Duraspark

Ford used several models over the years. They were coded by the color of the plastic wire strain relief, or "grommet" as it is most often called, in order to make them easy to identify. In addition to the color-coding, the modules may have a keyway molded into the electrical connectors to prevent accidental use in the wrong vehicle.

The system consists of a magnetic reluctor and pickup in the distributor, with a separate fender mounted ignition module to trigger the coil. Typically, Duraspark II distributors have both mechanical and vacuum advance mechanisms.

Certain 1981–83 models used the EEC-III system, which uses a Dura-Spark III module (brown grommet where wires emerge) and a Dura-Spark II ignition coil. A resistance wire is used in the primary circuit. The distributors in EEC-III (and later) systems eliminate conventional mechanical and vacuum advance mechanisms. All timing is controlled by the engine computer, which is capable of firing the spark plug at any point within a 50-degree range depending on calibration. This increased spark capability requires greater separation of adjacent distributor cap electrodes to prevent cross-fire, another reason for its large-diameter distributor cap. This system is very similar to the systems used at MSD; MSD used the Duraspark during R&D.^{[citation needed]}

Color	Year(s) Used	OEM no.	Description	Pictures
Black grommet	1974	DY157
Green grommet	1975	DY166
Blue grommet	1976–87	DY184	49-state
Red grommet	1979–83	DY204	California
Yellow double grommet	1979-81	DY237	Dual-mode
Brown grommet	1980–83	DY249	Duraspark III, same module used on carbureted ECC-III systems.
White grommet	1980–83	DY250