Hi,

I have a 74 CJ5 which I'm trying to upgrade to AMC's SSI ignition system. This system is on all 78 and up CJ5s, Wagoneers, J10s, and Cherokees with the 304 or 360.
Could someone physically check out their connections and describe them in detail?

Where does the 3-prong connector from the distributor (black, orange, purple wires) connect? From the wiring diagram, it looks to be the ignition module, but when I look at this module at the parts store it has a 4 prong (input from somewhere??) and 2 prong connector (output to the coil??). I'd really appreciate the help.

Here's a wiring diagram for that ignition system. I've never heard it called SSI before though. I've always referred to it as Duraspark.<IMG width=577 height=347 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/9-174300-PermanentIgnitionHarness3.jpg">

I thought the SSI was the ignition system used between the points and the Duraspark systems...

Anyway, the duraspark image above is dead on. Just make a note that the standard can coil and the TFI coils are not the same, and their wiring is different. The TFI will cost about twice the price, but is a better coil.

And you can yank the duraspark stuff off any later AMC v8 engine - its all interchangeable. And the duraspark boxes are cheap and readily available.

Originally posted by Mo:
<STRONG>Just make a note that the standard can coil and the TFI coils are not the same, and their wiring is different.</STRONG>

What's different about the wiring? Each have a positive and negative terminal. To convert from canister coil you attach the old positive wire to the positive terminal of the TFI coil and the same with the negative side. I don't see the difference.

I seem to remember that the + and - sides are switched from left to right. Not a biggie, just gotta pay attention to what you're doing.

If you read the service manuals, SSI(Solid State Ignition) is the motorcraft ignition. It what is on many fords also. The brain boxes are fairly cheap. I know because I go through one about every 6 mos. I carry one as a spare on the trail. All the parts are easily found at any parts store, and even Wal Mart.

Erin

If this doesnt work for you email me and I will look it up at home.

Originally posted by willymutt:
<STRONG>If you read the service manuals, SSI(Solid State Ignition) is the motorcraft ignition. It what is on many fords also. The brain boxes are fairly cheap. I know because I go through one about every 6 mos. I carry one as a spare on the trail. All the parts are easily found at any parts store, and even Wal Mart.

Erin</STRONG>


what do you mean you go through them every 6 mos? what happens to them, how do they go bad so much? i have never heard of one being burned up. just wondering.

dave

I hate to bring a thread from the dead back up, but I'm in the process of rewiring and can't remember how the white and red wires on the ignition module hook up. My manual says there is a red/white and a light blue but mine only have a red and white coming out of the ignition module.

I'm not using the factory wiring so I need to know when each needs power.