best passive pickups for distortion and fun

[Tommy Gun]

BEST Passive Bridge = Duncan JB, followed in close 2nd by the Duncan Distortion.

Neck = Duncan Jazz or Duncan Pearly Gates, depending on how "glassy" or "full" you want your neck tone to be.

That said... If you want that tight "Sylosis-esque" response, install the EMG 81 in the Bridge, and either an 85, 89, or 60 in the neck, depending (again) on what kind of neck tone you want.

 

[BenoA]

YMMV but for me:
Bridge = Dimarzio Tone Zone
Neck = Dimarzio Air Norton or LiquiFire

But it all depends on the guitar you put them in.

 

[colton]

APC's all the way. Tight, quiet, balanced, plenty of note definition and a high output for a passive I might say. They sound like EMG's with some actual tone.