MSD Complete set up?
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 308
Likes: 5
Mkay so on the MSD web page i can put in my make model and year and block size and it gives me the options for what to get. It seems as if the 74 and 76 390 coils are different and im about to check the 6amp thing to see if they are the same. Found that to be weird, why would a 74 be different then a 76 390?
the '74 coil has a two threaded studs for attaching the coil wires with nuts where the '76 has two smooth posts with a flat cap in the top of each for a wierd plastic wire harness connector to slip onto.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
After having vibration troubles with MSD stuff I switched over to the Crane Fireball ignition with their E Core coil. I used a duraspark distributor that I recurred to my engine needs and run Magnecor plug wires. It's a hot ignition and works real well for me. The advance curve made the best overall driving difference.
Got a pic of what it looks like installed? Im not a fan of having a red msd cap on a blue engine
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: Nassau Co. NY
Use spade connectors to wire up the MSD stuff. Leave the stock stuff in the truck with the opposit spades on it too. This way when the MSD box fails and leaves you stranded you can plug the old stuff back in and get home.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 43
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Unfortunately there's nothing to look at. It's a factory distributor with a tan Accel cap with heavy duty brass terminals and femal towers. The coil is just screwed to the inner fender well and the Magrecor wires are red. I mounted the ignition unit in the cab and it's triggered of the factory magnetic pickup.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 446
Likes: 0
From: By God West Virginia
I've used full MSD setups in my drag racing stuff, and It's worked great.
That being said I've not used it in a DD yet, but I'm building/restoring a 78' 2wd with a full MSD setup to DD.
I'm also doing a quick fix on a 78' 4x4 and I think I'm gonna try a HEI Dist. on it.
Then I've got another 2 trucks and a bronco to build, and my decisions on them will be based off of the performance of these 2...
That being said I've not used it in a DD yet, but I'm building/restoring a 78' 2wd with a full MSD setup to DD.
I'm also doing a quick fix on a 78' 4x4 and I think I'm gonna try a HEI Dist. on it.
Then I've got another 2 trucks and a bronco to build, and my decisions on them will be based off of the performance of these 2...
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 920
Likes: 20
From: Malheur Co. OR
A neighbor had me put E3 plugs in his '76 F150 with a 460. MSD box, wires, and dizzy. Those plugs were crap, backfires and misfires no matter cold or at temp. I put Bosch platinums back in and it ran much better. Avoid those plugs.
Any plug wires will work, they all use the same style connection, you just won't be able to use the anchor piece that fits the boots and screws to the cap to hold the wires down.
Any plug wires will work, they all use the same style connection, you just won't be able to use the anchor piece that fits the boots and screws to the cap to hold the wires down.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: Nassau Co. NY
I think thats the case.
I noticed a nice improvement over the stock stuff (box & coil) but on three occasions in the last year I have had to switch the stock stuff back in on the side of the road. All three products failed within 200 miles so I would say if you do it and get past 200-300 miles you should be good.
My only other experience was with a 6a box that was in my '76 for 4 trouble free years when I sold it. That was 10 years ago.
I also remember reading that in the instructions that you cant use certain plugs or wires so read up before you purchase any old set of wires. I would guess if your going full MSD your not gonna cheap out on wires and most of the performance stuff works but I though I would mention it.
I noticed a nice improvement over the stock stuff (box & coil) but on three occasions in the last year I have had to switch the stock stuff back in on the side of the road. All three products failed within 200 miles so I would say if you do it and get past 200-300 miles you should be good.
My only other experience was with a 6a box that was in my '76 for 4 trouble free years when I sold it. That was 10 years ago.
I also remember reading that in the instructions that you cant use certain plugs or wires so read up before you purchase any old set of wires. I would guess if your going full MSD your not gonna cheap out on wires and most of the performance stuff works but I though I would mention it.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Salem OR
Has any one used this set up on a 460? Sounds like a good set up and get rid of any electronic boxes and reduces wires in the engine compartment.
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