I am finally going to attack my dead for two years '86 D250 pick-up(318 2bbl). I've decided to eliminate the computer and convert to conventional Chrysler electronic ignition. I've had an orange box die on my Barracuda, and I've heard other people complain about them being hit or miss(no pun intended) in the quality department. Is that true? Would it be more advantageous to step up to the chrome box? What say you sages of the slanted realm?

_________________
'66 Cuda 225/4spd
'66 Dart GT convertible 225/auto
'64 Dart GT 340/4spd

I say buy a stock ECU (I recommend Standard Ignition parts). The HP boxes are supposedly good for more RPM... on a V8. You'll never spin more than 6000, right? That's only equivalent to 4000 with a V8 as far as the ignition is concerned, which the stock box will handle just fine.

Lou

_________________
Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

I have never noticed much difference between stock and HP ECUs when running them on Slants. I have run a few different ones on the Dragcar and they all ET the same. On the other hand, my MSD runs about .1 quicker.
DD

MSD makes an ECU for the Mopar electronic ignitions?

I know the orange box is part of the kit I can get from the dealer, but if the MSD is better (I have an MSD coil in my truck now and really like it), I'd definately use that.

_________________
'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

My MSD is a 6A unit wired to the Mopar SL6 mag pick-up distributor.
It takes some minor rewiring but it works good.
DD

I'm an electrical idiot unless I have step-by-step instructions, so maybe I'll be safer staying with the orange box

_________________
'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

As I recall you do get step-by-step instructions when you purchase an MSD ignition. You can also get a very comprehensive "Wiring Diagrams and Tech Notes" book for $3 or $4 (order P/N 9615). It provides very clear diagrams on how to connect any MSD component to just about any type of ignition system. They also have a tech support line. I don't think you would be sorry going with the MSD. IMO it is far superior to any OEM ignition.
Bob D

If you have a good Mopar Performance dealer you can get an MP MSD box cheaper than a regular MSD from Summit. (Same box, but the MP one has an MP cover on it)

I tried orance and chrome ECU's on my Duster when it was stock. They both slowed it down .1 or so. I had best results with a stock Borg-Warner ECU from Autozone. I also had an orange box take a dump on my big block Dart while it was in the garage.

_________________
Official Cookie and Mater Tormentor.

Does MSD make an entire electronic ignition kit like the Mopar one that you can get?

_________________
'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

An MSD is a complete ignition except for the distributor. All you need is a stock electronic distributor and you're done.

_________________
Official Cookie and Mater Tormentor.

Bud, I've known guys who worked for the BLM and Forest service in the late 70's and early 80's and when I bought my 78 d150 from the Forest Service They warned me about the "box" and that I should Carry a spare Because it whould run fine but sometime I would shut it off and it would not start again. so I did and they were right but the after market one I bought ran good for a decade.I've got Msd in the same truck now because I intend to race it. I'm pretty sure an after market silver box is around $20(you gotta love those China manufacturers) so maybe buy 2 and get around or MSD and go Downtown Bruce

Sweet, I did not know that. Is it all just one kit? Part number please?

_________________
'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

i used an old msd box and the mp distributor on my valiant and love it. like dennis says, the msd box replaces the ecu all the wiring bullshit for a pretty simple install. the msd has a 2-wire pigtail just for electronic distributors. you can buy a connector from msd to adapt a pigtail from a mopar wiring harness and it'll plug right in. the msd website has all the wiring schematics you could ever ask for.

-james

_________________

Obviously this doesn't apply to the '86 318 mentioned at the beginning of this thread, but you can use a points type distributor with the MSD ignition. When you do this the points will then only act as a low currant switch and will last almost indefinitely. Point gap is also no longer critical. However considering the availability and ease of replacing a SL6 points distributor with an electonic one, it does makes sense to do it.
Bob D

So should I get an electronic distributor from Mopar, a generic from Schucks, or a Mopar distributor from a junkyard; then get an MSD kit (I'm thinking with the addition of a Stacker) for the rest of it?

_________________
'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me