V6 Mechanical Advance Electronic Ign Distributor?

-

rdunnam

RDunnam
Joined
May 31, 2011
Messages
75
Reaction score
12
Location
Tupelo, MS
Looking into carbing or Holley Sniper on my V6 that was replaced with 5.9 Magnum in '89 P/U.
The V6 is an option for the Willys CJ2A project, however, is there info out there on converting a V6 distributor (computer controlled type) to one with a 6 point reluctor, similar to the standard OEM V8 electronic ignition distributor, but with maybe a slant six point reluctor and having mechanical and vacuum advance? What have folks done on this situation?
 
Do you have a pic of your distributor? Although it's been a while since I've seen one, I'm thinking you can use a standard small block V8 distributor, put a 6 point reluctor wheel in and put the 6 cylinder cap and rotor on it.
 
Last edited:
If you go with the Sniper system, wouldn't you be able to use the stock distributor? IIRC, it's a hall effect distributor with no advance mechanism, and the Sniper should be able to enable spark control on that, since it would need to be locked out anyways...
If you go carb, I'd look for an '87 distributor out of a Dakota or full size truck, I BELIEVE those were pre-TBI, and still used a carb, although it was a mutant semi computer-controlled thing...
 
Looking into carbing or Holley Sniper on my V6 that was replaced with 5.9 Magnum in '89 P/U.
The V6 is an option for the Willys CJ2A project, however, is there info out there on converting a V6 distributor (computer controlled type) to one with a 6 point reluctor, similar to the standard OEM V8 electronic ignition distributor, but with maybe a slant six point reluctor and having mechanical and vacuum advance? What have folks done on this situation?

I'm not sure they made such a thing, that is with advance. "I think??" all Chrysler V6's were electronically controlled advance. I'm thinking "the first couple years" were TBI EFI and would likely have had a reluctor

WHAT IS THIS? This is a 89? what? 3.7?

A quick Google claims the Dodge v6 came out in 86

Also you might look into whether a slant reluctor will fit a V8 distributor, and whether the early V6 caps and rotors will fit a V8 distributor.

This below came off the All-Par site, so looks "maybe" up through 91 is a possibility
===============================================================
"
In 1987, its first year, the 3.9 used Holley 6280 two-barrel feedback carburetors. This setup may have lasted into 1988 on Dakotas, but then Dodge slapped an EFI intake and induction on the 318 and the 3.9. They shared a Holley throttle body, until the Magnum versions, and used a non-vacuum advance distributor. One engineer wrote, “I remember they had an awful time with the fuel/air distribution. We were all asked to help out if we had a glimmer.”

From then until the 1991 models, they used single-point fuel injection— relatively inefficient, but easier to control and maintain than a carburetor.
================================================================
 
Have you looked inside? Found this diagram? Looks like it should have a reluctor just no advance

xHIlinkaO8n_HiFt3w0PTSNw_JKNvZrEANnIe4FzrcDybWKMS25amBbrfawEjvd380zlr3TGclzlUBevAsmjSq-SKQrlqBCM.gif
 
If you go with the Sniper system, wouldn't you be able to use the stock distributor? IIRC, it's a hall effect distributor with no advance mechanism, and the Sniper should be able to enable spark control on that, since it would need to be locked out anyways...
If you go carb, I'd look for an '87 distributor out of a Dakota or full size truck, I BELIEVE those were pre-TBI, and still used a carb, although it was a mutant semi computer-controlled thing...
You are most likely right on the sniper controlling the ignition advance, I was thinking along those lines.
 
I'm not sure they made such a thing, that is with advance. "I think??" all Chrysler V6's were electronically controlled advance. I'm thinking "the first couple years" were TBI EFI and would likely have had a reluctor

WHAT IS THIS? This is a 89? what? 3.7?

A quick Google claims the Dodge v6 came out in 86

Also you might look into whether a slant reluctor will fit a V8 distributor, and whether the early V6 caps and rotors will fit a V8 distributor.

This below came off the All-Par site, so looks "maybe" up through 91 is a possibility
===============================================================
"
In 1987, its first year, the 3.9 used Holley 6280 two-barrel feedback carburetors. This setup may have lasted into 1988 on Dakotas, but then Dodge slapped an EFI intake and induction on the 318 and the 3.9. They shared a Holley throttle body, until the Magnum versions, and used a non-vacuum advance distributor. One engineer wrote, “I remember they had an awful time with the fuel/air distribution. We were all asked to help out if we had a glimmer.”

From then until the 1991 models, they used single-point fuel injection— relatively inefficient, but easier to control and maintain than a carburetor.
================================================================
They didn't make such a thing so I was asking if anyone "fabbed" up one that would work. Somewhere I read that a slant six reluctor on a v8 distributor set up would not work because the v6 engine is an "uneven" firing engine, does not fire at 120 degrees "evenly" during the two rotations (a complete combustion cycle), it's designed to fire on 117 and 123 degrees, something of that sort. I'm asking. Using the stock distributor with a stand alone controller or let the Sniper control the timing may be only way.
 
I'm not sure they made such a thing, that is with advance. "I think??" all Chrysler V6's were electronically controlled advance. I'm thinking "the first couple years" were TBI EFI and would likely have had a reluctor

WHAT IS THIS? This is a 89? what? 3.7?

A quick Google claims the Dodge v6 came out in 86

Also you might look into whether a slant reluctor will fit a V8 distributor, and whether the early V6 caps and rotors will fit a V8 distributor.

This below came off the All-Par site, so looks "maybe" up through 91 is a possibility
===============================================================
"
In 1987, its first year, the 3.9 used Holley 6280 two-barrel feedback carburetors. This setup may have lasted into 1988 on Dakotas, but then Dodge slapped an EFI intake and induction on the 318 and the 3.9. They shared a Holley throttle body, until the Magnum versions, and used a non-vacuum advance distributor. One engineer wrote, “I remember they had an awful time with the fuel/air distribution. We were all asked to help out if we had a glimmer.”

From then until the 1991 models, they used single-point fuel injection— relatively inefficient, but easier to control and maintain than a carburetor.
================================================================
Distributor and engine is '89 3.9L is out of a D100. Design is LA small block minus two cylinders, then they added the magnum features to it about same time as the LA was updated to magnum.
 
From what I am finding, all 239 V6 distributors were all cam position sensor units like the V8 went to during Magnum production. No reluctors were made for the 239 v6 unless there was an MP unit.
D626_3-4Top_1818635__ra_p.jpg
 
If you go with the Sniper system, wouldn't you be able to use the stock distributor? IIRC, it's a hall effect distributor with no advance mechanism, and the Sniper should be able to enable spark control on that, since it would need to be locked out anyways...
If you go carb, I'd look for an '87 distributor out of a Dakota or full size truck, I BELIEVE those were pre-TBI, and still used a carb, although it was a mutant semi computer-controlled thing...
Distributor's between those basically same, computer controlled in some fashion, I know the 88-91 is like mine with FI, it actually has an ECM, 87 did have the feedback style carb not sure what type computer, may have been a mutant like you said of the lean burn system like my 84 has (/6). Thank you.
 
check an old DC catalog...thought they had a performance conversion kit similar to the V8's.
I read that also. Now that would be a hen's tooth. Are those old DC catalogs online now by chance. I don't have a hard copy of one. Thanks.
 
I read that also. Now that would be a hen's tooth. Are those old DC catalogs online now by chance. I don't have a hard copy of one. Thanks.
Conversion kit for 3.9 V6: P4529402- includes dist., harness and orange box.
Distributor only: P4529401.
Good luck hunting those down!
On a side note, they also made one for the 2.2/2.5L four bangers... now that's gotta be rare...!
 
I have heard of some using the V8 dist. with a slant 6 reluctor.....
But I dont see how it would work. My understanding is, the slant 6 is equal fire engine, 120 degrees.....
The 3.9 V6, being it is from a 5.2 V8 is odd fire. And I thing it was at 112 and 128 degrees.

One possibility I never really checked into, would be maybe using a V8 GM HEI style dist. made for a SB mopar. Then using a reluctor and cap from one of the odd fire GM v6...... Lots of ifs and maybe's in that statement.

Personally, I became flustrated and decided to go V8 in my dakota....

Kinda off base, but I had a guy tell me, the only thing more rare then HP parts for a 3.9 V6 is customers wanting them!!! Sad, but I think its true.

Oh, and if your interested, I think somewhere I have the part number for the reluctor that was used in the MP V6 electronic ign. dist. Let me know....
 
With the Sniper system, would it be possible to use the stock style distributor and wire the pigtail into the Holley harness? I'm pretty sure the first 3.9 engines were carbureted, but I'm not sure if the distributor was electronically controlled.
 
With the Sniper system, would it be possible to use the stock style distributor and wire the pigtail into the Holley harness? I'm pretty sure the first 3.9 engines were carbureted, but I'm not sure if the distributor was electronically controlled.

The 87 used a carb. holley 6280. It was an electronic feedback carb. There is a computer on the pass. fender. The computer controls the 6280 input, (I think the power valve) and it controls timing.
The dist. is the same for 87 (carbed,) and 88-91 TBI
 

The 87 used a carb. holley 6280. It was an electronic feedback carb. There is a computer on the pass. fender. The computer controls the 6280 input, (I think the power valve) and it controls timing.
The dist. is the same for 87 (carbed,) and 88-91 TBI
Once or if the willys jeep project materializes, I may try to find a later model v6 magnum setup, ecm, harness, FI, retain it all. My v6 was the 89 TBI, the later set up may be more favorable if I'm going through the trouble of going that direction. Thanks for all your input and info!
 
FWIW, your TBI V6 cam for the 1.5 rockers can be used in your Magnum engine and have increased lift and .050 duration with the 1.6 Magnum rocker ratio. It's a good upgrade and still plays well with the Magnum electronics. Shortening the runners in the "kegger" intake helps, too.
 
FWIW, your TBI V6 cam for the 1.5 rockers can be used in your Magnum engine and have increased lift and .050 duration with the 1.6 Magnum rocker ratio. It's a good upgrade and still plays well with the Magnum electronics. Shortening the runners in the "kegger" intake helps, too.
If the OP is after more torque, I don't think I would cut the runners down. But maybe a short amount wouldn't hurt.
 
Surprisingly, the Magnum V6 makes a little more power on the bottom with the runners trimmed back, too. However, it is a pretty small gain for the effort. Confirmed by a friend who was partial to the magnum v6 for off road duty with low gears. One of those vehicles that doesn't get there quickly, but lugs down and crawls through stuff that gave other vehicles the fits.
 
FWIW, your TBI V6 cam for the 1.5 rockers can be used in your Magnum engine and have increased lift and .050 duration with the 1.6 Magnum rocker ratio. It's a good upgrade and still plays well with the Magnum electronics. Shortening the runners in the "kegger" intake helps, too.
How do the stock '88-'89 TBI V8 cams (roller correct?) w/1.5 rockers work in the later '93 up magnum w/1.6 ratio rockers? Are they spec'd w/slight increased lift and duration as well?
 
I haven't been able to find new replacement LA rollers with stock lift specifications but putting an LA cam into a magnum makes a noticeable improvement if you have a usable stock LA roller on hand. The LA 360 is your first step up the ladder and the LA 318 hydraulic roller would be the hotter cam choice. There's usually a crosswind type intake involved in the mix whenever I've been involved with the swap and it makes a before and after difference you can feel. I will have to find the stock lift chart to share with you for the specs but here's a W100 with a 5.2 Magnum and 360 LA roller with a crosswind and a 650 Edelbrock. It's got 31X10.50 and 3.21 gears with a HD four speed but there's no shortage of torque. Lower gears would really help, though.
 
I haven't been able to find new replacement LA rollers with stock lift specifications but putting an LA cam into a magnum makes a noticeable improvement if you have a usable stock LA roller on hand. The LA 360 is your first step up the ladder and the LA 318 hydraulic roller would be the hotter cam choice. There's usually a crosswind type intake involved in the mix whenever I've been involved with the swap and it makes a before and after difference you can feel. I will have to find the stock lift chart to share with you for the specs but here's a W100 with a 5.2 Magnum and 360 LA roller with a crosswind and a 650 Edelbrock. It's got 31X10.50 and 3.21 gears with a HD four speed but there's no shortage of torque. Lower gears would really help, though.

Not sure if I would use...or maybe, stock specs on LA, LA-pre mag, and mag cam specs would be interesing side by side. Just for fun. Mine is a "re-grind" for my 5.9L is by Bullet Cams, .525 lift w/ 1.6 rocker, .218 and .226 duration, 112 LSA. Eddy RPM performer intake. EQ heads w 2.02 SS intake. 1989 D100 2 wd. What about that Duster in the profile pic?
 
-
Back
Top