap.  It is my understanding that with a factory ECU or with an aftermarket ECU the older stile TFI is still the better choice.


MS wrote:

Loved the squeezed illusion

I like to do a gag like that from time to time.  I did something similar when I used the magic of a camshaft to transform a T5 into a TKX
 


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12/27/2023 9:08 PM  #6


Re: To anyone who is running a TFI distributor and needs a smaller cap

I did take the time to watch a couple of his videos…cool.

I was wondering if there was a “stock application” distributor cap would fit.
Such as this one pictured.
Notice the square and rounded tabs.

 

12/27/2023 10:40 PM  #7


Re: To anyone who is running a TFI distributor and needs a smaller cap

Nos681 wrote:

I did take the time to watch a couple of his videos…cool.

I was wondering if there was a “stock application” distributor cap would fit.
Such as this one pictured.
Notice the square and rounded tabs.

well that’s interesting. If it fits than the adapter would not even be needed. I need to try it. 
 


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12/27/2023 10:55 PM  #8


Re: To anyone who is running a TFI distributor and needs a smaller cap

nos681, how did you even find that?  I looked up the distributor that cap fits on and if it fits its a coincidence as the distributor looks totally different.


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12/27/2023 11:36 PM  #9


Re: To anyone who is running a TFI distributor and needs a smaller cap

Calgon…😜…ancient Chinese secret.

Sometimes you can use the “cross reference “ numbers in description of a part.
Try using partial part number with asterisk at end.
Hit and miss as well.

After results populate, I just scrolled through pictures.
Looked for male terminals, qty 8 +1, and key words Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Jeep, AMC
If cap works, may not need bushing spacer?

Perhaps a marine application?
“FD” is Ford with Standard Motor Products.

Last edited by Nos681 (12/27/2023 11:40 PM)

 

12/27/2023 11:43 PM  #10


Re: To anyone who is running a TFI distributor and needs a smaller cap

Nos681 wrote:

Perhaps a marine application?

it's for a bunch of jeeps and dodges from the 90s and early 2000s  that is why i will be shocked if it fits but stranger things have happened.  I will know for sure tomorrow


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12/28/2023 12:07 AM  #11


Re: To anyone who is running a TFI distributor and needs a smaller cap

The distributor in your picture looks like a GM.
So I had to look too.



 

12/28/2023 1:43 PM  #12


Re: To anyone who is running a TFI distributor and needs a smaller cap

Nos681, picked one up today and it’s laid out exactly the same way, ONLY the diameter is .5” smaller. I thought maybe you had found a winner but no joy. I would be shocked if you found an OEM replacement for the MSD cap. Holley has a good family of products none of which are cheap and they only want you coming back to them for replacement parts.


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12/28/2023 2:18 PM  #13


Re: To anyone who is running a TFI distributor and needs a smaller cap

I bet you could make an adapter for stock cap.

Next question…

Will the rotor from same application fit onto the TFI shaft?

Perhaps place a notch in the TFI shaft to locate it like factory?

Then in future, can just get cap and rotor without much trouble.

I noticed the Dodge distributor has the “PIP/Pickup unit” in between the cap and distributor base.

My other thought was to use a “points style” cap with the 2 quick clamps on the TFI.

Last edited by Nos681 (12/28/2023 2:21 PM)

 

12/28/2023 2:42 PM  #14


Re: To anyone who is running a TFI distributor and needs a smaller cap

Daze, do you have to use the TFI distributor with the Terminator X?

If not, what about the Duraspark with small cap?

 

12/28/2023 2:51 PM  #15


Re: To anyone who is running a TFI distributor and needs a smaller cap

Nos681 wrote:

I bet you could make an adapter for stock cap.

I'm sure you could but the cap you found is so much smaller that I think the wire boots would be tight, its a tight fit on the MSD cap and this cap is as I sad .5" smaller

Nos681 wrote:

Will the rotor from same application fit onto the TFI shaft?

Perhaps place a notch in the TFI shaft to locate it like factory?

So the rotor is not the problem.  For this setup you use a "stock type"  rotor with the MSD cap and the TFI distributor.  It does however need to be an electronic advance type rotor that is located by the metal disc inside the TFI and not the shaft itself.

As you can see from the pic the rotor spins freely on the shaft and then is located by the arm off the back.  
https://amzn.to/47fW03V

Nos681 wrote:

My other thought was to use a “points style” cap with the 2 quick clamps on the TFI.

I looked at that too and while being doable we are rapidly getting to the point where my time is worth enough that I would just rater order an extra "gold platted cap" and keep it on the shelf 😁


 


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12/28/2023 10:29 PM  #16


Re: To anyone who is running a TFI distributor and needs a smaller cap

Bummer, was hoping that it would fit.

Thanks for letting the air out of my balloon. 😂

Really appreciate you sharing this information too.

 

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