What aftermarket distributor would yall recommend?

[VileZambonie]

That red box takes the place of the ignition control module. A standard ignition module replaced breaker points ignition with a solid state transistor. Instead of a mechanical device (points) that wears out, a pick up coil was used to produce an ac voltage. That signal basically tickles the module to give an on off signal. The module then further controlled the primary side of the coil to induce spark.  A capacitive discharge module does the same thing but controlls it more precisely and releases a higher energy surge from stored electrons. The result is multiple spark firing which also insures more complete combustion. It's just an imrovement on your ignition system. It does the same thing but better. It's much bigger because of it's capacitor.

[eventhorizon66]

Skunksmash: This is the 6AL box (a particular model of the CD box).  The only difference between this one and the 6A is a built-in rev limiter that accepts these modules to adjust the redline.  Oh, and this is the stock HEI module that a CD box would completely replace on these distributors.

[Skunksmash]

Thanks for explaning that guys.  But now of course i have a couple more questions. When that box completely replaces that stock HEI part, what happens to the stock HEI part itself? Does it get removed from the truck all together? Also, what does HEI stand for?

[82Shortbed]

You remove your module altogether from the vehicle.  I know that MSD and MSD StreetFire CD boxes come with a harness that plugs into the place of where the module would have plugged into.  Just check out MSD's site, i'm sure they have the installation instructions on their 6A or 6AL box.  HEI Means High Energy Ignition.

[TexasRed]

Not to hijack, but would a rev limiter will be necessary for a street driven vehicle or should one pay the extra $$ for the pro-tection. I mean, you get valve float at like 5500 rpm or so with stock valve springs, pistons hitting valves sounds like a rev limiter to me. 

[eventhorizon66]

Not to hijack, but would a rev limiter will be necessary for a street driven vehicle or should one pay the extra $$ for the pro-tection. I mean, you get valve float at like 5500 rpm or so with stock valve springs, pistons hitting valves sounds like a rev limiter to me. 

LOL.  I like the idea of the 6AL because it will do the job when my engine is built up a bit and then needs a rev limiter.  And I think a rev limiter is a good idea on any engine if you drive it aggressively or loan it out to your idiot brother who thinks it ought to redline at about 8000 rpm.

[TexasRed]

I think we have the same brother.

[Skunksmash]

Or the idiot buddy who never gets to drive anything performance and you have to let him drive cause you are to drunk. How hard is it to install one of the 6AL boxes, and how do you set the rev limiter?

[VileZambonie]

They use a plug in module. You just pick the module that you want for example 7500 rpm and plug it in. It's fairly easy to install. Rev limiters really help if something lets go and you are pedal to the metal but not really necessary if you aren't racing.

[Skunksmash]

Hmm.. well other than a rev limiter, what difference is there between all the various little red ignition modules that they offer? I guess not to much.

[82Shortbed]

The differences are mostly gonna be the voltage they produce at certain RPMs.  And maybe the ease of installation.  You can easily put a 6AL on an HEI setup in less than an hour if you have everything lined up.

[eventhorizon66]

The 6A and the 6AL are identical with the exception of a built-in rev limiter on the latter.

[Skunksmash]

Do you have to completely remove the distributor when you are installing a new ignition module?

[VileZambonie]

No

[DnStClr]

Hm- when you type in "1987" or "1988" ( because of tbi) for the model yr, Summit says their ign. systems are for non-computer controlled carburetor applications only.. I guess a guy could call them to get a better idea of which system to buy.
http://store.summitracing.com/compare.asp?N=700+4294925143+4294839065+4294763302+400304+4294908216+4294925005+4294840140+4294759315+4294872902+115