Ignition question

[Fred&Brenda]

Just bought my wife a 72 charger se. VIN code p but the engine is an older 383. Acording to the book 72 had electronic ignition this one has points.Did the point type use the black box on the firewall? I dont remember having one on my 67 dart gt but that was 15 years ago.
thanks
Fred

[Ghoste]

The black box is a voltage regulator and it should say "electronic" on it.  If not, someone has changed it on you.  Of course, it may have been replaced with an aftermarket one.  Is it flat or is it more like a black cube?

[Fred&Brenda]

The regulator was updated.It's not the old stlye black box.Its the ECU box that I needed info on.Dont remember point systems running through it or even having one

[Ghoste]

The regulator would have been electronic stock but as for the ecu, a points system doesn't use one.  Are you saying the points distributor is running through an ecu?

[Fred&Brenda]

the ECU is on the firewall and it is hooked up as far as I can tell but the distributor is a point system it has the 4 prong ballast resistor also.The car runs and drives but very rough and lacks power

[Nacho-RT74]

ECU Modules started to be standart equipment on 73 and optionals on 72, although 72 HiPo engines already have them as standart.

Electronic Regulator was installed since 70-71 ( I don't recall )

with ECU module you need a more efficient regulator, and electronic regulator it is.

383 was not a 72 engine. was replaced with 400. 383 last year was 71. depends of original engine or options, ECU module is or not part of equippment. P states 400 4bbls "HiPo" engine so it looks originally had ECU module.

Are you sure you have 383 ?. From exterior, 383 and 400 looks exactly the same.

Points distribuitors doesn't use ECU module, they are feeded directly by - lead of coil with just one black wire with eyelet terminal. ECU modules must be matched with pick up magnet with two wires distribuitors that sends signal to ECU module everytime reluctor points pass in front of pick up and module close coil circuit to make spark.

[Ghoste]

It's quite possible that all the connectors are hooked up and appear as they should (ie, the one on the ecu) but if someone swapped out to the 383 and utilized the points distributor they just wired it in separately.
I'm guessing that you are familiar enough with it to know that it is a points distributor so then the next thing would be to deal with your rough running.
Are you sure the basics are in order?  Timing, fuel, etc?

[Fred&Brenda]

found the stamp it is a G383  so I know the engine was changed.Just traced out the wireing and the ECU is stilll hooked up but the point system is not running through it.Has a Holley annialator on it that needs tuned as well. Thanks for your replies

[Chryco Psycho]

Swap in a 400 electronic dist & plug it into the ECU . set the timing & it should run

[Ghoste]

Or for a little more, buy the MP dist (not the conversion kit but just the dist) and know that it has new bushings and a better curve?

[Fred&Brenda]

Thanks again for your suggestions.got it going smoothed it out And now it'll smoke the G 60-15's that are on it. Now for the rest of the electrical issues

[Ghoste]

So they were all carb issues?