Author Topic: Newbie Ignition Question  (Read 1972 times)

Offline repo68

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Newbie Ignition Question
« on: September 30, 2007 - 08:49:39 PM »
Hi All,

I'm pretty new to mopars, but have a recently purchased '70 Challenger that was modifed many times by previous owners.  The real problem is I'm not sure of what I'm starting with, since nothing seems to be stock and I have little info from the previous owner.

This weekend I installed some TTI headers and thought it would be a good time to change the plugs, cap & rotor.  While I was at it I purchased a MSD Blaster 2 coil, thinking it would be a good upgrade to my ignition system.  Reading the specs, I found you need a 0.8 ohm ballast resistor if running points, and I think for a stock electronic upgraded system too. 

This is where I'm confused.   I found that I have a mopar orange ECU (P4120505) and what appears to be a non-stock ballast resistor already in the car.  I checked the resistance and measured 0.7-0.8 ohms.  The only number I see on it is US Pat. 254186, which appears to be non-mopar from what I can find on-line.  Is this resistor the one supplied with an orange box upgrade?  And since this is so close to the MSD 0.8 resistor spec, do I need to buy a new one?  Seems like I should be able to replace the coil with no other changes.

BTW, I also have a '68 charger off the road that has a mopar chrome ECU (P4120534) in it, and I also found the same ballast resistor installed.  Again, I have no history on that car.  But I was wondering if I should use the chrome box on the Challenger as an additional upgrade.    Any disadvantages to using it?  (The Chally has a 383)

Thanks for any help!

Pete





Offline GoodysGotaCuda

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Re: Newbie Ignition Question
« Reply #1 on: September 30, 2007 - 08:53:09 PM »
Ballast resistor you have should work fine.  :cheers:
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Offline repo68

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Re: Newbie Ignition Question
« Reply #2 on: September 30, 2007 - 09:44:41 PM »
Excellent! :bananasmi


What do you think about the chrome box?   Is there any reason to stay with the orange?

Thanks again.

Offline 71340RT

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Re: Newbie Ignition Question
« Reply #3 on: September 30, 2007 - 09:50:58 PM »
I have ran both the orange box and my 71 Challenger RT has had a mopar chrome box on it since 1989 and has never had any problems. This is a upgrade over the orange box and should work fine.


70 Plymouth Cuda 340 4-speed
71 Dodge Challenger RT 340 automatic
1973 Dodge Challenger 360 automatic EFI
2002 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
2003 Dodge Stratus RT coupe
2009 Challenger RT Classic B5 Blue
2014 Ram Express 5.7 Hemi 4X4

Offline repo68

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Re: Newbie Ignition Question
« Reply #4 on: September 30, 2007 - 10:13:46 PM »
Thanks, guys.  I appreciate the help.
 :thumbsup:

Offline bb71challenger

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Re: Newbie Ignition Question
« Reply #5 on: September 30, 2007 - 10:25:47 PM »
The only Mopar Performance box you are better off not using for the street is the gold box. I have used the orange box for years with no problems.
1971 Challenger (OO==== ====OO) getting close!
1970 Challenger (OO########OO) long ways off
*Brett*

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Newbie Ignition Question
« Reply #6 on: October 01, 2007 - 02:24:18 AM »
the Chrome box is stable to higher Rpms so unless you plan to run over 6000 rpm the orange box is good
 the resister is fine BTW

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t