304 Ignition Help

dreski1 · 09-02-2009, 03:03 PM

I have an 86 CJ which HAD an I6 under the hood last week. I pulled the I6 and dropped in a '76 304 (not California) which came with everything (all factory stock), except the ignition module.
What are my options to make the 304 come to life?

A. Purchase an ignition module for the Prestolite?

B. HEI (do I still need the ignition module?) I did this upgrade on the I6 and it was a great improvement.

C. ???

Please point me in the right direction(s). The nice weather in SD is rapidly coming to an end, and I would like to enjoy some of it before the snow begins to blow.

Thanks,
Dave

scottymac62 · 09-02-2009, 04:14 PM

A. Purchase an ignition module for the Prestolite?

B. HEI (do I still need the ignition module?) I did this upgrade on the I6 and it was a great improvement.

C. Teamrush upgrade!

Ignition Upgrade For Jeep 304 & 360 CID V-8 AMC Engines

**BioTex** · 09-02-2009, 04:17 PM

You do not want to use the Prestolite. JeepHammer has written a lot of posts as to why. Search for Team Rush upgrade, and you will be entertained for days. I did this to mine using the E-coil, and Duracraft stock module, and it is awesome. If I ever burn up the module due to increased energy output, I have a GM style module waiting. Search on stealth GM module, and you will find that upgrade also. According to the experts here, the Team Rush upgrade outperforms the HEI. I can concurr with that, as I have run both.

**JeepHammer** · 09-02-2009, 04:48 PM

Correct.
Cost effective way to do things is to get yourself a remanufactured distributor for an AMC V-8 and plug it into the engine.

Then do the 'Nutter Bypass' to take timing control away from computer and give it directly to the ignition module.
It's a one wire connection in your case.

dreski1 · 09-03-2009, 06:52 AM

Thanks for the help!

Now for the money question:

Based on the recommended read from scottymac, the only choice I have is to upgrade to the Motorcraft Distributor and DuraSpark or MSD Module.

Is there a donor vehical/year I should look for? Or will a Mid 70's Ford V-8 suffice? I searched last night but there seems to be little reference as to where to begin my search.
I have little Ford experience and would rather not hose things up at this point. I'm taking a little heat from my wife.

Thanks,
Dave

**BioTex** · 09-03-2009, 10:49 AM

Depending on your skills, you can do the "GM stealth upgrade" for around $25.
It outperforms the Duraspark, and is more reliable. Search for it, and see if it works for you.
As far as the dist., you need to listen to JeepHammers recommendation, and get a reman. one ( I think 79 and later) . Stay away from Prestolite.

CSP · 09-03-2009, 11:39 AM

The distributor you want is from any '78-91 AMC V8, including the 360 found in full size Jeeps.

dreski1 · 09-03-2009, 04:46 PM

I really appreciate the help!! It is amazing the amount of knowledge that can be collected on this site.
Ill be certain to post my results so others can use the info too.

Thanks again!!

Dave

dreski1 · 09-04-2009, 03:38 PM

Picked up a distributor from an 86 Grand Wagoneer, 360 today. Now I need an ignition module.
I have found several MSD 6AL modules on e-bay and other sites. Is this the ignition module I want/need?

BTW - I had already done the Nutter Bypass when the Jeep had the I6. I found that conversion to be very easy. I am hoping that things drop into place just as nicely with this one.

Word of caution for anybody else following this thread. The distributor I picked up came from a Cash-4-Clunkers vehical. The engine was destroyed following Federal madate, using Sodium Silicate. This solution coats all oiled surfaces and moving parts and quickly abrades bearings causing the engine to sieze. Make certain to clean parts from C4C vehicals thoroughly.

Thanks,
Dave

**BioTex** · 09-05-2009, 07:55 AM

Dave,
So the GM style ignition module does not interest you?
It will save you some $$$, and is an excellent upgrade over the stock module.
I have never owned an MSD, just know they are tops on this forum, so you can't go wrong with one, but pricey.

turnabout · 09-05-2009, 08:26 AM

GM stealth upgrade quick link if interested. Wish I had junkyards nearby.......

Junk Yard Genius.com 'Stealth HEI Page

dreski1 · 09-05-2009, 09:28 AM

BioTex,
I have to plead ignorance at this point. I thought I was going down the correct road. But judging by your last comment, I must be lost.

There is a lot of terminology being used on this thread that I thought I understood, but apprently not (TFI, HEI, DuraSpark, PerTronics, Prestolite...)
I've done a lot of reading to learn the particulars of each, but have little real world experience with any of them. I'm close to making this thing run, just need some guidance.

This is the direction I was planning on taking.
MotorCraft dist from an AMC 360. MSD Coil, MSD A6 Ignition Module.
I have the dist. & coil (got these for next to nothing) and am trying to find the A6. Looks like $100 is the going price.

I like the HEI, because it is simple and I "THINK" I understand it. Had it in the Jeep when it was an I6, and LOVED it.
Should I buy a remanufactured HEI dist., or can I pick one up from the EWE-Pullit? I have no prob rebuilding.
Need Plug Wires, Cap, Rotor.
What else would I need?

I ask these questions and have some concern because after reading the link from ScottyMac, I have only 1 choice, and that is MotorCraft with DuraSpark or MSD ignition. Remember that this is a '76 304.
If I am missing something, please let me know. I take creative criticism very well.

Thanks,
Dave

dreski1 · 09-05-2009, 09:35 AM

BioTex, I think it finally sank in!

Can I use the MotorCraft dist. I just picked up along with the HEI module?

I believe this is where you are trying to get me to go.
When I hear HEI, I think of the BIG cap dist. I had with the I6, and that is where I was struggling.

After reading the link from "turnabout", it may have clicked.

I have a spare HEI module that I can readily connect.

Am I catching on?

Thanks a bunch guys!!

Dave

turnabout · 09-05-2009, 12:35 PM

You are going down the right road. Now you need to finish the project off right with another gem from JeepHammer. Check out this link and focus only on the distributor cap and wire upgrade. No sense in doing things halfway..........once done with this you will have an ignition that is worry-free (mostly) and a 304 that operates at an optimal level. Overwhelmed? Take a day or two to digest the info and it will all make sense. I find that when I print the info it is a little less intimidating.
Welcome to the Junk Yard Genius.com Ignition homepage!

**BioTex** · 09-05-2009, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreski1

BioTex, I think it finally sank in!

Can I use the MotorCraft dist. I just picked up along with the HEI module?

I believe this is where you are trying to get me to go.
When I hear HEI, I think of the BIG cap dist. I had with the I6, and that is where I was struggling.

After reading the link from "turnabout", it may have clicked.

I have a spare HEI module that I can readily connect.

Am I catching on?

Thanks a bunch guys!!
Dave

What I'm proposing, is that you take your junkyard distributor you picked up, and put on the cap adapter, and large cap/rotor with the appropriate wires. This is a big part of the "Team Rush" upgrade. JeepHammer has written this up several times, and is a cheaper alternative to HEI's. This larger cap allows you to rum up to .045 gap on your plugs. This larger gap can be achieved because the larger cap will not cross fire and arc internally like a smaller cap.

When you open up the gap, you put more strain on your stock Duraspark ignition module. You should have the correct module still in the vehicle left over from the I6. It is a decent module, but the higher spark energy due to the new gap can shorten it's life and leave you stranded.

What I'm proposing you do, is to get you a spare junkyard module just like the one you have, and take it apart and put in a GM style module. You mount it inside the case, thus the term stealth. The case serves as a heatsink, and you use the wire harness so you can just plug the new one in if you lose spark from the old one.
The new GM style module will last a long time, and is an upgrade over the Duracraft module.

Since you have a V8, you might want to consider a junkyard E-coil to replace the canister coil. The E-coil is a slightly better option due to the higher RPM's. Has to do with the rate the coil has "recharge" (not the correct word, but you get the idea). I paid $10 for a junyard E-coil, and a few bucks at NAPA for the adapter to wire it in. Be sure to get the harness when you get the coil.

There is a new mounting bracket available so you can mount the new E-coil in the stock location.

I'm still waiting for my original Duraspark to burn out. No such luck yet!
I will tell you that when I turn the key, I don't hear the starter. I have actually tried to turn the key to the start position as fast as I can, and keep the 304 from starting. It starts every time. I attribute that to a good ignition system. I'm running a 1979 2150 carb. nothing special.