MP Phase III Ignition
 

My 68 BM SS427 Phase III Corvette still has the Phase Ignition Box mounted, but is no longer being used. I suspect something went wrong with it and a previous owner decided to go back to points. I would like to get this car returned to the Phase III ignition, but I can't find a lot of info on it. From what I have found, the stock distributor was used and the coil many have been changed to work with the system. Im sure there was something that fits in where the points are mounted. Does anyone have any information about the full package MP used back in 68/69? (Distributor, pulse sensor, how to attach the wiring harness, etc). The components in box look goods, but there is an electronic smell. Pretty sure I have the skills to reproduce a circuit diagram and check out the components in the box, but would appreciate any help for anything else I might need.

if you sell your car you could buy my
entire house in nj

That cracked me up. Yep....It's certified as the First BM Phase III Corvette. I'm not going to be selling, but there are a few things I want to get back to "as built." Most are easy fixes, but I can't find much info on the mystery "MP3 Ignition system."

You could replace whatever failed but you'd likely have something else fail shortly after. The electrolytics (capacitors) and old transistors would be the likely fail points. Assuming this system works like factory TI, you might want to consider replacing your old electronics and adapt one of the TI replacement boards you can buy from any good Corvette parts supplier.

This ^^^^^^
Or clean up the ignition box and wires that you have and mount it on the inner fender or firewall and mount an MSD 6A box in an inconspicuous spot under the dash near the glove box, so it looks the part with a more modern electronic ignition for reliability.

Post #22 has some good info. Your cd box looks different from most it seems.

https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthre...=110126&page=3

Here's a Mopar Motion ignition.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/364929264623

All good ideas. The box I have is back in its front fender wall spot. The ignition does not have to go back to the MP immedicatley, but I do want to get it back to the as built system. Hoping to hear from someone who is still running it and can send me some parts specs.

Show us some pics of the car!
I bet that Mopar ignition will work on your Vette all the same just needs a phase 3 sticker?

Here is a pic from a recent car show. They put it in the showroom.

Great Corvette
 

Can you post some better photos of the ignition box? Does it have any markings on it?
Thanks,
Marty

Here's a close up of the box itself. The internals are old (period type) resistors, diodes, transistors. A picture of this box had to be sent to Joel Rosen to verify the car was the first Baldwin Motion Phase III Corvette, so it may be a one off. I doubt there is a label under the black paint, but if you think you can help out by trying that and by sending pictures of the internals, I will be happy to pull the box back out and post those pics.

Added open box pic and close up of part number(my read is 1115010 12V-N 8E). I checked The space where the label would have been in 2 spots. Goes to bare metal. The part number so far comes up with nothing.

Chased down the part number to be a Delco Remy High Performance Ignition Systems. Physically looks the same. The order sheet shows MP Phase III ignition and the Tank sheet (hard to read comfirms it was shipped with transistor Ign (looks like 02K66DA). That option was $73.75 which matches up with the Motion build sheet. So did this car come with a Delco HP ignition that was just labeled as an MP igntion system on the Motion Build sheet? I am going with yes and all I need to do to get it back to as delivered is to buy the Delco Remy High Performance Ignition System parts.

I found the same.

https://www.curbsideclassic.com/auto...points-part-2/

https://www.curbsideclassic.com/auto...points-part-3/

I didn't see part 1. Interesting information nonetheless.

https://delcoremyperformanceignitionsystems.net/ Lot more info here.

It looks to be a rare ignition box worthy of a rebuild if possible.

I believe this style ignition box was optional on 60’s Oldsmobiles. An Olds forum may be helpful.

Thanks,

Jason

I agree. I am tearing up the internet to determine if the coil and distributor I have will function properly with the box. Looks like the distributor uses a magnetic pick up coil, so that might be an issue.

you may also find that some of the caps and resistors if needed have been discontinued as well...or superseded by alternate parts that aren't exactly the same:beers:

This guy converts old original Delco units to TI style. Sounds like he knows a lot about them as well.
According to him, the main problem was the transistors in them.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/17643251854...Bk9SR7yG6InKZg

Here's a NOS unit for big bucks.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/11622004366...Bk9SR7yG6InKZg

----You are correct, Jason. I found a complete NOS set-up for the 67 W-30 I just sold. Even had the wiring harness, red coil and distributer with red cap. Worked great, but was only available on Oldsmobiles in 67 and 68....Bill S

The conversion looks like a good option. I am just finishing up an engine / transmission refresh. Nothing crazy, but was getting a lot of oil into the cylinders. Biggest problem was a poorly fitting intake manifold. All of the major internals will be kept original as no boring was required. I'm going to drop that guy a note about what I have and look for his suggestions. Thank you for the information.

Keep us informed on the progress of this amazing car.

Jason- Thanks for this info. I found references for Olds, Pontiac and AMX. The box is discontinued but I have hopes for finding someone who can repair the one I have. There are also follks who can modify the box. I have to make a lot of assumptions with this car but this ignition seems to fit into the correct time period for an off the shelf upgrade. I am also going to research when the MP Phase III labeled ignition was first available. The car's race days are over, so in the meantime I will be running on points.

Reference material
 

Let me know what you are looking to figure out. I might be able to help. I have a decent size BM memorabilia collection. It is pictured in this forum. I might be able to reference something for you.
Thanks,
Marty

Marty- The car I have was certified as the first Phase III Corvette by Joel. It has been referred to as his street demo car in some articles, it was on the cover of Speed and Supercars (Apr 69) and has pictures and narratives in Marty Schorr's book. I picked it up this year (Jun 25). Over the years a few things have been swapped out, so I am on a long term quest to bring the car back to where it looked when Joel passed it on to Customer #1. I drove the car to a few local shows, but the engine was consuming oil and had a few leaks. That's when I started looking at get the car back in good running condition (keeping the Engine, transmition, etc) in "as delivered" specs. So, no boring, keeping all of the orignal internals, but replacing rings, seals, bearings. There are many one off features on this car such as the hood that is not like many of the follow on MP corvettes, but true to the early pictures of the car. The ignition system is currently points and this thread has the current story and assumptions. The car has less the 21K miles on it, and the history of it being mainly being raced and the verbal history of owner 2 and 3 putting very limited miles on it along with the minimal wear on the engine internals (all still well within specs) is consistant with the mileage. When you look at the picture I posted you will note the Mustang Mach 1 /Torino GT mirrors. I was told by owners 2 and 3 that these are the R/C mirrors mention on the Motion Build sheet. I am not racing the car, but will be showing it locally (Virginia Beach) spreading the story of Baldwin Motion. There is another local person who has a 67 Berger Corvette, so we intend to park them side by side at the shows. As for you ask, anything you have to help me get the car back to its 1968 self would be appreciated.