318 distributor swap help

OK - So, I have the new motor going into my son's 1989 Ramcharger. Bought a new distributor since the old one looked kind of beat. The new one is totally different than the old one.

It was the only one I could find locally. So, I am wondering if I should just drop the old one into the new motor just to get it running again until I can order the proper new one or is there a way to retro fit the new distributor.

The old dist is computer controlled, the new one is the electronic ignition with vacuum advance (88 and older version). Though the new dist will drop in the hole, it will not function without changing the wiring harness and attached hardware to match the dist. Gene

Ditching the computer - decided we going old school with the electronic ignition & ECU. Thanks for the reply

Gary, look into a mech advance limiter plate from FBO. plate/spring kit 25$

makes it super ez to recurve the mech advance.

I got mine dropped on the 18* slots with the initial at 14* for a total of 32*

got the 440 with whiplash plate dropped on the 0* slots to lock it out for no mech advance.

I myself run a pertronix points conversion/flamethrower 40,000 volt coil in a point dist recurved with FBO plate. super simple,cheap with no BR or ECU.

I just tape/hide the unused plugs on the harness for a clean look under hood.

OH! the FBO limiter plate will work in that new elect. dist you have already also.