Aftermarket Ignition Module Recommendations?

[Fast79Chief]

I think it's time to replace the factory ignition module in my 79 Chief. 40 years ... yeah it'll probably leave me stranded somewhere soon.
The unit bolted to the drivers fender is a Motorcraft 12A199 unit.

I've heard that there are some 'junk' modules out there now to avoid. Which module would you guys who know these things recommend for quality ?

Thanks.

[tgreese]

OEM Motorcraft is probably the best there was. I'd suggest you buy a NAPA module and stash it in the Jeep somewhere. Or a Standard https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.ph ... 85&jsn=398

[Fast79Chief]

Thanks Tim, I found a listing for an exact Motorcraft 12A199 ... I think I'll buy it. The heck with those parts store brands. Thanks for your advice. A buddy gave me a used factory one from a 390 Ford pickup, same input and output leads ... I'll keep that one in the Chief as a backup.

[fulsizjeep]

It sounds like you have a solution for now. I just want to say that I don't trust any electric or electronic parts made by Wells. I had bad luck with them many years ago and refuse to buy their stuff today. I am also wary of Omix Ada components. When it comes to Prestolite ignitions (75-77 models), I had the best luck with Borg Warner for longevity. Their module was quite a bit more expensive but worth the investment.

[Fast79Chief]

Omix has proven to me to be junk too. I have a 96 XJ also and I wont buy anymore of their stuff.
Does Wellls make the Motorcraft line?

[ShagWagon]

MSD 6AL

[dodgerammit]

[quote="ShagWagon"]MSD 6AL[/quote

This.

I run the basic Streetfire module. Not worried about leaky goo, or dying without warning.

[fulsizjeep]

Omix has proven to me to be junk too. I have a 96 XJ also and I wont buy anymore of their stuff.
Does Wellls make the Motorcraft line?

Yes.

We have HEI on two Jeeps so far. I bought 2 more from Skip White. They are cheap enough to have a complete spare on hand. Single power wire. Almost too easy.
https://www.skipwhiteperformance.com/ca ... 2-r_89664/

[Fast79Chief]

fulsizjeep, I have a new MSD Pro Billet distributor in there now, running off the factory ignition box. 8mm HEI wires. I suppose I could upgrade the coil with one with more output? An MSD ignition box would replace the factory ignition box ... but it's all working right now.

Any suggestions?

[rocklaurence]

Times 2 on the Skip White HEI. I use the original gear on the White distributer and have never had one fail in 8 years. Switching over to HEI and removing the Smog/vaacum lines is the first thing I do on a FSJ. Next upgrades are FSSR, Twin Stick Shifters for the NP229, Tow Hitch Receiver etc.

[fulsizjeep]

fulsizjeep, I have a new MSD Pro Billet distributor in there now, running off the factory ignition box. 8mm HEI wires. I suppose I could upgrade the coil with one with more output? An MSD ignition box would replace the factory ignition box ... but it's all working right now.

Any suggestions?

I have had a few Jacobs units over the years but never ran any MSD products. In hind site on the Jacobs, it is a lot of money to invest if I still end up running the stock ignition module.

[ghcoe]

You can run a HEI 4pin module with the Motocraft distributor. That is what I am running in my '77. Cheap and easy.

[Fast79Chief]

I have a new MSD Pro Billet distributor in there with new HEI wires and new plugs. I was still chasing a low rpm roughness and off throttle miss until yesterday. I installed a new Motorcraft Duraspark box. What a difference! No more miss or hesitation, running really smooth.
The only thing left under the hood to replace is the coil. I'm not sure what unit to go with that will be compatible. I know that I dont want an Omix-Ada junk.
Any suggestions let me know. No ... I wont be pulling my brand new distributor to put in an HEI.

[fulsizjeep]

I can't blame you for sticking with your new dizzy. I would be tempted to use an MSD coil that can give me 45K+ volts output. The MSD8202 comes to mind. If you go with a high output coil, you can increase spark plug gap to .045-050".

[derf]

I have an MSD distributor with their Blaster 2 coil in my truck right now. It's driving some Champion RN12YC plugs gapped at 0.045". It's being driven by a GM module that interfaces with my fuel injection to give me full electronic spark control. I have zero ignition related issues. If I didn't have the electronic control I wouldn't hesitate to drop in one of the various MSD6 controllers, depending on what features I wanted (like rev limiter).

[ShagWagon]

I’d go MSD coil, digital 6AL module and MSD wires just to be all aftermarket compatibility with your MSD distributor.

Then you don’t guess anymore.

[Fast79Chief]

Nope. Just a coil recommendation is all I need.