318 upgrade from points to electronic.

[petegee69GT]

Hi everyone. Newbie here but I've had nothing but Mopars since 1972.  I just bought a 69 GT that I'm completely rebuilding including the engine. The engine sat for 18 years, apart and untouched . I want to upgrade from the Standard points to an electronic ignition. I'd really appreciate any imput as to which distributor/system to go with. Mallory vs MSD vs Accel. 

[6pkScamp]

I went with Petronix for an everyday driver, cheap to.

[Cudadust]

Do not go with the standard Mopar conversion too many weaknesses in the system, go to the aftermarket for more reliable electronics.

[petegee69GT]

Do not go with the standard Mopar conversion too many weaknesses in the system, go to the aftermarket for more reliable electronics.

Any preferences as to which system? I was looking at a MSD Pro-Billet Ready to Run distributor to avoid the added ignition box.

[petegee69GT]

I went with Petronix for an everyday driver, cheap to.

Thanks, I hadn't heard of them before but I'll check it out on Jegs website tonite.

[PureGTS]

  I've run alot of OEM electronics boxes and distributors without issue. Street cars, race cars, etc. Price can be a issue but reliability is always going to be an issue with everything. That said, where are you going to find parts for an MSD or Accel distributor at 8PM in front of Pep Boys? Granted, they will not have a Orange or Chrome ignition box, but your date sitting in your pride and joy doesn't know or care what color that "thing" is. Your car is making you late for the ballet. Taking a trip? Where are you going to find another MSD brain box?    pick-up coil?   Etc.
  If it's your race car, you'll have a trailer there, and folks that will help you push it onto it, if it malfunctions. On the side of the road you might not be so lucky. For GP cars (daily drivers, General Purpose cars) I've found it better to keep it simple, 'cause ya just never know.

[Cudadust]

The regular OEM replacement box at the parts stores is superior to the Orange or even Chrome box, thats not a problem. The real nemisis is the pick-up coil in the OEM dist changing value due to temperature changes, real difficult to trouble shoot. All of the Major parts houses sell the MSD system so replace parts are across the counter, the beauty is MSD makes a variety of parts so the system can be tailored to fit your needs.  Mopar is pedalling off shore replacement parts w3ith the MOpar LOGO at double the price,so gennie chrysler parts are gone forever.

[petegee69GT]

The regular OEM replacement box at the parts stores is superior to the Orange or even Chrome box, thats not a problem. The real nemisis is the pick-up coil in the OEM dist changing value due to temperature changes, real difficult to trouble shoot. All of the Major parts houses sell the MSD system so replace parts are across the counter, the beauty is MSD makes a variety of parts so the system can be tailored to fit your needs.  Mopar is pedalling off shore replacement parts w3ith the MOpar LOGO at double the price,so gennie chrysler parts are gone forever.

Thanks Cudadust. That's a real good point you bring up. Sad about the Mopar parts  . They were always top shelf.  I guess it's true "It's all about the Benjamins" 

[abodyjoe]

i would throw together a stock set up. you can do it cheaper then the kits out there.



here is the wire diagram.   real easy to do.

[abodyjoe]

you can get a rebuilt dist at pepboys or another parts store pretty cheap..  like $30

buy a new ecu form the same parts store..


and this wire set up.
http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/wirharcopand.html

[abodyjoe]

if you go electrinic ign of any type i would change over to a dual FLD alt and regulator also..


the blue wire in this pic is the one you need to add.

[Cudadust]

I followed the Mopar stuff logic for years without success.  Maybe its the 2000' altitude and 100-129* F temperatures that convinced me. Parking under a shade tree or overhang to cool the electronics down and carrying a full complement of ignition parts in the glove box, "just in case" is not fun.  Dropping down to sea level at 80 mph on the freeway and start to feel a spark miss is pucker city time. Drop in a MSD system and forget the problems.  I have donated most of the mopar junk to club members. 

[petegee69GT]

if you go electrinic ign of any type i would change over to a dual FLD alt and regulator also..


the blue wire in this pic is the one you need to add.

  Thanks so much for the advice and the time with the diagrams. Much appreciated. 

[petegee69GT]

I followed the Mopar stuff logic for years without success.  Maybe its the 2000' altitude and 100-129* F temperatures that convinced me. Parking under a shade tree or overhang to cool the electronics down and carrying a full complement of ignition parts in the glove box, "just in case" is not fun.  Dropping down to sea level at 80 mph on the freeway and start to feel a spark miss is pucker city time. Drop in a MSD system and forget the problems.  I have donated most of the mopar junk to club members. 

  I'm hearing that (about the Mopar stuff) more and more as I'm talking to more people about it. Thanks

[PureGTS]

I have to wonder if it is only the recent stuff or just what parts are being used with the OE parts or the location of said parts in relation to other heat sources. All my older stuff has no issues. Phoenix to L.A. temp spread having no issue. I have had the "off the shelf" aftermarket replacement parts cause trouble but not in a lasting/fatal way. I had a 69 Charger I updated the ignition system with that was fine until I changed the ignition box (when I sold it) to an aftermarket box from an MP Orange box. Yeah, it ran, it was just obvious to me that it had changed and not for the better.
  Heat has always been the nemesis of electronics. That being said, I have always tried to hide the box(s) in later builds, to give the car that non-cluttered look under the hood. Even my MSD stuiff is treated the same way to keep it out of the hi heat areas and put it in the ways of cool flowing ambient air. The vent and A/C box area makes this a superb place for these parts. If your car is running around as hot as it is under the hood inside your car, you have other problems that need addressing.