Distributor recommendation

[Andrew]

Can anyone recommend a distributer for a 440 6 pack motor on a 70 coronet r/t?? The problem I'm having is I need it to fit under the air cleaner. MSD has the PRo billet model that is too big and the ready to run model that is $380. I have the 6al msd box so I don't need the ready to run model. I'm not familiar with the quality of other brands out there. I've seen summit brand, 440 source, accel etc. Any suggestions??

 

[Pistol Pete]

Check out the Firecores.

http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/...testing_a_new_mopar_distributor/photo_02.html

 

[Gpuller]

I installed a new Firecore plug and play dist this summer in my car. Was running an old MP unit that you can't limit the mechanical advance without major surgery. The Firecore has a billet body with the guts like a new MP unit with adjustable mech advance. They offer two styles of distribuors, a plug and play that you can use with a MP orange box, or they have a ready to run style. Those eliminate the orange box, all you need to the dist is "+" and "-".
I really like mine, simple to adjust.
I got mine from a member over at dodgecharger.com.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,102245.0.html

 

[Meep-Meep]

Stock MoPar electronic.

 

[Gpuller]

If you need to do any adjusting to limit your mechanical advance the stock unit is less than ideal. Unless you have a distributor test stand, welder, grinder and a few hours to kill. ha ha ha
My Firecore was $165, pretty reasonable in my book.

 

[eagleone1983]

I've got the FBO distributor that comes already set up for your car once you give him all the specs to your car/engine. I'm really happy with it

 

[Andrew]

Thanks for the replies. I bought a MP copy from Mancini that was a piece of junk. The reluctor was crooked and a loose piece fell out of the box when I opened it. Maybe just bad luck, but I returned it for a Firecore piece that seems much nicer. Havent started it yet. Probly in few minutes.

 

[Gpuller]

Cool! Where did you get the Firecore from? Let us know what you think.

Reed

 

[am3rican]

You can get the stock mopar performance for $250. Installation takes 1-1 1/2 hours.

I forgot to mention I have a 69 440 6-pack. I have the MP distributor. It works well. No complaints. I didn't install it, but I talked to my mechanic who has installed it several times. He was the one who quoted me 1 to 1 1/2 hour install time.

 

[Funship32]

For what it is worth: Ehrenberg from Mopar Action just did a piece on distributors. In it, they discuss the really crappy Accel/Mallory MP units made from about 1999 onward (horrible mech advance rate as well as 'fluttering' advance weights which foul up timing too) to the new Firecore which is suppose to be 'da bomb' in adjustability.

PS- I might add that the article also said that if you wanted an OE dist to "order a 1972 unit". Not sure about that lead as electronic dist weren't standard until 1973 but I checked and RockAuto offers them.

 

[68 Sport Satellite]

mechanical distributor rec

I'm digging up this old but useful post!
I'm running the MP chrome box and the plug and play Firecore dizzy for my 451. Having some timing tuning issues so here come the questions:

I saw this post by Funship and also in the FABO forum I came across this little tidbit (although many claim to successfully be running Firecore dizzys with no issues):
Second and most severe problem; the pick-up coil polarity is incorrect and will not work with the stock wiring harness or with the stock ECU or performance ECU similar to the “orange/chrome” box. I became aware of this issue once I had the distributor in the car and attempted to set the timing. This particular problem renders the distributor useless, as currently wired, and causes the timing to advance more than 20 degrees from the actual setting. It took me considerable research, time and money to isolate this problem.


Additionally, Bigmanjmopar commented about his firecore dizzy install that he was happy with: Second and most severe problem; the pick-up coil polarity is incorrect and will not work with the stock wiring harness or with the stock ECU or performance ECU similar to the “orange/chrome” box. I became aware of this issue once I had the distributor in the car and attempted to set the timing. This particular problem renders the distributor useless, as currently wired, and causes the timing to advance more than 20 degrees from the actual setting. It took me considerable research, time and money to isolate this problem.


So is it possible to get this dizzy to run well with the chrome box? Do I need to change the firing order on the cap to be different than stock for some reason? I have a slight miss when the motor gets warmed up and my motor is liking an initial of 20-22 degrees with 36 total. Seems high.

For what it is worth: Ehrenberg from Mopar Action just did a piece on distributors. In it, they discuss the really crappy Accel/Mallory MP units made from about 1999 onward (horrible mech advance rate as well as 'fluttering' advance weights which foul up timing too) to the new Firecore which is suppose to be 'da bomb' in adjustability.

PS- I might add that the article also said that if you wanted an OE dist to "order a 1972 unit". Not sure about that lead as electronic dist weren't standard until 1973 but I checked and RockAuto offers them.

 

[68 Sport Satellite]

On the advice of several, I dialed my initial down to 16 with mechanical at 18 for a total of 34 with the vac advance disconnected. I then connected the vac advance and set the adjustable diaphragm to give me 30 at idle. The motor seems to like it ok except that with my idle screw set at 900 rpm, when I drop it into gear the motor dies. I'm sure I need some carb tuning and hope that helps. I am running a 2000 stall 11" converter from PTC with a mild Lunati 60302 hydraulic flat tappet cam (224/228 duration at .050")

 

[440+6]

I put a Firecore on my Six Barrel a few years ago to replace a worn out Mopar Performance dist, I am super happy with it, comes with extra springs for advance, easy to adjust total mechanical and vacuum.
I'm using a FBO ignition box and she runs perfect.
BTW it clears the air cleaner no problem.

 

[moper]

Another vote for Firecore. MP is not what it once was. In anything.

 

[747mopar]

My vote goes to Don at FBO, he offers different options and tunes them for you. He really likes the Pertronix (won't work with aluminum heads) and tweaks the Mopar distributors to where they're a great option as well. Good guy and has good prices as well.

- - - Updated - - -

On the advice of several, I dialed my initial down to 16 with mechanical at 18 for a total of 34 with the vac advance disconnected. I then connected the vac advance and set the adjustable diaphragm to give me 30 at idle. The motor seems to like it ok except that with my idle screw set at 900 rpm, when I drop it into gear the motor dies. I'm sure I need some carb tuning and hope that helps. I am running a 2000 stall 11" converter from PTC with a mild Lunati 60302 hydraulic flat tappet cam (224/228 duration at .050")

The timing sounds pretty spot on, are you plumbed to manifold vacuum or timed? I'd run manifold vacuum so it's at 30 anytime the motor is running.

 

[Gpuller]

I'm running a Chrome box with a Firecore and no known issues. My inital is at 25 and total at 35. I have a low compression 440 with the old MP 284/484 cam.