I flat out hate the Magnavox ignition system'* on the older 3800'*.
All 4 of our 1989-1990 3800'* have had their Magnavox ignition systems fail in the past 13 months.
Last night when I picked the 89 Lesabre up from getting the new ps axle installed the car would not start. Scanned and got codes 13 and 44. Replaced the o2 sensor with a Standard igniton unit to get by until I get the Delco AFS-20 I just ordered gets here and still it will not start.
Checked the plugs and they are a little brown, but not bad although I do intend to swap in the Autolite 605'* that I have here somewhere.
To get to the point, will the ignition system with coil packs from my 1997 SSE parts car bolt right and connect into place as a functioning upgrade in the 89 Lesabre? I'm getting sick of using my brothers 1990 Chrysler 5th Avenue, and the Dippy is needing ins and tabs, as well as a tune up before it'* streetable (hasn't been driven in 3 yrs).
TIA,
Martin

Well almost - the electrics (coils and module) will interchange but the bottom plate (what the coil screws screw into) may not bolt right up, I've been told you need the plate from a '91 to '95 Delco ignition. The correct one will be a flat plate with three studs in the bottom that match the three studs on the bottom of a magnavox.

With access to a milling machine, it would be easy to make one and I have even heard of someone drilling/tapping six holes (can use the ignition module as a template) in the engine bracket.

It'* long but it will answer every question about the swap.

Here.

Basically, you can get the coils out of any 92+ GM, however the ICM needs to be from a 3800. The plate will come from earlier models with the delco (91-95). You'll recognize it when you see it, and there are pictures in that thread I linked to.

Just a side note, i wonder why i've been so lucky with my ignition. Mine'* got 200k+ miles on it, totally stock, and i never have hard or no start conditions in hot or cold weather. Maybe i'm just special!

Well occasionally Magnavox must have made some good ones.

Well, I just finished assembling the 1992-1995 mounting bracket on the 1999 L67 coils and ignition module -too late to put them on the car, but I will tomorrow. No doubt the car will start then.

BTW -please note that with the newer coils on the 1992-1995 mounting plate you will need the old screws as they are different size than the newer ones.