What ECU box these days?

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    Author Topic: What ECU box these days?  (Read 8196 times)

    Offline shadango

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    What ECU box these days?
    « on: April 07, 2010 - 02:17:57 PM »
    Ok, using search i found some threads where generally it seemd that the chrome boxes were the recommended route. In fact, Chryco Psycho made the recomendation in my own thread from a year ago.

    I have my harness off at BE for some troubleshooting and decided I will swap out the ECU I have for something better "just in case".   I am using an autozone unit which is chrome but I dont think its the same ...LOL


    Anything change since a year ago?   Is a "genuine" Mopar chrom box the way to go?  I have a performer carb/manifold , headers, J heads and a cam...... 

    Just wanted to be sure that the Mopar Chrome box is still the preferred way to go for those notgoing with an MSD, etc.....before I pull the trigger.

    Thanks guys
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    Offline MEK-Dangerfield

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    Re: What ECU box these days?
    « Reply #1 on: April 07, 2010 - 03:09:30 PM »
    I've heard the Mopar chrome box is better than the orange ones made in China now. I am using an FBO ignition box, which is plug and play in a Mopar.

     http://4secondsflat.com/
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    Offline RB2929

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    Re: What ECU box these days?
    « Reply #2 on: April 07, 2010 - 06:21:28 PM »
    Shadango-
    Look at this site: http://www.allpar.com/fix/electronic-ignition.html

    I just bout the ECU and 2-pin ballast yesterday based upon the first recommendation.
    Right now she'll turn over but won't start (kind of like the wife)

    Site recommendation: 1.I would like a 4 pin Dodge/Chrysler ignition “ECU” box from a 1983 pickup truck (example Dodge D-150 with 318 v8) – and the 2 pin ballast resistor that goes with it.

    Bought both at Auto Zone. ECU =$20, Ballast = $4
    Note: ECU comes with lifetime warranty.


    Installed today, now have spark.  Ran out of time to fine tune.  I'm hoping to have the car running tomorrow evening.

    Hope that helps,
    Ron



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    Offline 500Stroker

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    Re: What ECU box these days?
    « Reply #3 on: April 07, 2010 - 08:13:17 PM »
    I like the Mopar orange ECU.  I had two FBO boxes go bad.  A friend recently swapped out a cheap no name box for the orange and said he noticed an improvement in the way the car ran.
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    Offline GoodysGotaCuda

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    Re: What ECU box these days?
    « Reply #4 on: April 07, 2010 - 08:45:29 PM »
    ive used a few mancini racing boxes without fail. they had them on sale one year at mats
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    Offline 71chally416

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    Re: What ECU box these days?
    « Reply #5 on: April 07, 2010 - 09:03:59 PM »
    The only difference I've ever detected in any of the ECU boxes
    I've used, OEM factory, orange, chrome or Chinese aftermarket is they either work or don't work :lol: You can only fit so many electronic parts in a case the size of a cigarette pack that's about 80% epoxy potting.  :dunno:
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    Offline shadango

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    Re: What ECU box these days?
    « Reply #6 on: April 07, 2010 - 11:05:27 PM »
    Quote from: 71chally416 on April 07, 2010 - 09:03:59 PM
    The only difference I've ever detected in any of the ECU boxes
    I've used, OEM factory, orange, chrome or Chinese aftermarket is they either work or don't work :lol: You can only fit so many electronic parts in a case the size of a cigarette pack that's about 80% epoxy potting.  :dunno:
    I thought the mopar Chrome boxes allowed for better performance thru higher revs?      :clueless:

    I already have an autozone chinese aftermarket right now....I am having some issues but dont think it is the ECU....swapping out a couple other things but thought I might go to the Mopar unit "just to be safe" plus maybe get a little extra performance at the same time......i noticed the last time I revved high that I had some popping/a miss which I figure was the box.,...
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    Offline 71chally416

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    Re: What ECU box these days?
    « Reply #7 on: April 07, 2010 - 11:32:41 PM »
    The Mopar ECU is 38 YO technology. I've seen numerous dyno tests that rate it about the same as a good point ignition. It is what it is.
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    Offline Chryco Psycho

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    Re: What ECU box these days?
    « Reply #8 on: April 08, 2010 - 12:44:16 AM »
    I have been using the Chrome box which is supposed to better quality &for higher  RPM , I have tried the FBO box but had them fail although he was tring to get it to switch faster using modern components internally . Some have connected the GM module with success , not sure what is best right now . I have stayed away from MSD after having numerous failures with their product & the extreme cost of their system plus the lack of replacement parts availability & add the fact that as the engine gets into the powerband at 3000 RPM the multi spark stops .
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    Offline GoodysGotaCuda

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    Re: What ECU box these days?
    « Reply #9 on: April 08, 2010 - 01:14:23 AM »
    Quote from: Chryco Psycho on April 08, 2010 - 12:44:16 AM
    I have been using the Chrome box which is supposed to better quality &for higher  RPM , I have tried the FBO box but had them fail although he was tring to get it to switch faster using modern components internally . Some have connected the GM module with success , not sure what is best right now . I have stayed away from MSD after having numerous failures with their product & the extreme cost of their system plus the lack of replacement parts availability & add the fact that as the engine gets into the powerband at 3000 RPM the multi spark stops .

    Haven't had any issues with my MSD. Seems like they are similar in 'they work or not'. I bought mine used for $100 four years ago. No idea how old it really is and running just fine. I wouldn't mind upgrading to a digital box that keeps the multispark as high as you want.
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    Offline shadango

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    Re: What ECU box these days?
    « Reply #10 on: April 08, 2010 - 05:22:07 AM »
    Seem to be seeing a bunch of folks with issues with the FBOs....not to mention the extra cost....his site says you "have" to buy his "HD cap and rotor"-- basically a brass terminal'd cap fropm what I can surmise....(which I already have) and his coil/ballast. .....$150 for that versus $68 for the Mopar chrome unit.....both seem to work up to 8k.......I suppose the FBO could be a special mix of transistors etc to try and bump the output.... :clueless:  ...but I am kind of with 71chally on this one....seems like other than that, the systems are all the same.... :dunno:

    I justfigured I would try and get something that works better at higher RPMs is all.

    Years ago I tried a system made by "Jacobs electronics".....looked like an MSD to some degree except it was all blue.....they claimed to be able to somehow sense the voltage acorss each spark plug and tailor each fire to an optimum level based on that....resulting in huge HP and MPG gains.   I gave it a shot and found all it did was increase the balance of my credit card...luckily they had a 30 day try-out policy.   From what I could tell it did nothing.  Although it did provide for a kill switch kind of deal for security....but as I recall the system was hundreds of dollars (20 years ago).

    I guess we are all looking for the holy grail of ignition for these cars, eh? LOL
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    Offline shadango

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    Re: What ECU box these days?
    « Reply #11 on: April 08, 2010 - 08:23:21 AM »
    Quote from: Chryco Psycho on April 08, 2010 - 12:44:16 AM
    I have been using the Chrome box which is supposed to better quality &for higher  RPM

    Chryco, can you use the standard 1.25 ohm ballast with the chrome box or do you have to use the .25 ohm ballast?
    *********Edit

    I think I figured it out...the ballast only changes with a higher output coil, etc

    I plan on using my stock coil for now with the chrome box.
    « Last Edit: April 08, 2010 - 09:31:49 AM by shadango »
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    Offline wally426ci

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    Re: What ECU box these days?
    « Reply #12 on: April 08, 2010 - 09:37:03 AM »
    I've heard people say don't use the chrome box on the street for some reason.... Is there any other upgrade needed when using the chrome box or just plug and play?

     :clueless:
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    Offline Chryco Psycho

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    Re: What ECU box these days?
    « Reply #13 on: April 08, 2010 - 10:52:55 AM »
    the Gold box is non street use , the chrome is fine for street use though & just plugs in
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    Offline shadango

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    Re: What ECU box these days?
    « Reply #14 on: April 08, 2010 - 11:18:38 AM »
    Quote from: Chryco Psycho on April 08, 2010 - 10:52:55 AM
    the Gold box is non street use , the chrome is fine for street use though & just plugs in
    :2thumbs:  Cool, just ordered one.
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