Distributor
 

i curently have a stock distributor but i have an MSD 6a system. the distributor has the pertronix electronic ignition put into it. it also has new cap and rotor. was wondering if i should buy a new msd distributor or if my current one is good. would there be a HP gain from this? Also looking at the 6al unit for the rev limit. Any tips that could help me out would be appreciated. What about mallory distributor? anygood? or should i just save up for 4.10's?

thanks

If it was me, I wouldn't change distributors. I don't think you will see a bit more horsepower with the msd. Perhaps better spark reliability at high rpms. I would consider the msd distributor if I was building a race engine from scratch.
I do have the 6aL with a duraspark II distributor. Like them both. It idles better with the 6aL and gas milage improved just slightly (1/4 to 1/2 mpg on highway). I bought it in plans of doing cam and heads later.

If there are any HP gains, they won't be noticeable to you. Don't bother with it. Unless you have money to blow for the looks of it, leave it be and save for the gears.

I guess I'll play the part of "pro msd." I've had 2 stock distributors and both had side play in the shafts due to the bushings the rebuilder used. Normally it wouldn't have made much difference but with a somewhat modded engine at the time, the spark was very inconsistent at 2500rpm and above. I just switched all of it out, distributor, coil, wires, and 6al box. Now it has very stable spark and no more worn out vacuum advance diaphragm. But if you aren't having these problems I would recommend a late duraspark.

Put a timing light on your engine and run it up to whatever your power peak is. (5000 Rpm???). If you get erratic readings at (5000??) then replace the distributor. If those readings seem more or less stable ( 1-2 or even 3 degrees), then keep your old distributor and get those gears.

As my engine builder said "you'll think you have an exrta cylinder when you get those gears".

Rev

Hey Rev.... I agree with you.