Hello Ralph, first thanks for hanging in here on this post. Not for sure about the OP but for me, its not going to be worth trying to set up a "stand alone" spark control device to run the distributor. I will end up putting that money and effort towards a v8 conversion.
I would like to get your opinion on the following.
1. Would you agree that IF the V6 reluctor is not evenly spaced and it is spaced at 112 and 128 degree angles, installing a slant 6 reluctor (spaced evenly at 120 degrees) in a v8 distributor is not going to run right.
I scanned a picture of the 87 distributor out of the 87 FSM. What I refer to as the reluctor, they are calling a interruptor. The design is totally different then the reluctor that is used in the v8 hei distributor. So there is no way to use the v6 interruptor in the v8 distributor.
2. My second question is. Short of having a custom made reluctor, 6 points, spaced at 112 and 128 degrees, do you see anyway to make a v8 hei distributor work?
I don't, other then some stand alone computer running off of the hall effect distributor that is in the truck now.

 

It's either going to be a custom cam for the distributor, a custom reluctor, or an external spark control box.

Or just pull the V6 and drop in a V8 ... that'd take care of it also.

RwP

 

For me, I plan to go with choice D. Labor in my area is so expensive, and getting a custom reluctor machined would be cost prohibitive. One other angle I have been trying with no luck is this. The part no. for the disc. morpar performance dist. was p4529402 for the kit and p4529401 for the dist. only. I have been searching the internet for a replacement reluctor for that dist. but have had no luck finding it.
Ralph, thanks again for your input!!

 

Yah, the "V8 upgrade" is probably the best way to do it.

Grab one from a Dakota, it'll be ready to fit (will still need work to make work, unless you also grab all the ECU and wiring harnesses to keep it TBI or SEFI.)

If not from a Dakota, then I'd be cruising the stuff at Schumacher ( http://www.engine-swaps.com/Pages/Pr....96Dakota.html ) and considering possibly even a big block (B/RB) motor in there.

RwP