It is a mildly built 460 with L&L headers. I went with the DUI because, A; it's simple 2 wires 1 hot 1 tach, and B; it's custom curved to my engine spec/cam/carb, truck weight etc. Yes it's huge but it's worth it.

 

You will see no difference over a properly functioning Duraspark II ignition system. If you "feel" a difference, and your truck starts "easier and cleaner," then there was something wrong with your original Duraspark or you were using inferior parts. If you have a stock or mildly built engine, with all matching MOTORCRAFT parts and put it up against an MSD ignition, there wouldn't be any difference under 5,000 RPMs. In fact, the stock Motorcraft Duraspark ignition module has a unique start/retard function that actually retards the timing a bit at start-up for quicker starts. This also allows you to run a bit more timing, if you wish. My 1985 F150 with Duraspark ignition with all matching Motorcraft parts actually starts up faster than ANY vehicle I have ever owned, including my 1998 Jeep Wrangler and my wife's 2001 Ford Mustang! All I have to do is barely bump the ignition and it starts right up. The MSD and all other aftermarket ignition systems do not have this feature.

It's not fair to replace a worn out 30+ year old ignition system with a brand new ignition system with matching components and then conclude that the "performance" system is "better" because your vehicle is now running better. If your truck isn't wildly modified and you don't take it to the racetrack and you notice a difference, something was worn out or malfunctioning. Distributors get sloppy, wiring gets old, and the cheap replacement coils, plug wires, and ignition modules from AutoZone are GARBAGE.

Parts availability is another reason to stick with an OEM ignition system. If a component fails, you can walk into any auto parts store in any town and get replacements to get you home. Besides, the stock Motorcraft Duraspark ignition is good up to 5000 RPMs. How many people are really going to spin their pickup trucks higher than that?

 

And once more, totally agree with Lariat 85. People tend to think because a system is used in performance applications it is great for street use. Most people use a truck for what it is, a tool. Save the hi-po stuff for the track. I couldn't care less what happens over 5K rpm's. But, I guess it keeps the aftermarket vendors in business.

 

Not to argue, but it seems like an ignition system with multiple sparks would have an advantage over one that does not.

Also, one with variable dwell would have an advantage over one that would not.

One would think that the multiple spark below 3K rpm would present the opportunity for cleaner combustion and the possibility to extract more energy from the fuel present in the combustion chamber.

Not trying to start a fight, but if multiple sparks were of no advantage, then eventually everyone would catch on and no one would make them. IIRC some OEM systems are now using multiple spark technology. the same could be said for variable dwell. most of the aftermarket ignitions manipulate the dwell to extract a longer/hotter spark than what a duraspark or similar ignition is capable of.

Aside from the timing retard at start up, duraspark is just an electronic version of a points style ignition system, no?

to take this to the extreme, one could read this to say that there have been no advacements worth while since the duraspark system was produced. I would find that hard to believe.

 

I totally disagree that a duraspark II with no extended dwell time over an HEI with extended dwell is the same and no advantages are to be had.
I agree that i do not race. But since my duraspark was a dura spark 1 and it was shot it was more advantageous to replace it with a simpler maybe not cheaper. But none the less alot simpler system.
Also stating that you can't get parts for an HEI in any parts
store is absolutely positively false. I can walk into any auto store in the U.S. and probably over seas and get an HEI, cap, rotor, and module.
One more point auto store duraspark boxes are garbage. Been there and done that try getting a ford
factory box at a parts store.

 

co425 and meborder, I lover your posts! You guys hit the nail on the head! For someone to say that there are absolutely no advantages to a MSD system over a stock system just because our engines don't spin over 5000 rpm's is in the stone age. I am speaking based on REAL experience here. A completely ford matched setup versus a completely MSD matched setup, and the MSD setup wins hands down! The ford setup is cheaper, yes, and probably performs just fine. If money isn't an issue, however, then the MSD setup, in my opinion, is the way to go. And as far as parts availability? I guarantee any parts store carries my msd cap, rotor, wires, and box. I also guarantee that every parts store does not carry the ford ignition module. The OP wanted to know what people were running, and I offered my opinion. I will never go back to the original Ford system. The OP can take that for what it is worth. Just my 2 cents. Stepping down now...

 

They do offer an advantage for racing. If you paid attention, that is what I said in my first post. You are not going to notice any difference on a stock or mildly modified engine in a pickup truck. They are made because there is a huge market for racing, and for people who like to think that their 5000 pound pickup truck with low compression and smog heads and cam with stock gears will benefit from a "high performance" ignition.

I can certainly dig that. But just because its "simpler", that doesn't necessarily mean its "better." But why do you feel that the HEI design is "simpler" when it has the rotor, cap, coil, and ignition module all piled on top of the distributor?

I never said you couldn't get parts for an HEI system. Of course you can, because that is a stock ignition system used by millions of GM vehicles. What I said was that you are not always going to find a replacement MSD box, coil, or wires (or any other aftermarket ignition components) in every parts store across America. And I agree with you that you can't get a Motorcraft ignition module at most parts stores. But you *can* get a cheaper replacement Duraspark module that will work fine, although they are of inferior quality and are notoriously unreliable.

That's your opinion and you are certainly entitled to it. On a race car, the MSD wins "hands down." On a street vehicle, there is no difference between the two. Don't believe all the hype the GM guys and racing magazines try to sell you. But "if money isn't an issue," then by all means buy all the fancy and polished "racing" components you can afford. While you're at it, a chrome starter and alternator should be good for a few more horsepower as well.

I guarantee you any parts store does *not* carry your MSD cap, rotor, wires, and box, Chief. They might can order it for you, but that isn't going to do you much good when you are hours away from home and stuck because one of your MSD components failed. And I also guarantee that every parts store in America *does* carry a replacement Duraspark ignition module, and if they are doing their job, it's in stock.

If you want to spend twice as much to run a high performance RACING ignition on your stock engine, then be my guest. If you think your engine "looks" better with that shiny polished distributor, that's fine by me. And if you want a "simpler" ignition system, I really can't argue with a one-wire hookup. But let me ask you this: How many horsepower do you think you actually gained with that expensive racing ignition? How many more miles per gallon do you think you gained?

The stock Ford ignition isn't holding these engines back. Spend your money on better heads, cam, and exhaust or even gears and get some real improvements. If you notice, the Ford Lightning used the stock Ford ignition system. So does the Saleen, Steeda, Roush and Cobra Mustangs. All of these are highly modified Ford performance vehicles, yet they all still used the stock Ford ignition system. Why? Because the stock ignition system can handle most engine modifications. Now, if your engine is modified more than any of those vehicles, "money isn't an issue," and you are going to take your pickup truck drag racing, then an aftermarket racing ignition would be the better choice.

 

Sorry bub. But the replacement duraspark boxes in the parts stores are Chinese garbage. I wouldnt even consider them a viable replacement. They may have it but it's crap. Just because a turd will fit in your distributer cap doesn't mean it should be there.

 

I don't quite follow the logic when you say that an MSD or DUI is a "racing igntion system" Sure, both are quite capable at extended RPM, and both brag about it to some degree.

from what i can tell, however, there is much more to be gained from an MSD system when operating below 3000 RPM. Above that point the MSD is no longer producing multiple sparks and is manipulating the dwell to produce one spark of longer-than-stock duration.

I think what most people feel "seat of the pants" from an MSD is the extra torque produced from better combustion below 3000 RPM, and to a lesser degree the spark stability that a high performance ignition system can provide.

I have no intrest in racing, but only to make the most of what i have. Bottom line, for me anyway, is i cannot afford heads or a cam (not now anyway), but i can afford to upgrade the ignition, especially when i dont have to tear into the motor and lose the use of my truck (i'm using the crap out of it right now).

I guess that's why i asked the question ... if i'm going to spend the money and upgrade what i can for now, what is working for people?

Im not trying to argue with anyone, i'm just having a hard time understanding the differing view points.... someone tells me that an MSD, DUI, Mallory, or Pertronix system has nothing to offer over a system designed in the late 1970's, I'm naturally going to raise my eyebrow.

 

I will agree with that. And those are what is giving the Duraspark ignition a bad name. But they will work in a pinch, when you are in the middle of nowhere. And getting home with Chinese garbage is better than not getting home because the parts store doesn't have an MSD ignition box in stock.

And I also agree with that. But the Duraspark module doesn't fit it in the distributor cap. That is a GM design, and that is why I personally feel that it shouldn't be in the distributor cap under a Ford hood: because it is a turd.

Save the $400 you would spend on a racing ignition and use it to upgrade your exhaust system instead. Your truck will sound much better and you will actually gain something!

 

don't bow out now!

as the OP, your opinion is officially welcome.
as is everyone else's.

I do agree that MSD is becoming pretty main stream. I can go into any parts store around here, whether it be a local chain or national, and get an MSD cap, rotor, or wires. ACCELL falls into that category as well. If I needed to replace an MSD6AL2 box, i could have one tomorrow morning by simply walking in the door.

and this is fly over country ..... pretty main stream stuff anymore, i think.

I just seem to think that there is a lot to be gained by adding more spark energy. period. and if you can get multiple sparks where you didnt have it before, then there should be an opportunity for improvement.

i could be all wet though .... hence the question.

 

If you want simple and smoother buy HEI. If you want smooth go with an msd. If you just want it to run buy a duraspark. But for it to time correctly it better be rebuilt correctly or new. Stay away from made in china duraspark. Performancedistributer.com sells a new duraspark distributer. Youll have to track down a ford factory box in a junk yard, I do think some ford dealers will have N.O.S. Perf distributer also make the good HEI ford distributers.

 

It sounds like your mind was made up before you even started this thread, meborder. You can't learn anything from anybody if you know everything already.

Good luck!

 

quite possibly the simplest response yet thanks.

I'm thinking that combining a quality rebuilt duraspark distributor and an Ignitor II module might be a good combination.

If I'm reading the pertronix info correctly, it would drive the coil directly from the new module within the distributor.

granted, if a failure occurs, replacement parts would be harder to come by, but the cost would be far less than an MSD. plus it could be upgraded with a multiple spark unit at a later time.

thoughts? anyone?

 

Why are you even replying? You are being a condescending douche that has only talked trash on every single post that's been made "chief!" A new recurved duraspark costs as much as an msd by the way. And as to the OP, listen to everyone's post but Lariat's. There are a ton of awesome guys on here with real know how. I think any name brand ignition is going to help you out, as long as you replace everything that needs replaced. If it was me, I would stick with components that are the same brand as well. I just personally like MSD because it has worked the best on my truck. And yes it does look nice which I also take pride in on all of my vehicles. Hope you gained something out of this thread. There's always one guy that picks fights and talks down on others. Take it with a grain of salt and just read the "useful" posts