Opinions on Aftermarket Electronic Ignition

hi everyone,

i just found this place... dream come true! a quick intro first: i'm in the seattle/tacoma area, my jeep: 1973 cj5 304 v-8 ps pb, its the only jeep i've ever had, had it since i was born. dad bought it new at an offroad show in seattle, we've kinda shared it for the last 10 years but mostly it has sat, getting started and driven around the neighborhood a couple times a month. well he finally sold it to me (actually signed the title!) and i'm glad he waited... i would have ruined this thing in those "more formative years". it's pretty much original but not stock, a bunch of stuff was done just for the show (paint job, wheels, 2nd gas tank, winch, etc), so i am pretty open to suggestions that require "creative-wrenching". i am mechanically inclined and have the factory service manual (missing a few pages, but none vital), so feel free to get technical in your replies.

i am looking for feedback on 2 different aftermarket electronic ignition systems: msd & dui (davis unified ignition), specifically: reliability, durability and ease of maintenance.


i've heard good things about MSD and seen them on a lot of vehicles (jeeps included) and i see that they offer a "ready-to-run" distibutor that is all self-contained (no need for an ignition control box), as well as a distributor + ignition box set-up. seems that parts might be tough if there isn't a specialty shop close (no prob near the city but what jeep belongs in the city?!?!?) of course if these things are relatively tough in everyone's experiences, i'll trust it.


i just recently found some information on the dui unit and i'm pretty high on it because it appears to resemble the gm hei system (had great luck with hei in a pickup). are the parts interchangeable with an hei? do they stand by their product should a problem arise?

to sum up my stance, i like the fact that msd has been around for a while and they seem to make a solid product, but the dui system (if hei parts compatible) seems to be a practical choice and i do like the coil in the cap.

i use my jeep mostly on trails and getting to camp sites, occaisionally drive it to work or around town.

thanks for taking the time to meet me here and i appreciate any and all opinions and comments.


jake
:AMC:

 

The DUI-HEI is compatible with GM parts. DUI puts in a higher power coil then a stock GM unit and its gives a better spark. But in a pinch, you can put GM parts in it to get you off the trail and back to town.

DUI can also custom map your spark curves for you to accomodate any upgrades you may do to the engine. I have one and it works great.

An additional benefit of the DUI is it only requires one 12V wire with to operate. no special set up required. It also has a tach output that gives you a nice clean signal.

 

Man that engine is purdy!!


BUBBA

 

Yeah, it does not look that way anymore. :twisted:

That was right after I got it running. The engine had been professionally rebuilt and was pristine clean. Now its covered in dirt and crud. :AMC:

 

t4tt00, Welcome, I'm just across the hills from you. Yakima area.

 

You can buy the actual HEI for an AMC V8 from Z&M Jeeps http://www.zmjeeps.com/hei_8.php
Zack gets the distributor from some GM V8 (he won't say which one) and machines the body/shaft to fit an AMC V8.

Better results are reported when reusing the gear on your existing distributor - that's why it's sold with or without.

You should also consider fuel injection if you can afford it. Several different products are available.

Welcome from Boston!

 

thanks for the responses, i was leaning towards an hei-based system for the parts availability. i'll post an update as soon as business picks up.


jake
:AMC: