1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Pro-Comp Ignition System

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Old 09-16-2011, 07:53 AM
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Pro-Comp Ignition System

Hello everyone,

I just found a complete pro-comp ignition system on ebay for about $200 and includes billet distributor, ignition box, and coil. Seems too good to be true...anyone have any experience with this kit?

p.s. its for the v8 flathead if that makes any difference.

Thanks!!!
 
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Old 09-16-2011, 09:29 AM
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MSD has been charging premium prices for their Ready-to-Run dizzy, and there is nothing special about it (hecho in china, too). I went with MSD's because it's all in one, no control box, and it has all the features you want. Flatheads need very little in the way of spark, being low compression. The key features you want are adjustable centrifugal advance curve, and adjustable vacuum advance. Is this the auction you are talking about? Ford 239 Flathead Billet Pro Race Distributor 1949-up | eBay It doesn't say what is inside as far as advance mechanism. That's a good price tho.

Have you had your dizzy out? Do you know if your dizzy shaft has the shaft extending below the gear into a bushing in the front cover or not?
 
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Old 09-16-2011, 12:34 PM
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I have not had it apart yet, just looking for wintertime upgrades. Ebay is blocked at my work so I am not sure if that is the auction or not. It was box, coil, and distributor for just over $200
 
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Old 09-16-2011, 12:53 PM
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Generally, one gets what one pays for...
 
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Old 09-16-2011, 01:03 PM
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The auction I linked is just the dizzy for $145. Jim is right, but like I said, the MSD is made in China. I do trust their electronics more than anyone else, although I believe the Ready-to-Run uses some OEM electronics (even better). That's the other thing I like about the MSD is that it uses all OEM components as far as I can tell. (Except that the terminals to fit the distributor cap are unique and cost another $25... a real dirty trick IMO). The centrifugal advance is a Chevy/GM unit that comes with springs to curve it, and is widely supported. The pickup is either Ford or GM. The rotor is early GM HEI, I believe. The cap is unique but will likely last 100 yrs as much as I drive.
 
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Old 09-16-2011, 01:28 PM
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Hello friends,

MSD seems to be the prefered choice of many but honestly, for my application it might be overkill - not to mention overpriced.

That stated, I would like to know if anyone has had any experience with the ignition system from Professional Products. Mine is for a 351w and I chose this Professional Products Online

Paul
 
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Old 09-16-2011, 05:39 PM
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My son in law ran a procomp distributor in a 302 drag car set up with a msd box. the dist looked well made and fit right. he ran it one season and sold the motor, never had any problems with it.
 
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Old 09-16-2011, 05:54 PM
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i use a procomp distro with coil in my 460. i didn't need the control box, and wanted a clean look

Sam
 
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Old 09-16-2011, 06:14 PM
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Originally Posted by sdetweil
i use a procomp distro with coil in my 460. i didn't need the control box, and wanted a clean look

Sam
Do the ProComp dizzies have mechanical advance with weights and springs like a Chevy/GM ?

The MSD dizzy isn't "overkill", the Ready-to-Run is the minimum setup that will do any good for a flathead. It doesn't have a rev limiter, is not multiple spark, etc. It's an electronic distributor with both mechanical and vacuum advance that can be tailored quickly and easily. You can use a 6AL box with them, that is IMO overkill for anything but a blower motor.
 
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Old 09-16-2011, 06:47 PM
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Originally Posted by ALBUQ F-1
Do the ProComp dizzies have mechanical advance with weights and springs like a Chevy/GM ?

The MSD dizzy isn't "overkill", the Ready-to-Run is the minimum setup that will do any good for a flathead. It doesn't have a rev limiter, is not multiple spark, etc. It's an electronic distributor with both mechanical and vacuum advance that can be tailored quickly and easily. You can use a 6AL box with them, that is IMO overkill for anything but a blower motor.
Yes,mechanical as well as vacuum. I have the vacuum version, as they pull the advance faster than the weight only models. Better for my off the line rev up.

There are models with control boxes, like the msd
Sam
 
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