New MSD 6201 compatibility with 1227747 fuel-only system

[babywag]

3rd time now(in ~30 days), gone out to my Jeep and it wouldn't fire right away just cranked.
1st 2 times it eventually started after cranking for a really long time.

Could smell fuel, and gauge reading normal while pump running.
So, checked wiring, pull the coil wire and cranked it...no spark.
Checked wiring again and cranked it one orange spark then nothing.
Annoyed I smacked the MSD 6A box and tried again...spark returned.

So, appears the box is on the way out. Been a good run bought it for $50 14 years ago.
I'd bet money I've had it installed in ~4 different vehicles w/o a single issue until now.

On to my question. Is the new MSD 6201 box going to work on a 1227747 fuel only system?
Same tach signal output as older 6200 box?
Or is there another ignition box maybe cheaper that I could use?
Distributor is Motorcraft Duraspark style 2-wire pickup.

Due to CA smog, I cannot switch to standard GM TBI ESC module, have to keep it fuel only.

[Six_Shooter]

Yes, it will be signal compatible.

Why the requirement for fuel only? The engine will be controlled much better and run cleaner implementing the other 60% of an EFI system.

[babywag]

Yes, it will be signal compatible.

Why the requirement for fuel only? The engine will be controlled much better and run cleaner implementing the other 60% of an EFI system.

Yes I 100% agree, but currently the ONLY smog legal system in CA is the Howell.
If I switch to timing control, would need to visit a smog referee, and I really would rather not go through the hassle.
I was VERY lucky to get it through smog testing last month as it is, and would rather not push my luck.

Just want to be sure before shelling out a couple bills that the new digital MSD would work like the analog does.

[babywag]

No start again yesterday, took forever to get the MSD 6a to spark.
Testing procedure using pickup pigtail produced no spark.
Testing procedure using white wire produced no spark.
Hit it HARD with a BFH many many times, and whala spark, and it started.

However I just couldn't bring myself to fork out $200+ for a new one.
So yesterday I did this...
8646

I'll gut the old MSD box and hide it inside.

[1project2many]

I like it!

Years ago there was a schematic floating around for one of the MSD boxes. Not sure if it applies to your model but it might help. With a "Smack-->Run" consistently happening I'd probably spend a few minutes to look for broken or failed connections, esp. at solder joints.