Another Chinese Part Story - This Time It's ACDelco

[Willys_MB]

Here is a cautionary tale for those of you out there running an HEI.

I installed an HEI two years ago that I got from a mid-70's C20. When I installed the HEI, I spoke with an old-timer at my local NAPA and he advised me that these modules can go out at random and that I should keep a spare module in my tool kit in my truck along with all of the necessary tools to replace it (a 1/4" nut driver, a flat head screwdriver, and a Philips screwdriver). They didn't have any in stock and I didn't need it right away, so I went home and ordered an ACDelco module to keep as my spare, but was a little disappointed to see that it was made in China when it got to my house. I figured that since it was ACDelco it should still be a quality part and moved on with my life.

It ran great until a few months ago when I started chasing what I thought was vapor lock. I was stuck on the side of the road and thought to myself "what about the ignition control module?" I replaced the chip, had it running after about 10 minutes, and continued on my way to pick up a yard of gravel. The wife didn't even notice I took longer than expected! That week I went to NAPA and got another module to keep in my tool kit. This time, I bought a NAPA brand chip FOR THE SAME PRICE, which is made in the USA by Echlin.

About two weeks ago, I started having problems that felt like I was dealing with an electrical short, but it was intermittent and I couldn't trace it down. This morning I swapped the chip out and she's running just fine now!

I'll report back in the future if I have any problems with the Echlin chip, but I highly doubt it will happen.