Just bought a 1981 Ram 150 Custom Stepside pickup today for $500. Drove it home with no problems. Engine has a miss and some backfiring and the guy I bought it from says that the spark control box is bad. Should I order a reman unit or is there an aftermarket swap that is better? I'm sure I will have a lot more questions down the road so thanks in advance!
FYI.....suposedly the engine has a relatively new head rebuild and I suspect this is true as it looks to have much fresher paint than the rest of the block. There is some oil inside the air cleaner and the air filter is horribly past due for a change. The single barrel carb looks pretty bad. Did'nt see any smoke on start up or during the drive. It smells like it is running way to rich. Other than that the truck has had quite a bit of work done and is in decent shape.
Thanks again!
Edwin
Wellington Kansas

The lean burn setup ("spark control computer") is known for causing poor driveability, performance and mileage. What kind of emission tests, if any, do you have to pass?

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

This truck will not be subject to any emission control requirements.
Thanks
Edwin

In that case, you will do well to remove the lean burn system and install a conventional carburetor and distributor. You can go with a 1bbl carburetor for direct installation on your present manifold (I have a few brand new ones left in stock, if you need one -- don't get a "remanufactured" one from the parts store, they are junk), or you can upgrade to a 2bbl (requires the whole setup: Air cleaner, intake manifold, carburetor, throttle cable, kickdown linkage). Or, you can go even farther than that.

Give us an idea of your goals for this truck...

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Right now the plan is to get the truck running smoothly and work on it over time. Eventually we may do a restoration on it. Please send me a parts list of what I need. Probably stay with the single carb. I could also use a phone number maybe to call.
Thanks,
Edwin