Anyone buy a Mancini Electronic Conversion Kit like this?

[Mfr426]

I'm still thinking MSD down the road (Ron, your advice was NOT in vain) but I want a stop gap solution for my current 383 that I can move to my stroker when it's done. Will this kit work to convert my 69 Charger into an electronic ignition reliably? It's cheaper than the MP unit and I have had good luck with Mancini in the past however wanted to know if anyone has used this kit from them.

http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/ma413426440e3.html

vs. here is the MP kit:

http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/41342440and41.html

Looking for any comments. I'd like a "kit" as opposed to a a la carte purchase to keep it simple. My stroker will be about 550HP and really a driver car, not a race car.

Thanks for any thoughts.

Mike R in Reading PA
69 Charger SE/RT 383 NOW. 

[ChgrSteve67]

I haven't bought either of those kits.

I have a 69 383 in my Charger
I bought this MOPAR kit from MANCINI
http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/361383400kit.html
Easy to install and for the most part was reliable except after about 2 years the distributer began buzzing when the engine was not running.
Long story short the orange EI box was in a constant fire state.
Replaced with a Chrome box from MANCINI and have had no problems since.

I would say if you are going to go with the MANCINI brand (I would not think twice about it VS. MOPAR) then get this one.
http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/ma361383400e4.html

The two boxes you list are for 413 - 426W - 440 and 426 Hemi Kit

I have bought a lot of MANCINI stuff and to date have not had any problems.

Steve 

[histoy]

I didn't buy their kit, however I did buy their distributor a couple of years ago, when they first came out.  I had a problem installing it in the block.  The distributor came without the O ring.   The slot for the O ring in the Mancini distributor was smaller in size than the MP distributor.  I took the O ring from my old MP distributor and the Mancini one wouldn't fit into the block.  I had to go a buy a smaller diameter O ring, then the Mancini unit fit OK.   I contacted Mancini to let them know, so that problem has probably been corrected.  There are a few component differences that allow them to reduce the price from the MP distributor.  Unfortunately the electronic trigger mechanism failed last year, and I had to buy a replacement from Auto Zone.  It had only been in service a couple of years and had about 5,000 miles on it.  That didn't impress me.   

[Mfr426]

Well guys, realizing that the 383 and the 440 were different units (duh!!!!!!!!) just made my decision quite a bit easier. Look like I'll be waiting to get the correct 440 one for the stroker...

Duh........

Thanks Charger Steve for pointing out my error. I always thought that big block dist. were inter changeable...

[BrianShaughnessy]

The difference in the kits is that the MOP pn is regular mopar performance.   The Mancini brand kit is made by Pro Form - you can find them on ebay fairly cheap.    I've heard some not so good things about the Proform dizzy.     The MP kit probably includes the lousy orange box.  It's a crap shoot.

I prefer a premade wiring harness built for electronic ignition and the dual field alt and new volt reg.   I also prefer the MSD ballast resister,  an MP chrome box, and the MP distributor with the adjustable mechanical advance.   

[JimShine]

The Pro Form I bought came brand new in the pack with a bad box. It was easier for me to go to Advance than dispute it as it was all installed in my car.