ignition question
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
ignition question
I was told to replace my ignition off of my 79 Bronco with a 400, because they are very bad from the factory and they would need to be replaced alot cause of failure. This was from a mechanic that ownes 9 78 and 79 Broncos, and he worked on many others. He said to put in a MSD ignition, but from what I heard was to have the msd ignition work you must have the msd coil, is this true?
If so how much would it cost for the ignition, and the coil?
Thanks for any comments
If so how much would it cost for the ignition, and the coil?
Thanks for any comments
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 894
Likes: 0
Try a search of this forum - some very insightful info was posted here recently by Torque1st concerning timing basics and components for these engines. It sounds like much of the info you were given was more personal preference than factual. Many companies besides MSD make aftermarket ignition systems; but not every engine needs them.
Good Luck,
Ernie
Good Luck,
Ernie
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
I didn't mean to say that every engine needed them, but it was said for better spark go with a new (better) ignition, and the guy just mentioned MSD. I also have a 77 F-100 and the ignition box melts when old and hot, and same thing happend to the one on my Bronco, but I just replace it with a factory replacement, for the time beeing.
I was wondering if any one had personal experiance with the MSD igniton, and if a msd coil was needed to use it.
I know there are other companys out there, but I'm just interested in knowing if I would by a aftermaket igniton, would I need one of that companys coils to use it?
I was wondering if any one had personal experiance with the MSD igniton, and if a msd coil was needed to use it.
I know there are other companys out there, but I'm just interested in knowing if I would by a aftermaket igniton, would I need one of that companys coils to use it?
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Stick with the factory ignition system. It is the best system for your trucks. Many of those aftermarket Duraspark units melted and gave the system a bad name. Use only Motorcraft DS-II units! For a daily driver the DS-II system works better than the MSD system and is much more serviceable than the aftermarket units. The MSD unit is only needed for a high revving race application which the 351M/400 is not. Always mount the DS-II unit 1/4" above the fender with spacers to provide cooling air under the unit. I use 5/16" hex nuts. Check out your wiring also to make sure someone has not bypassed your ballast resistor. This can cause the coil and the ignition module to overheat.
Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
MBBFORD:
The answer to your question is NO. You can run stock or another manufactures coil. I don't recommend using the Stock coil.
Check online for current prices
We have the 6470 MSD 6-Offroad Ignition Control with the 14001 Accel super coil.
We also are using the 8580 Distributor, 8680 Adjustable timing control, & 8769 MSD Off-road Rev Limiter.
We have a few Broncos also. Contrary to popular belief MSD does make a difference on a stock setup.
Your mechanic may be referring to the TSB’s on early Duraspark II’s
http://www.alldata.com/TSB/20/782029BF.html
However I hear the usual complaint is leaving the ignition key on and frying the coil. That tends to hurt the coil durability numbers and leaves a bad feeling for the stock setup.
The stock ignition is adequate for most stock uses.
The answer to your question is NO. You can run stock or another manufactures coil. I don't recommend using the Stock coil.
Check online for current prices
We have the 6470 MSD 6-Offroad Ignition Control with the 14001 Accel super coil.
We also are using the 8580 Distributor, 8680 Adjustable timing control, & 8769 MSD Off-road Rev Limiter.
We have a few Broncos also. Contrary to popular belief MSD does make a difference on a stock setup.
Your mechanic may be referring to the TSB’s on early Duraspark II’s
http://www.alldata.com/TSB/20/782029BF.html
However I hear the usual complaint is leaving the ignition key on and frying the coil. That tends to hurt the coil durability numbers and leaves a bad feeling for the stock setup.
The stock ignition is adequate for most stock uses.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
The independent dyno tests I saw showed that the aftermarket ignition systems by Accel or MSD etc performed worse than the OEM DS and HEI under about 5500 RPM. The aftermarket units only showed power improvements at higher RPM's. The OEM systems were optimized for fuel economy and power at "normal" engine speeds.
The independent dyno tests were done on properly tuned engines. If the aftermarket systems are installed on an improperly tuned engine of course they will show power "improvements" when they are tuned properly.
The independent dyno tests were done on properly tuned engines. If the aftermarket systems are installed on an improperly tuned engine of course they will show power "improvements" when they are tuned properly.
Last edited by Torque1st; Apr 12, 2005 at 11:57 PM.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 3
From: In the woods of Oregon
I switched to a pertronix ignitor inside a a 70's singal point dizzy. works awesome and I dont have to worry about the stock ignition system. Better starts, more powerful spark, accurate timing to within 1/4 deg.(or so says the add). Cost was right around $80 dollars for the drop in module and the dizzy came on my 72 400 I got out of a ltd to replace the cracked block and heads on my 77 400 in my F-150 4WD. Thanx.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Denver USA
Another option is the Davis Unified Ignition, basically HEI for Fords. I am getting ready to install my new 400, and am going to be ordering the DUI in the next few days. No more spark box, no more seperate coil, just one unit. It should make the engine bay a tad cleaner, which is the only reason I'm choosing it over the stock Duraspark stuff.
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