Electronic Spark Control

[87Dodgeman]

I still have the stock electronic spark control system on my '87 318. It works well enough and gives no symptoms of trouble. My question is will I see any improvement if I convert to the Mopar electronic ignition. I'm thinking perhaps the stock esc doesn't advance quickly enough for mild performance use??? I just don't want to spend the $200.00 if I won't see any difference in either power or mileage. But I do believe it would simpify the engine and improve reliability if nothing else. Any advice/experience is appreciated.

[Speed Dragon]

The ESC works decent when it works, but they are prone to problems. Not sure why, some people have problems w/ them, others have run them for hundreds of thousands of miles w/ no problems. My '87 Diplomat has it, and works fine at 95k.

However, if you are going the performance route, then yeah, the Mopar setup is worth it. The dizzy is curved better for performance, vacuum advance is adjustable, and the ECU is programmed better. You could probably hunt up the parts used and save some money. Also, I've heard on here that the newer MP ECU's are made overseas now and are giving some problems.

[87Dodgeman]

That's what I was thinking. I believe I will run with it until I have the need, or luxury, to replace it.

And to verify, the computer also controls torque converter lock-up on the A-904, correct? I don't want to loose that function so if/when I change to the Mopar kit I will leave the computer in place with the existing wiring hooked up and that will retain the converter lock-up function, yes?

[farmguy]

Now, thats a great question !!!!! Thats something I have always wondered about, whether the lockup function could be retained if converting.. Hopefully, some expert will jump in on this , and give us the answer..........

[Speed Dragon]

That's what I was thinking. I believe I will run with it until I have the need, or luxury, to replace it.

And to verify, the computer also controls torque converter lock-up on the A-904, correct? I don't want to loose that function so if/when I change to the Mopar kit I will leave the computer in place with the existing wiring hooked up and that will retain the converter lock-up function, yes?I don't think it controls the lock-up at all, as non-ESC vehicles have lock-up as well. From what I can tell, the lock-up is more related to speed than engine parameters.

[farmguy]

You THE man, speed !!! thanks.............

[charlie1935]

:gr_patrio On my 87 D100 there is a sensor that the speedometer cables (two piece cable, upper and lower) go to. This controls the lockup and I think it also turns on the check engine light at a certain mileage. :gr_patrio