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Killer $75 new ignition system...GM module. I already hear the screams!

DrewTX

DrewTX

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Tired of my ignition problems on my 1971 Charger, I decided to make my own using a GM module (I already hear the screams) and an E-core type coil and some bracket fabrication.

To install: mount the collar to the distributor, connect the distributor plug, one wire each to the + and – coil terminals and turn the key! When I turn the key, no more few turn overs of the engine… it fires up immediately! The performance on the road far surpassed my expectations. For a professional install, I used OEM Delphi terminals and my Rennsteig PEW12 hand crimper. I'll never be stranded again, as I can pick up one of these modules anywhere. My collar distributor mount isn't completely necessary and was just to hide it, as I still have my orange box there to look correct. Not bad for $75 in parts for the module, coil and aluminum pieces!

Hei 2.JPG HEI 3.JPG HEI 1.JPG
 
Difficult starting and sluggish performance no matter my timing and with a new coil and carb. I never determined the real issue: ballast, ignition box, wiring..unknown. This HEI test took all of 15 minutes to try out (unmounted), and it was incredible. I guess I could have bought an MSD box, but I'm a sucker for doing it myself. My 271 open gears tires never broke before, but it sure does now. The 8 3/4 is next.
 
I actually tried to do that but the circuit board is epoxied in and I’d destroy it getting it out. I don’t get why there is so much resistance by people for this kind of upgrade. As GM’s modules are used in all kinds of equipment and they are upgrading the inside resistors, capacitors, etc. To me, hot rodding is all about performance… I’ll leave brand loyalty to the collectors.
 
The difference between outdated mopar crap and HEI is one of those “if I have to explain” things.

I have the HEI setup on my car and nobody has ever mentioned it.
 
I bought a 1980 one ton gmc tow truck new in 1981 , it still has the orig H D module and coil and still starts the same now with over one million k on it dont know if cars had same mod or not . I like your idea will try it with 440 in roadrunner .
 
I believe most of the cheapie, Chinese, stand alone electronic distributors use a GM style module. The one I bought, for like $50-$60 a few years back for my kids small block, does.
 
I did this in my truck and coronet after finally giving up and putting Chevy parts on my mopar. Well, the truck still runs but the coronet the height gave up as fast as the mopar boxes did. I know have hidden msd box on the rt
 
I had a trans am that used to burn those things up no rime or reason I started keeing a spare in the glove box like my ballistic in the charger! Once I dropped $2000k on a full points msd setup I never had a problem out of that Chevy ever again except being slow but what can you do right , I liked having t tops !
 
Nice photo 451MOPAR! I wonder if those resistors-capacitors were just upgraded (MILITARY spec!), would it be a killer ignition????
 
Just kickin' in...thanks for that spare wheel, DrewTX! That puppy is now at work.
 
Cool hei stuff man, know guys who hide electronic ignition boxes in the washer bottle . I converted my points over to a pertronix 3 with one of their coils, works very well so far, claims to provide multiple sparks also. Ran solid wire through the ballast resister to look stock i then used black shrink wrap to cover the red coil wire. Not concourse correct but runs much better then points system.
 
451Mopar said:
This is the guts of a Mopar Orange ECU. Not much in there.

View attachment 634430
Click to expand...

If I remember the circuitry, the large resistor on top would be like the one in the dual resistor ballast resistor used with the 5-pin ECU. I think the diode below is a Zener diode and that combination makes up the ECU power supply. The components on the left side of the board condition/detect the magnetic pickup signal. The components in the center create the "timing", of how long to turn off the large external mounted power transistor.
 
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