What is a good Performance ignition system?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Bloomfield New Mexico
What is a good Performance ignition system?
Once I get my engine problems straightened out (See my previous Posting), I plan to install a good performance ignition system.
I am interested in hearing what you all would recommend. I am Running a 1975 360 (Modified to 390 during overhaul). I want low end power, (I tow a 26' Travel trailer).
thanks
Custom 1975
I am interested in hearing what you all would recommend. I am Running a 1975 360 (Modified to 390 during overhaul). I want low end power, (I tow a 26' Travel trailer).
thanks
Custom 1975
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
What is a good Performance ignition system?
MSD 6AL, MSD coil, and MSD 8.5mm wires with the MSD billet Dizzy. That's the $500 version :-)
I think their name carries a good reputation, and my personal experience with their tech service was very good.
I'm sure you'll get some other reccomendations here shortly. they'll range from a rebuilt stock Duraspark up to the system I'm running and probably beyond :-)
good luck
I think their name carries a good reputation, and my personal experience with their tech service was very good.
I'm sure you'll get some other reccomendations here shortly. they'll range from a rebuilt stock Duraspark up to the system I'm running and probably beyond :-)
good luck
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
What is a good Performance ignition system?
i'd have to agree with anything msd, but then again it depends. msd makes a 5 a box i think. its the step below the 6a, and considerably cheaper. being that it too is a multiple spark box and the coil is where the power is im not sure what the big difference is between it and the 6a, but im sure it would be fine for medium performance or more........
you didnt mention if your using a points type or dura spark distributor or if you have an after market one. as long as its a non point distribitor it should work fine. for installing a trigger in a point type distributor you cant go wrong with a mallory unilite or pertronix ingniter trigger, although i may switch to the pertronix eventually as it uses the stock type rotor as where the unilite uses a special rotor thats harder to find if you need one fast.
you didnt mention if your using a points type or dura spark distributor or if you have an after market one. as long as its a non point distribitor it should work fine. for installing a trigger in a point type distributor you cant go wrong with a mallory unilite or pertronix ingniter trigger, although i may switch to the pertronix eventually as it uses the stock type rotor as where the unilite uses a special rotor thats harder to find if you need one fast.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
What is a good Performance ignition system?
by the way, i spaced the fact that you said you'd be towing a trailor, and you may want to look into an msd item thats optional with there stuff........its the inside the cab dial that allows you to advance and retard your timing manually with the twist of a **** which may come in handy when your towing........
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Bloomfield New Mexico
What is a good Performance ignition system?
I think i've decided on the MSD 6AL with MSD FE Billet Distributor(since I have to replace my distributor anyway)and Blaster Coil . Anything I should watch out for during installation?
Custom 1975
Custom 1975
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
What is a good Performance ignition system?
Nothing special to installing the MSD Dizzzy vs. the stock dizzy. Just take it slow coming out if possible. Hopefully your oil pump drive shaft retainer clip is still in place. I failed to resinstall mine, and twice I pulled the shaft out of the pump when trying to reinstall the dizzy. Then I had to lift the engine, drop the oil pan and reinstall the shaft, no fun.
Trending Topics
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
What is a good Performance ignition system?
The dizzy we are talking about is the MSD Ford FE Pro Billet Distributor right? I don't see a listing for a MSD Billet Distributor.
This distributor has no vacuum advance feature. I don't know if this is important to you but it is worth mentioning.
This distributor has no vacuum advance feature. I don't know if this is important to you but it is worth mentioning.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 12
From: SW Michigan
What is a good Performance ignition system?
Custom, your 75 has a duraspark on it now, right ? That is the dizzy you need. You can spend lots of $$ on other dizzys but you won't gain anything. I like to run a Ford Duraspark dizzy, with a Jacobs coil and a LX101 brain box ( Chrysler style) The setup has only 4 wires to hookup and works very well. And you NEED a vacuum advance, especially if you're going to tow. The guys who run without one are giving away lots of their fuel mileage. DF
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Bloomfield New Mexico
What is a good Performance ignition system?
Yes, My truck has a duraspark on it now. I do need to replace the Dizzy due to wear. I did check on an MSD FE Billet Dizzy and did find out that it did not have vacume advance.
Are you saying that for towing I should stick with a Duraspark Dizzy to keep the vacume advance?
Are you saying that for towing I should stick with a Duraspark Dizzy to keep the vacume advance?
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
What is a good Performance ignition system?
DF is very knowledgeable about FEs, but I myself prefer the simplicity of the mechanicqal advance on the MSD Billet dizzy. There are several spring and stop bushing combinations that allow for a large variety of advance curves and max advance settings. I don't see what a vacuum advance would have to offer above and beyond the MSD. I also believe that an engines vacuum profile changes somewhat with different intakes, cams, heads, carbs etc. This would probably require some tuning on the vacuum advance, and I don't believe it's near as easy to tune as the MSD. 2 screws, a spring and/or a bushing then try it agin to see if you like it.
However, the MSD is a bit more expensive and mine did have a magnetic pickup failure after only 4000 miles. MSD replaced the pickup for free, even though I was just out of warranty.
My 2cents
However, the MSD is a bit more expensive and mine did have a magnetic pickup failure after only 4000 miles. MSD replaced the pickup for free, even though I was just out of warranty.
My 2cents
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Bloomfield New Mexico
What is a good Performance ignition system?
Thanks for the 2 cents Gtex.
How is the best way to determine the advance curve you want to go with? Just through trial and error?
How is the best way to determine the advance curve you want to go with? Just through trial and error?
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
What is a good Performance ignition system?
Using a tachometer and a timing light is the technical answer.
Trial and error using your ear and seat of the pants is the most common method :-)
The MSD manual goves a lot of info on the advance curves and max advance setting for each spring and stop bushing setting.
Trial and error using your ear and seat of the pants is the most common method :-)
The MSD manual goves a lot of info on the advance curves and max advance setting for each spring and stop bushing setting.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 12
From: SW Michigan
What is a good Performance ignition system?
Custom, yeah, you need the vacuum advance when towing. Actually, you need it for anything other than Drag racing only. The mechanical only advance is easier to setup, but doesn't give the engine what it neeeds. Your engine wants more or less advance depending on rpm and the load the engine is pulling. Without vacuum advance, the dizzy has no way to advance or retard the timing as engine load varys. Spend 10$ and put new bushings in your duraspark dizzy, or spend about 40-45$ and get a rebuilt duraspark. The MSD is more money for less power and economy. Why would you want that ? DF