I need a new ignition module for my 88 Suburban(TBI 350), i'd like to find one that lasts more than 20 minutes, even if I have to spend more on it. anyone have a suggestion? I plan to take this thing on some off the beaten path trips, so I need no nonsense reliability (even though I plan to carry a few spares)
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"I am not what you so glibly call to be a civilized man. I have broken with society for reasons which I alone am able to appreciate. I am therefore not subject to it's stupid laws, and I ask you to never allude to them in my presence again."
1985 Pontiac Fiero, 3.5 V6 turbo, 5 speed
1988 Suburban, 350 TBI 700r4, 4x4
2006 2500 HD 6.0 4x4Tags: None
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find some used distributors, with original old OEM modules in them. They generally lasted a long time. But you still need some spares.
Better yet, get an older truck with point ignition, then you can fix it more easily (although you'll probably have to).
One of the very few times I've had to call a tow truck in the past few decades was when the distributor died in the 87 Suburban. I don't know if it was the module or the pickup unit, I bought a rebuilt distributor to fix it.
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ironically enough, I need the module for my 88 Suburban. While points are an option, to go that route would require me to ditch EFI, this truck is a driver, and there's really nothing like bumping the key once and driving off in sub-freezing weather.
Summit listed "AC Delco" modules, I bought 2, I have my doubts that they are anything like OEM modules, but we'll see."I am not what you so glibly call to be a civilized man. I have broken with society for reasons which I alone am able to appreciate. I am therefore not subject to it's stupid laws, and I ask you to never allude to them in my presence again."
1985 Pontiac Fiero, 3.5 V6 turbo, 5 speed
1988 Suburban, 350 TBI 700r4, 4x4
2006 2500 HD 6.0 4x4
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Originally posted by ejs262 View PostI need a new ignition module for my 88 Suburban(TBI 350), i'd like to find one that lasts more than 20 minutes, even if I have to spend more on it. anyone have a suggestion? I plan to take this thing on some off the beaten path trips, so I need no nonsense reliability (even though I plan to carry a few spares)
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go to the wrecking yard and harvest them.... I had this same problem with my '40 (which had a TBI on it). I'll look what the last one was because it seemed to have lasted longer - but harvesting from a you-pull-it is by far and away the best thing you can do. Also be sure the ground is good for the distributor and the chip - that will kill them instantlyDoing it all wrong since 1966
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Originally posted by steve308 View Post
350? I can only find a 305 listed but..... AC Delco is primarily off shore product. I see you also have a v6 FIERO so you should be use to swapping out modules in the dark, in the heat, in the cold and in the rain! (Yes I own one) I use only Standard Motor Products RED BOX modules. USA production and they carry a replacement warranty. Also on any module use the proper grease NOT dielectric use Heat Sink grease.
As for the Fiero, it doesn't have an ignition module anymore, it's fired off by 6 LSx truck ignition coils.
The module that's in there was installed as part of a whole new distributor before I left on my alaska trip last year. I'll have to look into the standard motor products part, thanks for the tip.
Originally posted by SuperBuickGuy View Postgo to the wrecking yard and harvest them.... I had this same problem with my '40 (which had a TBI on it). I'll look what the last one was because it seemed to have lasted longer - but harvesting from a you-pull-it is by far and away the best thing you can do. Also be sure the ground is good for the distributor and the chip - that will kill them instantly
Originally posted by SuperBuickGuy View Postthe other choice is remove the module altogether and replace it with a MSD 6A
"I am not what you so glibly call to be a civilized man. I have broken with society for reasons which I alone am able to appreciate. I am therefore not subject to it's stupid laws, and I ask you to never allude to them in my presence again."
1985 Pontiac Fiero, 3.5 V6 turbo, 5 speed
1988 Suburban, 350 TBI 700r4, 4x4
2006 2500 HD 6.0 4x4
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Originally posted by ejs262 View Post... this is an option, the major downside, is that if the MSD fails, I might not be able to replace it on the side of the road/trail ...
1. The newer Digital MSD6AL units have a connector on the side that ALL the wires go through so it is very easy to disconnect/replace the unit.
2. It is a pricey option to carry a spare. I have multiple cars that use the same unit so when I go on a "big trip" I carry one of the units from one of the other cars.
I have noticed (like all stuff) - the newer units do not seem to be as bulletproof/reliable as the older ones were.
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Originally posted by cstmwgn View Post
Two parts to this -
1. The newer Digital MSD6AL units have a connector on the side that ALL the wires go through so it is very easy to disconnect/replace the unit.
2. It is a pricey option to carry a spare. I have multiple cars that use the same unit so when I go on a "big trip" I carry one of the units from one of the other cars.
I have noticed (like all stuff) - the newer units do not seem to be as bulletproof/reliable as the older ones were."I am not what you so glibly call to be a civilized man. I have broken with society for reasons which I alone am able to appreciate. I am therefore not subject to it's stupid laws, and I ask you to never allude to them in my presence again."
1985 Pontiac Fiero, 3.5 V6 turbo, 5 speed
1988 Suburban, 350 TBI 700r4, 4x4
2006 2500 HD 6.0 4x4
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Originally posted by ejs262 View Post... be more than capable of hardwiring in a new MSD anywhere.
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Originally posted by cstmwgn View PostThat comment was meant as it is very easy to change out - downtime < 5 minutes. The only tool you need to get out is a screw drive to remove the 4 mounting screws from the vibration dampers.
I don't think I'll go the MSD route, mainly because I don't want to carry a spare, this old Suburban is a long hauler, and keeping a spares of single point failure parts is required for the places I've taken it! these three maps represent the road trips I took it on last year, not including all the DD action it gets, I put almost 11K miles on it last year!
"I am not what you so glibly call to be a civilized man. I have broken with society for reasons which I alone am able to appreciate. I am therefore not subject to it's stupid laws, and I ask you to never allude to them in my presence again."
1985 Pontiac Fiero, 3.5 V6 turbo, 5 speed
1988 Suburban, 350 TBI 700r4, 4x4
2006 2500 HD 6.0 4x4
- Likes 1
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Originally posted by Monster View PostCool trips."I am not what you so glibly call to be a civilized man. I have broken with society for reasons which I alone am able to appreciate. I am therefore not subject to it's stupid laws, and I ask you to never allude to them in my presence again."
1985 Pontiac Fiero, 3.5 V6 turbo, 5 speed
1988 Suburban, 350 TBI 700r4, 4x4
2006 2500 HD 6.0 4x4
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