My Failed Attempt at a TFI Module Relocation Kit

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If you've followed the WideFox build long enough, you know it has been having trouble with a stuttering problem around 2,200 - 3,000rpm. I've replaced a lot of the older parts, but never the distributor. So I did that. And... It lasted 2 minutes before overheating. I allowed it cool down a bit, and started it again. It ran for about 30 seconds, and overheated again. I'll admit I didn't apply more thermal paste to the TFI module, but I've had enough of the constant TFI and distributor issues. Rather than spend $85 on a FatMaxx TFI module relocation kit, I thought I could build one for half the price. I spent hours planning, building, assembling, and it failed. It kinda works, but with issues and more distributor problems. The Cardone remanufactured units keep letting me down. In the end I just quit, and am putting the car back together with known good parts. I'll work on it later.
My name is Canaan Manley and I am the proprietor of Basin Motorsports. Basin Motorsports is a small garage in South Central Oregon aimed at rebuilding vehicles, making one-off custom parts, and documenting the process step by step for viewer enjoyment and intrigue. I'm an Engineer and Consultant by day, and have been a motorsport enthusiast for the last 30 years.
My car projects to date include a Nissan Versa/Tiida hatchback (Project Meep), a Nissan 240sx S14 (Project Zenki Redux), a '92 Ford Mustang Foxbody Notchback (Project 9deucecoupe), an '80 Ford Mustang Foxbody Notchback (Project WideFox), and an '86 hatchback (called the Gray Lady). Follow along in my adventures from car shows and car builds and I'll entertain as I give you all my secrets to build your next project.
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#foxbody #foxbodymustang #widefox

[@wolfenstangb2829]

This is another Reason why I still love old Carbs. Simple Carb setup, and enjoy Spring time driving like I do. With EFI, there is more to go wrong.

[@BasinMotorsports]

There are days that I do think back to my teens when I could slap a carb on and go. EFI isn't so bad. My problem is I keep touching stuff to "improve it" and that sometimes doesn't go as planned.

[@Mr.Z1776]

The problem is that quality U.S.A made Motorcraft parts are no longer available and junk yards have crushed all the 80's vehicles years ago!

[@BasinMotorsports]

I still have a dinosaur salvage yard about an hour away. They are '95 and older only, and usually have a few Foxes rotting away.

[@wolfenstangb2829]

@@BasinMotorsports Cool. I'm still looking for a 79-82 Headlight bezel for the Drivers side. Let Me know. Thanks.

[@happygilmore8768]

Usually the problem is the lack of or a burnt out 22k resistor on #4 wire on the TFI module if its a stickshift ignition or using an IDM TFI in a stickshift vehicle..The problem with the TFI module exploding isnt heat generated from the engine...Its Flyback. Look it up..Get yourself some diode protected relays from a 1995 Mustang for the Fuelpump and also the EEC relays and put a diode suppressed starter solenoid and I bet your problems go away...

[@Mr.Z1776]

McCully Racing Motors has a TFI module relocation kit that is plug and play, well engineered and easy to install. Check it out. I put one on my 89 Bronco 5.8

[@willbradley6450]

Have you thought about using a 94 distributor the only thing as I can think is they use a tpi that is located on the passenger side finder.

[@BasinMotorsports]

I didn't. I have something coming that should fix it up. The 2nd distributor is working well until then.

[@basilelbanna3777]

Wish I saw this earlier, did you check ground on TFI backing plate in its relocated place? Not just to the ground wire you ran but chassis. TFI aside did you verify or replace the magnetic pickup inside distributer? That's where I had a problem even though enthusiasts/mechanics told me otherwise. $23 part and good to go for me. Next look at idle air control then TPS voltage. Anyways cars are fun or so good luck.

[@BasinMotorsports]

I think my biggest problem was going to be the ground location. The distributor was new, and verified to work before I started this trial. In the end I installed a Fatfoxx TFI relocation kit and it's work very well since.

[@basilelbanna3777]

@@BasinMotorsports Good to hear you are up and running. Yes I saw your video on Fattfox install after I commented here. Their instructions and your video a good ground on remote location is key. Happy driving.

[@happygilmore8768]

You are very correct about the TFI module backing plate being properly grounded..Having the distributor grounded with a copper grounding strap helps out alot too but his issue isnt heat..I have a 91 that had 565,000 before I refurbed it and I havent had a blown module ever since a Ford Technician told me to put a diode suppressed starter solenoid and ECU relay aswell as fuelpump relays w/internal diode protection and my truck will run like a dream and I did away with the clutchfan and put a hayden electric fan controller and Ford taurus 2 speed electric fan...The old guy was right and I got 16 troublefree yrs out of it looking ahead to another 30 now. Take care and Happy New Year

[@baron1musa]

The f150 has heat sink set up. The wire harness could be useful.

[@BasinMotorsports]

I have something coming next week that should fix it up, but I did think about trying to find an F150 heat sink on Ebay or elsewhere. Just hadn't pulled the trigger.

[@GetoRigd]

Was your engine running with the module on the firewall at the end of the video?

[@BasinMotorsports]

No. I never had it running with the module relocated. When it ran, it was back on the distributor.

[@hussainsvt9853]

Can I make this hurnace using 12 gauge wires ?

[@BasinMotorsports]

You could.

[@YhAFbwts]

Have you considered converting to EDIS?

[@BasinMotorsports]

Yes, I looked at it. I haven't decided exactly what I want to do in the future for the engine and management. I had thought about an Edelbrock ProFlo 4 system, maybe a Holley Sniper system, or something different.

[@bobrossi1185]

Not sure if you're using generic or Motorcraft module that might be you're problems the Motorcraft is only choice for this. Most modules that come with distributors are crap also you're moving module hot to even hoter area. On remotely modules like 95 mustang or truck 's they are mounted under air box or near headlights .

[@BasinMotorsports]

My issue was the grounding of the module. It worked before I messed with it, and it worked when I put it back. I later used the FatFoxx kit and located it in front of the passenger tire. It never had a problem located there.

[@jimmitchell3331]

Dont know till u try.

[@BasinMotorsports]

FAIL = First Attempt In Learning, right? I'll probably come back to it at a later date.

[@mikeh8506]

Try changing your hat. ☺

[@BasinMotorsports]

I still need to get a Ford Motorsport beanie for the garage. Maybe this year.