Exactly. I have yet to see a test comparing a new MSD ignition system compared to a *new* Motorcraft DuraSpark ignition system that "proves" the MSD is better. When someone claims a better result with aftermarket parts, more often than not what they actually did is the classic "Magazine test." That is where a magazine takes a vehicle with old, worn-out stock parts (30+ year old DuraSpark ignition) and replaces it with the latest, brand-new aftermarket parts (MSD ignition) and uses before/after tests to "prove" the aftermarket stuff is superior to the stock parts.

But was it? Or was it just new? The reality is they are trying to sell you something for your street vehicle that was made for racing from their sponsors.


The MSD distributor is actually designed after the [4 decades old] Ford Motorcraft DuraSpark unit. It is true that timing curve in the stock DuraSpark distributors was calibrated for better emissions. It can be easily re-calibrated for performance if you like. In fact, I am a running a re-curved DuraSpark distributor in my engine.


If that were true, every single car manufacturer out there would be using it.

 

Its a simple enough install to see if it works, you can wire it in temporarily.

The advantage of the MSD is you are able to open up the plug gap up to .055" This will aid in starting (especially in cold weather) and will almost always give smoother cold engine operation.

The system can be installed 2 ways with Duraspark , it can either replace the duraspark module (prefered install)
or it can be triggered by the Duraspark module. I tend to avoid this as it is just adding components to the set up.

If replacing the duraspark it can be done in a manner that leaves the DS box in place as a back but not used, and can be put back into service just by unplugging the MSD box from the dist and plugging the DS box back in to it.

I have installed many MSD boxes over the years and never had one fail even after tens of thousands of miles and one unit has been in place since the late 80's with no issues and this unit has seen operation in ambient temps from near -50°C to over 100°F

As noted the advantage of the MSD is better cold starts and better cold engine operation you "may" see a slight increase in fuel economy, But will more than likely see smoother engine operation (especially on a cold motor) . You must run at least a .050" or greater plug gap to take advantage of this.

The MSD is a true high energy ignition system DS II is not although higher output than points it is not an HEI system. DS I is the high energy variant of the DS systems.
The advantage of MSD is across the RPM range with higher energy multiple sparks below 3000 RPM and adjusted coil dwell times above 3000 RPM for a much hotter spark than DS II offers.

If you are not operating in cold climes, not operating above 3000 RPM with high engine loads, and running the low compression (below 9.0:1) or not opening the plug gap to .050" or more the gains made by the MSD will be minimal (maybe a slight improvement on cold engine operation) and it would not be worth spending the dollars to purchase one. But since yours was free...... No harm on installing it.
Get the MSD 8869 harness it is like $25 and makes it basically plug and play and you won't have to cut up the factory dist pick up harness, this will allow you to just unplug the MSD and plug the DS II box back in if need be.

 

Wow, I've learned a lot here (unexpectedly).

I could be wrong, but I think my 73 F100 390 FE isn't a Duraspark system. You tell me, lol. I've only dug into the fuel system, brakes, and transmission since getting it.

 

73 would be points. You can use the points as the trigger for the MSD. Doing this the points will basically last forever as long as the rub block is kept lubricated.

 

Would it also be wise to recurve the distributor if installing an aftermarket ignition?

 

Only if the existing curve is no good. Changing the ignition triggering system will not impact the curve.

 

This is good information. My next question, is the stock curve still considered good for normal use? Does it have anything to do with emissions? Would one see any improvement for daily use if the distributor was received? Thanks

 

So, I have a opinion on this, the Duraspark is problematic, when I worked at the ford dealer 1982-2001 we replaced thousands of them, I always carried a spare in my truck.

The MSD box you have there is a gem, it's before MSD had everything made in China...now MSD stands for "My spark disappeared", I wouldn't use anything from them now except the pure race stuff, which is still made in the USA, it was somewhere in the 2012-2014 when they switched mfg to overseas.

I would not hesitate to use that box, you will like how it starts, idles and low rpm performance will be improved, you just might even notice a fuel economy gain, your points become a low voltage switch and will last longer, you can make it where if the box died you can switch the connector back to stock.

There was a time when a MSD box was considered the single most beneficial upgrade for power and economy, you get 7 sparks instead of one per cylinder, I would buy that if you let these guys talk you out of using it.

Anyways, just my 2 cents.

 

QUOTE=fordguy76;18332877]This is good information. My next question, is the stock curve still considered good for normal use? Does it have anything to do with emissions? Would one see any improvement for daily use if the distributor was received? Thanks[/QUOTE]

Your ignition timing has to do with lots of things like internal engine mods form stock, available fuel, altitude and exhaust/intake systems. Any changes in these things can be cause for ignition timing curve changes. The factory ignition timing would be a compromise between emissions, performance, mileage, idle and drivability. After all Ford had to make a engine/truck that appealed to everyone.

Most people will say that you need 30-36 deg of advance by about 3000 RPM but this is just a guide line. The factory timing may be just perfect but when you make changes to the motor all this changes and that includes adding an MSD box. The change in spark energy that the MSD box can give you along with the multiple sparks at low RPM may require adjusting your initial timing. That said you can't just go change your initial timing and call it good because changes to your initial timing will affect your full advance timing unless you open up the distributor and change the advance weights that limit the total amount of available advance.

Here is a good link to explaining some simple changes one guy made to his 390.
Timing Tips for Ford Distributors

The real answer to all of this is trial and error. How is your engine performing now, does it respond well to a little more initial advance, does it ping under load.

You have a free ignition box and because you have points currently you can put the box in and see how you like it, play with the timing some and go from there... if you don't like the box or it fails you are 1 or two wires away from bypassing it and being back to your stock points ignition. In reality it gives you an ignition backup and because the points become nothing more than a ignition box trigger they should always be ready to go back to full use if need be.

 

I still have yo test it. If it works I'll definitely be using it, especially after finding out mine was made pre-Chinese junk.

Here's my next related question... are there distributor rebuild kits out there for my points style distributor? I did a few google searches, but came up blank, but... I also didn't know exactly what this distributor is called.

 

Thanks Buckin69bronco

 

Well, I got it all temporarily hooked up today. Both the box and the two coils work like a charm. Hard to believe. I looked up the serial when I was looking for the MSD directions and I guess the one I found is one of the first versions they made.

I didn't actually notice any difference tooling around after I put it in, but I also haven't changed the spark gap yet. I just filled up too, so we'll see if it makes any difference in mileage.

 

F.Y.I. from the horsies mouth.

Racers, we would like to set the record straight on a few of these ‘built off-shore’ claims. This is one of those subjects that could go on and on, but we’ll try to keep it short and sweet and to the point.

MSD was developed and born in El Paso 40 years ago. We have grown to encompass over 150,000 square feet of space to design, test, manufacture, and support our components. We have engine dynos, chassis dynos, CNC equipment, an EDM machine to cut molds, wave solder machines, surface mount pick and place equipment, and more tools and capabilities to aid us in MANUFACTURING the best ignition components available. We are comprised of just under 300 employees – with the average seniority of 12 years! No other manufacturer can even come close to that kind of commitment from its employees.

Every 7-Series, 8-Series, Pro Mag and most 6-Series Ignitions are designed, built, tested, and supported in the USA. We say ‘most’ on our 6-Series because there are two models that do incorporate a half populated PCB from overseas. In El Paso, we populate the rest of the raw and power components, assemble it, test, burn it in and package it.

Yes, some coils, such as the Blaster 2, are made overseas. One reason is there are no oil filled canister style coil manufacturers in the United States. All MSD coils are made to our specifications and thoroughly tested. Also, the coils for the Pro Mag 12s and 44s, the HVC line of coils and our multiple spark LS coils are all made in the United States.

One area that we offer caution, especially when purchasing used or through the internet, is with Distributors. MSD designed the Pro-Billet distributor and now you are seeing complete copies of our distributors coming from overseas. Even name-brand competitors are selling distributors that are copied from the original MSD design – some even with our part numbers! The distributor issue has become a predicament for MSD as we still get the tech calls, the upset customers, and even some returns of these off-shore duplicate distributors.

We could go on with other products in our line such as the 8.5mm Super Conductor, APS Starters, Crank Triggers (all made in the USA), but want to keep it short. It is important to mention our budget based line, Street Fire. This is line offers several distributors, easily identified with cast housings, as a budget based brand. The distributors are produced in China, however it took over a year to get a product that we were confident in. We put them under a different brand to clearly set the two designs apart. For the record, there is also a Street Fire CD ignition and spark plug wires as well – both made in the USA.

Face it, anything having to do with electronics is a tough business to be in with hundreds of raw material components, and it’s nearly impossible to build a product out of 100% USA components. You can be assured that if you do have an MSD coil that is made in China or in the United States, we will stand by its performance and provide you with the same support as any other MSD products.

We’ll see you at the races -

Russell Stephens
President
MSD Ignition
El Paso, TX

 

That's pretty good information. I'm glad to hear they are still making almost all their stuff here. I always feel better about buying something made in the US of A.