I'm talking about the spark module inside the distributor... I'm thinking of changing it.

I have the Pep Boys replacement one in there.. it's a Borg Warner unit. It might be fine for the average driver, but I think it might be the cause of my "lack of high RPM power".

I was thinking of replacing it with a GM one, then I noticed Holley came out with a few HEI modules. Accel has also made some. Has anyone put one on and noticed a difference? I'd need the one for the remote HEI distributor... it looks like this:
http://www.holley.com/HiOctn/ProdLin...A/891-103.html

-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards

 

Looks pretty interesting, never messed with one myself. If you do get one, let us all knwo how it goes. I often overlook the limitations of my computers when I think of performance mods, and this might help.

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Reno
'88 Firebird LB8
"Cerberus"
Now: rusting on a side street til I get out of college

Plans: BUILT 3.4 motor with B&M racing tranny, Hotchkis suspension all around, lowering 1", Accel ignition all around, Splitfire plugs, 88 front bumper, ASCD Ram Air I hood, 91 GTA spoiler, formula wheels, Firehawk tires, restored interior (first on list)

 

As an update, Holley's tech staff wrote me back (rather quickly, cool!) and told me I'd need the unit I gave a link to, that's their part # 891-103.

However, I didn't tell them I had a v6. I just said I had a "remote HEI" distributor and wanted a module.

Interestingly enough, I confirmed my suspicions of us owning the same module as v8 motors. Wrenchhead.com told me that the AC/Delco module part # for the 2.8 v6 is D1943A. I looked up a 1988 TPI 5.7l, a 1992 MPFI 3.1l, both 1992 5.0l (TBI and TPI), and the 1992 5.7l TPI-- they all use AC's D1943A.

I assume the module would -work-.. however, the question remains "Will it Help?" Summit wants $60 for the sucker.. I'd hate to put it in and notice no change, but it looks like I'll have to.

Anyone know what a spark module DOES? I assume it amplifies the output from the pickup coil, and sends that output to the computer and ignition coil. It makes sense then that it wouldn't matter if it reading a v6 or v8 pickup coil. Funny thing is, Accel lists two modules in their catalog- a 35362 and a 35370. They both look the same "externally" to me... I wonder what the difference is.

-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards

 

if ur talking about the same thing im thinking..i had an accel unit put in when i had a new dist put in...

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Yeah dude, that's the one.. looks like a flat box, with three connectors coming out of it, about one inch wide by two inches long.

Seems that the general idea shared by other people is that I should just put the MSD box on. They say that's what the MSD box does.. enhance a stock spark module.

Apparently my Borg-Warner module isn't "bad". The Holley one would help things, but then I might as well NOT put the MSD box on. Know what I'm trying to say?

Also MSD doesn't make an ignition module. They do however make a kit, consisting of an in-cap spark coil and spark module. They say it's the perfect combo for racing when you're not allowed an MSD box.

-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards

 

ok thats the sucker...it made my throttle a little crisper, and my voltage gauge reads a little higher now too..because of it? i dont know

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I know exactly the part you're talking about. I considered putting one in when I did my last tune up, but was told that other than a bit of gas mileage, there wouldn't really be any difference in the car's performance (ie. spark output). So I just left the old one in there.

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ICQ #: 77308896
AIM: Ezekiel2sc
2.8L MPFI w/ K&N filters & homemade ram air
5 speed manual
3.42 rear axle
180W Clarion CD Deck
Pioneer 4*6 in front
Polk 3 way 6*9 in back

 

I think I'm going to leave this old (can 2 years be old? ) module in until next summer. I'll put in the MSD 6AL box I have over the weekend, and we'll see what that does for me.

Thanks!

-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards

 

TOMP P im gettin a MSD 6AL next week when my check for 11,000 clears woohoo can u tell me were u mounted it and prretty much the procedure so i can do it troule free... Thanks
oh im gonna be getting the wireing harness kit also...

 

It's going to be mounted on top of the passenger side's wheel well, in front of the strut tower, where the coolant bottle was. (I bought a tiny coolant bottle out of JC Whitney's catalog to replace it.. I've seen the same ones for $2 more in auto stores.)

Wiring with the harness is cake! I'm also using it, just so if the car ever dies on the highway, I can unplug the MSD and plug my old coil back in. Then if the car still won't run at least I know to look for something else.

Oh and besides the wiring harness, you need to run power wires.. the positive goes to the battery or junction block (pass side of radiator) or starter, MSD says not to wire it to the alternator. I don't know why, tho. The negative wire can go to the battery, or to the engine block, or some other good ground.

Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards

 

Tom,I replaced my OEM module with the Accel mod when I had my engine apart the first time.I can say the throttle responce was faster and it started easy'r(even with a bad oil pump .
They say the OEM one's start droping power around 4000rpm's(but don't quote me)and the aftermarket one's extend the spark into the upper rpm range.I don't know how or where they came up with this but they must have something to back this up with or they wouldn't print it in their adds.
By the way,I only had two connectors.You wouldn't think there is diff in an 86 and a 89.
If you know of someone who needs a OEM module I have one I will gladly donate to help a fellow thirdgen owner.

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Kevin S
10.9 @ 62.87 (1/8 mile)
89 RS 2.8(bored .030)
B&M shift Improver
B&M Mega Shifter
Perma Cool trans cooler
Accel Wires,
Ignition module,
Super coil
Streetrunner chip(for now)
Flowmaster
1.52 Roller rockers

Things You Will Never Hear a Man Say....

Damn, too bad this car isn't a four cylinder.

[This message has been edited by Kevin S (edited September 22, 2000).]

 

Do you have the part # for that Accel? Was it 35362?

The three connectors I mean are the two for the car, and the one for the pickup coil. So technically you only see two from the outsisde of the distributor... sorry for the confusion.

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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards

 

I'm not really sure what the part number was but I think your right.I do know that it is for 4,6 and V8's
I never thought about the pickup coil plug when you said 3 connections.
I'm a Smith,you just have to over look me sometimes.

------------------

Kevin S
10.9 @ 62.87 (1/8 mile)
89 RS 2.8(bored .030)
B&M shift Improver
B&M Mega Shifter
Perma Cool trans cooler
Accel Wires,
Ignition module,
Super coil
Streetrunner chip(for now)
Flowmaster
1.52 Roller rockers

Things You Will Never Hear a Man Say....

Damn, too bad this car isn't a four cylinder.



[This message has been edited by Kevin S (edited September 26, 2000).]