MSD Ignition

[eleanor_350]

I got a 351 W in my 65 coupe. Here's some of the stuff I've done to it.

Bored 30 over
Stock 69 model heads
Edlebrock Performer intake
Holley Street Avenger 670 Carb.
Crane 272 cam
Headman shorty headers
2 1/2" Flowmaster exhaust system w/ 40 series delta flows
Electric Fan

I'm still running the stock points ignition for the time being, mainly for budgetary reasons. I've been wanting to upgrade to an MSD dist., 6A box, blaster coil, and 8.5 mm wires. Will I notice a signifanct power increase with this upgrade? Are they worth the money?

[Rev]

The MSD electronic ignition components are good. That's what I would recommend when you can afford it. No points/rubbing block wear or anything like that. The 6 AL box will deliver a hotter, longer spark, and will maintain it at higher RPM's. The electronic ignitions are virtually maintainance free.

Having said all that, the improved ignition probably won't gain you any HP in the RPM range your engine is running (5000?). A good dual point ignition in perfect tune is probably good to 6000 RPM or so. I don't think you'll see any astounding improvement in power. Might see some improvement in gas mileage and even part throttle response.

Don't do what I did. I used Mallory components because they were available locally and were somewhat cheaper. I've had problems with the Unilite module in the Mallory distributor and had to send the new 6 AL box back under warranty for repair. Now when something goes south, I replace it with MSD. Hope this little rant gives some guidance.

Rev

[gofastmercury]

You should look into Ford's duraspark. Very easy to get parts, easy to put in, too. The only time a elect. ignition will make more power is when the points are worn out, or not in proper adjustment. Just a side note, when we dyno'd my 351, the opperator kept laffing at my duraspark box, so at the end, we put on a MSD box, it lost 10hp, we never did get it back either. I think the duraspark is a good unit. And you can find parts at any parts store.