Hey guys I'm new to this site and I know yall might hate me for this but I demo derby cars and trucks and I converted over to mopar engines to run small block and big block and I was wondering is there a way to update or eliminate the old mopar ballast resistor and computer out of the wiring for the ignition system? I know they have problems and do not stand heat or high vibrations very well so just a question? I just don't want to spend $500 to run a aftermarket box and disturbor if there is a way to eliminate them. Thanks for any help.

 

380413958539 this is a ebay # check it out . some people have had some trouble with these but I run one and it works great ! good luck

 

Here's something that is interesting I want to try sometime.


http://duster318.freeservers.com/tech/hei.html

 

diesel -

I know what you mean about those pesky Mopar ECUs. Mine started getting flaky after only 30 years. Finally upgraded from the Orange box to the Chrome box, lets see how long this one lasts... Oh, and I'm on my second ballast resistor too, I think this one is a little older than the old ECU.

Seriously, doubt you're going to find too many things more reliable.

Archer

 

I run a GM HEI module simple and easy to hook up. IF you search the www there is discussion over "what" coil/ resistor to use. I'm running two of them, one on my Dart, one on a Toyota powered Cletrac crawler, no resistor, stock coil

Here's my diagram:

1 Make sure it's grounded via one of the two mounting screws. You need to file off a small plastic locator pin on the bottom to mount it flat. You need to mount it to flat metal for a heat sink. Mine is simply screwed to the firewall. Someone had converted mine to Mopar ECU, and I simply ended up using one of the mounting holes used for the Mopar, for the HEI, and drilled one more hole. Alternatively, mount to a small piece of flate aluminum/ copper for a heat sink.

2 Use thermal conductive grease

3 Pay attention to the distributor connector. In my diagram, the male end hooks as shown to the uppermost terminal

4 Check distributor phasing just to make sure. If you reverse the dist. pickup connector, the spark will be firing when the rotor is not aligned with the plug tower.



Just today I made an "emergency" ignition. Hook it to the dist, ground and battery, and coil wire. I used it today to test fire an engine hanging on my hoist. It will become an addition to the trunk of my Dart, along with a spare distributor.

 

Thank you for posting this. I have a '86 Ramcharger that has a ghost in it. It all started slowly, it would start and run and if you killed it it may start and may not start. Have replaced many things and was looking for an answer when I found this. I am going to try the HEI conversion and see if it works. Thanks for the help!!!!