Distributor

66StangGuy · 02-13-2002, 03:39 AM

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

thunderbolt · 02-13-2002, 10:20 AM

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.

David Fulford · 02-13-2002, 03:59 PM

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.

jwboner · 02-18-2002, 02:40 AM

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.

Rev · 02-18-2002, 08:19 PM

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

induction · 02-19-2002, 05:25 PM

Hey Rev.... I agree with you.

02-13-2002, 03:39 AM	#1
66StangGuy Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Diamond Bar Posts: 258	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 __________________ 66 mustang-292-Holley 4160-World Castings Windsor Sr.-Hooker super comp headers-MSD box & Coil.3.55 gears. B&M Z-Gate-Black leather racing seats with 4pt harnes.

02-13-2002, 03:59 PM	#3
David Fulford Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Charlotte NC Posts: 193	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. __________________ 1969 fast back; yellow; weld wheels; 302 roller with GT-40 heads; 3:55 gears; 5spd T-5; MSD 6AL; E-303; flows; Hedman headers; Holley 600;Weiand Accelerator;1.6 rockers

02-18-2002, 02:40 AM	#4
jwboner Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Under the hood Posts: 164	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. __________________ 65 fastback 347 DFI injected w/vic jr, TFS heads, MSD, cable clutch TKO, 3.70 9", tc subframe conns, custom traction bars, griffen alum radiator, armored fuel cell, and torq thrust D's Retrofitted Prelude seats. Vintage Air underdash kit. Fiberglass here and there too More on the way all the time.

02-18-2002, 08:19 PM	#5
Rev Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 3,887	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 __________________ '66 Coupe, 306, 350-375 HP, C-4, 13.07 e.t., 104.8 mph, 1/4 mi. O.B.C. #2 '66 coupe

02-19-2002, 05:25 PM	#6
induction The Brit! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Across the Pond! Posts: 694	Hey Rev.... I agree with you. __________________ *Restored 1965 Coupe* *April Mare of the Month* RiceHatersClub Member #27

02-13-2002, 10:20 AM	#2
thunderbolt Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 380	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.

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