I'm Upset!!! A688 FBO MODULES ARE GONE!!!!

[Nacho-RT74]

I was to post this on Electrical section, but actually since is not an electrical question like really a generic discussion about an electric part, thought it was better to post it here.

I was searching to buy a Spare FBO ECU unit and another one to a buddy of mine WHO IS TIRED OF MOPAR ECU MODULES GOING BAD! ( chromed and oranges )

Contacted directly Don, since I couldn't see the regular FBO ECU module being offered on his website, and confirmed is not anymore in stock and replaced by the HR688 unit. New one what IT COULD BE ( I didn't ask  if it is since I wasn't interested, not right now at least ) multispark design since no ballast required

So even is a GREAT upgrade and a performance option to still use the stock wiring with just the ballast difference, I STILL WANT MY STOCK PIECES AND LOOK ON MY ENGINE BAY WITH MY BALLAST AND STOCK LOOK MODULE IN THERE ( I never in my life with 12 years driving my car have got a damaged ballast! )

I'M REALLY UPSET!!!!

Why not keep the "original" ones being made???!!! maybe hundreds, or thousands were sold and now no replacements available in case of damage!

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

That sucks....Ive had mine for about 5 years with no troubles.....watch now that there are no more mine will crap out!!!

[Nacho-RT74]

I guess your one being not a driver more chances to get an eternal module, but my car is a driver so more risk to get a damage anytime.

Well actually haven't ride in it in one year, but when its assemblied, is my driver.

[68r/t]

I got the  very last one he had back  in January, the new unit still fits the same holes etc and you can modify the ballast so it still has the wires going to it so it looks factory.

[charger Downunder]

Just get one of these i have had no problems.
LX 101 Ignition Module
plenty to be found on the bay

[Nacho-RT74]

I got the  very last one he had back  in January, the new unit still fits the same holes etc and you can modify the ballast so it still has the wires going to it so it looks factory.

Yeap and thats great!!! but still not same shape and look ( for show ) and not same affordable. The original A688 should be still an option.

[Nacho-RT74]

Just get one of these i have had no problems.
LX 101 Ignition Module
plenty to be found on the bay

yeap, but thats a standard one, not performance. Locally I can find generic replacements too! Mostly of them 5 pins

[1969chargerrtse]

I have points. 

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

I have points. 

[John_Kunkel]

Why not keep the "original" ones being made???!!! maybe hundreds, or thousands were sold and now no replacements available in case of damage!

Such is the nature of the aftermarket, always "improving" the product and leaving the original owners with an orphan system. Of course, the factory is no different.

[1969chargerrtse]

I have points.  

What?  Because I run a stock motor with stock point set up, you   me?    Just keeping it original bro. 

[Nacho-RT74]

so the "market" should "CONVICE" ME about what I MUST USE and not what I WANT TO USE...

nice!

[Rolling_Thunder]

I have points.  

What?  Because I run a stock motor with stock point set up, you   me?    Just keeping it original bro. 

[68r/t]

so the "market" should "CONVICE" ME about what I MUST USE and not what I WANT TO USE...

nice!

If you want it to look standard buy standard parts, simple really.
It was just a bonus that the FBO boxes looked stock, now there not.

[1969chargerrtse]

I have points.  

What?  Because I run a stock motor with stock point set up, you   me?    Just keeping it original bro. 

Again with 

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

I have points. 

What?  Because I run a stock motor with stock point set up, you  me?    Just keeping it original bro. 

No because the thread is about electronic ign modules...who gives a ratz azz if you run points?

Its "pointless"

[Nacho-RT74]

so the "market" should "CONVICE" ME about what I MUST USE and not what I WANT TO USE...

nice!

If you want it to look standard buy standard parts, simple really.
It was just a bonus that the FBO boxes looked stock, now there not.

well, we have MP modules meeting stock look and performance specs BUT IF MP modules were coming good quality I had that option, being not, FBO was the only one.

I can't spend $40-70 every year PLUS SHIPPING, tow ( if needed ), headaches, etc...

[1969chargerrtse]

I have points. 

What?  Because I run a stock motor with stock point set up, you  me?    Just keeping it original bro. 

No because the thread is about electronic ign modules...who gives a ratz azz if you run points?

Its "pointless"

I thought the modules replaced points?

[440]

Well this is not good. Don from FBO was saying the orange boxes aren't terribly great as they retard the timing 8* over 5000 RPM. The last time my car was dyno'd from the previous owner it was noted as being overly rich at full throttle. After ordering a VR-1 regulator from FBO and speaking to Don he told me to have a look on his site about his products and what he said made sense. Of course he is going to try and sell his products but everything he mentioned fit perfectly to my problem...   

I liked the fact the A688 box was "stock" in configuration using the ballast. The HR688 box doesn't use the ballast and looks completely different.

Is there any substitute retaining the factory set up? This sucks being stuck between performance and originality.

[Nacho-RT74]

I liked the fact the A688 box was "stock" in configuration using the ballast. The HR688 box doesn't use the ballast and looks completely different.

Is there any substitute retaining the factory set up? This sucks being stuck between performance and originality.

same here, same reasons on everything

[Chatt69chgr]

Well,

Maybe if enough folks want the old piece it will be made available along with the new one.

[six-tee-nine]

Get one of these and toss the rest......

[Nacho-RT74]

finally a real pic of the actual product

http://www.4secondsflat.com/Ignition.html

It looks a winer to me, and you can get still the stock look ballast assembly ELIMINATING INTERNALLY THE RESISTOR, with a jumper wire or metal piece inside the ceramic deal, and keep the ceramic at the firewall

I think I'll give a try when a friend gives me a money owns me by next month ( she owns me $200 )

will modify a dual ballast with an internal jumper to keep the dual ceramic stock look

[CrAzYMoPaRGuY]

I'm in the same boat, I wanted a A688 setup for my Charger, I have one on my Jensen and LOVE it.
I would buy another A688 setup in a minute!

[Musicman]

Wow... I didn't know that Don stopped selling the A688.
No biggy for me however, as I have no problem with the new unit. The A688 was already an outstanding product, so if the new one is even better...Bonus! But that's my situation however... I'm not concerned with whether or not there is a Ballast mounted under my hood... I do understand that some folks (a lot of them) do however, but what can you do, Petition him?

[440]

Interesting how it states no wiring modifications in the description. If you have to do away with or jump the ballast resistor that's a modification. At least it resembles a fairly stock set up, and much better then the eyesore of an MSD box....

The little that I spoke to Don he seemed really against anything made offshore, if it's not made in North America he wont sell it, which is why the A688 is gone. I say good on him but at the same time sad the A688 went away.

[Musicman]

Yeah, Don is real big on MADE IN THE USA... It's his creed really.
He's had a few items in the past that weren't, but he always went out of his way to point that out. If Don can sell you a better quality USA Manufactured product, that's what he's going to sell you.

[Musicman]

Just spoke to Don... He is selling an optional Rev Limiter with the new unit as well... Dial type with 3 Dials (No. of Cylinders) (Rev X 1000) (Rev X 100)

It's a Pentronix unit...
http://4secondsflat.com/Pertronix%20Ignition.htm