I am just wondering with all the stuff I have seen about converting from Type whatever factory ignition to DS2(which I think I already have), but nobody seems to be interested in getting an MSD box or whatever else is out there. Which makes me wonder is there any real point in going to aftermarket ignition, or igniton parts(distributor/cap/rotor wires) on a 300?

 

It depends...how much do you want to spend on bragging rights? On our engines, even those that are moderately modified, the DS2 system is completely adequate.

http://www.breakerless.com/igntionfacts.htm

http://gofastforless.com/loser.htm

 

I had a Summit ign box. It was fine for 3 years, then just burned up one morning. Now I have a used ($40) MSD box with no trouble. I went from points to ds2, but want a real good spark, and have no worries of breakdowns. Points with an MSD would be good for an alternate backup system.

 

over the years, i've run MSD, Pertronix, stock points, and DSII.

there are benefits to each:
stock points: dirt cheap, easy to get parts for
Pertronix: reliable, in that you no longer have to worry about points
DSII: reliable, easy to get parts for. i like the spark retard during cranking.
MSD: massive spark

the cons:
points: need adjusting/replacement once in a while, less spark potential
pertronix: if it dies, you cannot get a replacement locally
DSII: "durafart"...carry a spare box in your glove compartment
MSD: same as Pertronix and also quite expensive.

after playing with all of those...i now use another idea from the "gofastforless" site.
i use points to trigger the early 90's TFI ignition.

pros: all parts are Ford, and can be found at any Autozone. massive spark from the 90's E-coil, which takes full battery voltage (no more resisitor wire).

cons: none that i can think of. i get coils for $10 and modules for $25 at the junkyard, and i carry a spare of each. if the $@$#@# hits the fan, i can even switch back to straight points on the side of the road. in 5 minutes.

i pulled my MSD/Pertronix setup and replaced it with the TFI. i can't tell a difference in performance, and its hundreds of dollars cheaper.

 

x2- my previous post is really meant for people who don't already have a DSII system.

 

The aftermarket boxes are great until they just crap out on you. Then you are looking at an expensive replacement.

With the Duraspark set up they work great and are cheap enough to carry a spare module with you if you feel like it. I like to be prepared so I like to carry spare parts with me. If I'm running a DSII set up I carry a spare coil, pick up coil and ignition module. If I have a TFI set up I carry a coil and TFI module.

With the old points set up I always carried a spare set of points and a condenser. I started that back when I was 16 and a bad set of points in my truck left me stranded on the side of the road.

 

Another option is these
Davis Unified Ignition i use the 39820BL on my 300 and it works great.

 

It's amusing and interesting to read about everyone's preferences and experiences. So I'll add my bit: I use an MSD box to a DS2 dizzy, with a TFI coil. I had an MSD tfi coil, but it failed after 2 1/2 years. Now I just use the $12 AutoZone TFI coil. On the fender well I have mounted a 4 pin module. I also carry the instructions of how to wire it, and the wires, etc. to hook it up in case the msd fails.

When I tested the 4 pin module, I was shocked at the reduction in power, but it's only there to get me home.

Oh, I got zapped using a timing light with the high voltage ignition. Now I stand on a piece of wood and use rubber gloves too. I don't want to taste my fillings again. Beware.

 

I have a 1986 ford f150 with 300 inline 6 and getting rid of feed back carburetor and installing a a points style distributor and using Electronic Ignition Conversion Kits for 6-Cylinder Ford, FoMoCo, Motorcraft, Autolite Distributors . any ideas and has anyone done this and what 1 brl carb should i use would like electric choke thanks

 

gotta say...that's the first time i've heard that particular combo- MSD with Chevy HEI as a backup...very interesting.

hats off to you for having the foresight to document the failback, and carry the wires for it. i keep thinking i'll do the same for my points/TFI hybrid, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

 

i'm not familiar with that particular brand, but it looks an awful lot like a Pertronix. if the price is the same...i'd go with the name brand.

 

Harte3 mentioned a site that has a lot of great information about how to make a good ignition system for pennies on the dollar: gofast4less dot com. Check it out. It may save you $$.

Good luck.