One great way to modernize your older Mopar muscle car while upgrading the performance is to install a performance electronic ignition system from Mopar Performance, also known as Direct Connection. After installing the new Mopar Performance electronic ignition system, you will no longer have to replace and adjust the points in your distributor when you perform a tune up. With the right tools and instructions, replacing the ignition system in your Mopar with a performance electronic ignition should take about an hour.
Locate a clear spot on the bulkhead to mount the ignition control module. Hold it in place and install two self-tapping screws through the mounting holes and the bulkhead using the drill. Hold the drill in place with the screwdriver tip and a self-tapping screw and run the drill clockwise until the screw has drilled into the bulkhead. Do this for both mounting holes.
Grasp the plug wires at the distributor cap and remove them by twisting and pulling the plug wire boots. Rotate the engine clockwise using a socket and ratchet on the crankshaft bolt until the timing mark on the dampener lines up with the zero on the timing cover. Remove the distributor hold-down bolt using a socket on a swivel and extension. Turn the socket counterclockwise using the ratchet. Remove the old distributor, making note of where the rotor electrode is pointing.
Install the new distributor, making sure the rotor electrode is pointed in the same direction as the old one. Place the hold-down clamp and bolt in position and start the bolt by turning it clockwise by hand. Install the distributor cap and snap the clips in place to secure the cap.
Drill a 1/8-inch hole in the bulkhead. Attach the ballast resistor to the bulkhead using a sheet metal screw by turning it clockwise with a Phillips screwdriver.
Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position and use the test light to determine which wire provides current for the ignition coil by clipping the test lead to a solid ground and puncturing the wires between the coil and the distributor. Turn the key off.
Clip this wire near the ballast resistor. Install a spade connector on the end of it and attach this wire to one side of the ballast resistor. Do the same on the other side of the wire and connect the wire to the ballast resistor.
Plug the ignition system connectors into the appropriate connectors on the module and distributor.
Locate the number 1 plug location on the distributor cap and push the number 1 plug wire onto the terminal until you feel a solid "click." Repeat this around the distributor cap in the following order: 2-8-4-3-6-5-7.
Start the engine. Clamp the inductive pickup over the number one plug wire and connect the timing light to the battery.
Point the timing light at the crankshaft dampener and locate the timing mark on the pulley and the indicator on the engine. Turn the distributor until the timing mark indicates that the timing is at 0 degrees. Once the timing is properly set, tighten the hold-down bolt to approximately 20-25 foot-pounds of torque by turning it clockwise with the ratchet and socket.
