Topic: hei dist.?

[pioneer4x4]

 im converting my 86 xj 2.5 TBI auto trans to a carb setup, fed up with the renix computer, my question is regarding the ignition portion, what type of distributor is best and would i be able to use my msd offroad 6a on it. the only hei style distributor i could find for it was the $300.00 DIU performance distributer, can the 6a be used on this? or can i just go get a 84 xj distributer? dont really feel like spending that much since i have already spent $ on msd coil and box, id like to utilize them if i can, and will be sinking more on the webber and intake, but if i have to ill suck it up and buy it. also  im going to switch to a 140amp one wire alt set up, but is there any other issues i should prepare myself for, dealing with the ignition/charging system? thanks in advance.

[Jeffy]

I'd probably go with the DIU my Performance Distributors.  I would have pictures of the whole install but the guy who was doing the R&D flaked.

The MSD is designed to replace the coil pack and since it's on the distributor itself you can't bypass it.  Not to mention, it would be a bit redundant.

[pioneer4x4]

yea i figured that would be the way to go, but for the time being, could i get a stock distributor and use the msd box and blaster ss coil on that, and do the dui later on down the road when i have more cash, would the msd plug into it? and what is stock? is it a magnetic pickup with a vacuum advance? as i understand it, the harness on those distributors plugs into a coil and the starter and the vacuum goes to the carburetor, is that pretty much how it goes. haven't ever really messed with distributors before, since the old one was controlled by the ecu, so i have never been exposed to this before, and am learning, ive read about them, just dont know specifics, and what type/kind the factory put on. sorry for so many questions. anything would help. thanks in advance.

[Jeep_Lust]

I'm looking at doing the same thing: converting from TBI to a Weber.

The HEI is nice and simple to hookup, but it's too pricey for me. I can get a rebulit '86 dist. for $50 including the core charge. Then I need the control module (they used Ford ignition systems). The dist. plugs into the module, which gets wired into the Jeep. Modules are going for $20 - $45 on Ebay. Fours, sixes and eights all used the same module.

Some questions:

What are you going to do for a fuel pump? You can get a bypass regulator that uses the stock pump and a return line, but they say that you need an oversize return line. And the regulator is $155. (See Summit catalog). Or you can use a cheap external fuel pump and regulator (Webers want 3.5 lbs. of pressure), but can you pull thru the stock fuel pump without having to drop the tank and remove the old pump? I dunno.

Do you have a stock carb manifold, or are you going to adapt to the TPI manifold? I'm figuring on using the TPI with a custom adaptor; I can build one out of ABS plastic, which should also act as an insulator. Whether it can stand up to the vibration remains to be seen. Machining an adaptor out of aluminum is possible, but it's a lot more difficult to get a smooth-flowing chamber on the inside.

It's an interesting project. Good luck. If you could, it'd be nice to do some 0 - 60 mph runs before and after the conversion, so as to have real data on relative power gains/ losses.

[j33p]

i have converted my comanche 2.5 from tbi to a rochester 2bbl carb. used a ford dist. ford ignition module out of a 78 f150. tempos mustangs have same. and used a ford coil. works well.

[Jeep_Lust]

i have converted my comanche 2.5 from tbi to a rochester 2bbl carb. used a ford dist. ford ignition module out of a 78 f150. tempos mustangs have same. and used a ford coil. works well.

How was the performance of the carb compared with the TBI? Any noticeable difference?

Also; did you use the TBI in-tank fuel pump?

[pioneer4x4]

havent started the project yet, gonna swap to manual trans first, but im gonna go with a clifford intake manifold, get a cam with a lobe on it for the fuel pump so i can utilize the hole on the side of the engine that is blocked off. a external fuel pump with regulator was my other option, you dont have to drop the tank to get the pump out of tank, at least on my xj, not sure what you got. but id like to hear some feed back as to how it runs when your done with it. if i get to mine first ill post how the difference is. good luck