Ignition Upgrade
Thinking about upgrading my ignition system ( distributor ) it is the electronic distributor now but not sure how old it is. I really don't plan on taking the car to the strip so I can't see spending big bucks on a MSD. Would like something to just plug in and go. Do I stay with the Mopar Performance Distributor or something else. Are the HEI distributors better than the stock replacement's ?
Is it broke ?
If no, don't fix it.
I would stick with the factory ignition.
I'll second what Johnny D said above. Now, you could optimize your advance curve. Most MP dist have too much centrifugal advance, so good initial advance of 10-12* ends up w 39* or more total and pinging. Find someone who's good on adjusting the curve for your car - compression,weight, gearing, intended use, etc.
I agree with both of these guy's, but with a twist.
Both change it and don't.:D
Seriously, for about 75 bucks you can get a brand new factory replacement distributor from just about any parts place.
Then put ONE spring from the advance spring kit (from Holley or even Autozone) in place of the heavy spring on the weights and the adjustable limiter plate from
www.4secondsflat.com (FBO). (set the plate to 16 degrees as it has varied slot that are numbered)
Set your initial to 16 as well and you have a 32 degree total advance.
You can sneak the initial up a little at a time if you want later and see how it feels about it.
Get the HHR688 ignition module and coil from FBO also and you'll have a great high energy ignition. (It's a direct fit to your existing wiring) AND has a built in digital rev limiter.
That's one hell of an upgrade that is worth every penny.
Just doing the new distributor with the advance springs and limit plate will "brighten" the motor up some performance wise, as you can run about 10-12 degrees initial advance, mechanical advance will come in around 2,500 rpm, and the mechanical advance is limited to whatever you set the advance plate for. the motor will feel like it's working less because it is.
It should get a bit better fuel mileage as another side effect of being able to run more advance at lower rpm's.
