I need to replace the ignition module in my 1986 IROC (TPI), but I can't find a GM part number anywhere. The auto parts store could only give me an AC Delco number, which is D1961A. Anyone have the GM number?

i believe ac delco would be the gm part and pn

Why not go with an better aftermarket module like Accel, MSD, Pertronix, etc... The stock ones kinda suck!

That's what I would have thought, too. What I'm looking for is the eight-digit GM part number, becuase I can't seem to cross-reference the AC Delco number.

From what I've read, the stock ones may not allow higher RPMs, but they are a hundred times more reliable than the aftermarket units. I've heard of many people buying Accel modules, just to have them go bad within a few months.

All the "GM" one is, is a AC/Delco one in a different box, sold through a different distribution channel (new car dealers vs. parts stores), at a greatly inflated cost to cover dealer network overhead.

My guess would be that the reason you can't find a 8-digit GM part # is probably because they quit selling parts for cars this ancient at new-car dealers, because even the ordinary motoring public is intelligent enough to figure out that they don't have to pay the dealer cover charge for a generic part like that, so they don't sell enough of them to be worth the trouble.

Why are you trying to pay too much for the same part? What's the point of all this? Where are we going here? If your module is bad and you want to replace it with the same thing that just failed on you, go get a AC/Delco one. If you want a better quality one, call Performance Distributors in Memphis. I would recommend against an Accel or Pertronix, too much bad experience in the world with those... even poorer quality than the stock one.

RB83L69, do you have any experience with the Performance Distributors' iginition modules? My auto parts store charges about $50 for the AC Delco replacement, so I wanted to see if I could save some money by going through GM Parts Direct. They charge roughly half what a dealer would charge.

Yes, that's what I run in my fast motor.

I knew the owner of PD before he passed away.... used to hang out with him when he worked at the Delco distributor back in the 70s rebuilding them, and would spin up & curve a dist for his friends at night.

$50 sounds about right; either a Delco, or a Standard, or Niehoff, or any of the quality names will cost about that. I think PD's is more like $80, but of course it's good to far more RPMs than a stock one, which really isn't an issue with a TPI motor, which doesn't produce any power anyway at the RPMs where it starts to make a difference.

I'm glad to hear that you have experience with them... I looked at their website and they offer a 7-pin "DynaMod" module for $50 for HEI distributors. For the same price as a factory replacement, I might as well try it. I could actually benefit from the extra RPMs because I'm going to be doing some intake work and putting in a new cam soon. That should increase my RPM range a little bit more.

Thanks again for the recommendation.