Orange vs Blue Mopar ECU?

[usraptor]

I need to replace the ECU on my '70 Cuda.  3 years ago I upgraded to an electronic ignition with the Summit Racing SUM-851015  Electronic Mopar Distributors that came with the "Blue" ECM.  I need a new ECU and was considering getting a "Orange" ECU as most of what I read says that the "Orange" ECU is designed for high performance engines which mine is.  However, Jegs sells a "Blue" ECU (https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/40805/10002/-1) that it says is rated to 7500 RPM (not that I ever intend to rev that high) that is made in the USA, so now I'm confused.  (I know, what else is new? LOL)  So for those in the know regarding electronic ignitions, which ECU should I buy?     I'm looking for reliability along with performance, but mainly reliability.  I've heard that most ECUs are now made in China but don't know how reliable that info is so this one is tempting but am still confused about Blue vs Orange.     FYI, engine is a 440/512 Stroker, Diamond custom pistons, Bullet custom hydraulic roller cam, ProMaxx (formerly Patriot) heads, Holley Dominator intake, Quick Fuel 880 CFM carb, TTI 1-7/8" headers, TTI 3" X pipe exhaust.

[JH27N0B]

I've been wondering about ECUs myself.  I have 2 Challengers with orange ones, and they've been trouble free. However over the summer it occurred to me I really should have a spare just in case one goes bad.  When I searched online the Mopar orange ones appeared to be discontinued and only blue ones are available?
A friend of mine had a spare new orange ECU he sold me so I'm set for now.  But I'm interested in learning about what the best ones available today are? 

[70vert]

Good question. I have recently bought the Blue Summit ECU but not yet installed it. Same as you, don't plan to rev the 440 that high but thinking it is some level of protection, and definitely the made in US is a plus. Hopefully someone can vouch for them.

I know the FBO is also made in US, but way more expensive. It has the plus of eliminating the ballast resistor.

[Joegrapes]

I've had the FBO ignition in my car for probably 10 years now and it works great. I like the idea of eliminating the ballast resistor. Ive had both the silver and orange boxes over the years and honestly never noticed any difference in performance but then I'm just street driving the car. The only time you're going to notice any difference in ignition systems on the street is if the one you have is malfunctioning.

[HP2]

The whole color coding of ECUs is a hold over from when only DC/MP made good, performance ECUs for Mopar's OEM harness. It holds virtually no merit now.  Back then, Orange was street performance, Chrome was street/strip, and Gold was full race. Blue and black or colored ones  you may find now were never part of that conversation.

The last 20 years, various different manufacturers have come out with different products in different colors that may or may not be direct plug ins for original styles or require some varying degree of modification. In my experience of working through several different performance ignitions systems, most are pretty comparable in overall performance. I've used stock, modified stock, orange and chrome boxes, Crane, MSD, and Jacobs on a dedicated strip car and can confidently say, none of them had any significant performance advantage over any other system.

If you have a stock electronic system, I'd certainly recommend carrying a spare ballast. If you want a spare ecu, than chose one that is compatible with the  Mopar wiring.  If you want to eliminate ballast then find what best suits your goals. Same goes for multiple space, capacitive  systems, or what ever else you want to try. Find oen that meets your performance goals and asthetic and go for it. Most reputable companies out there will stand behind  their products.

[usraptor]

Thanks HP2.  I ordered the made in USA one from Jegs.