MSD ignition???
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New User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 7
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MSD ignition???
I own a stock 1979 F-250 with a 351M motor. A friend told me that I should replace my factory ignition system with an aftermarket one for better performance and spark. As money is an issue is it worth it and will it really make a differance? Do I have to change anything else?
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 150
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From: Rancho Cordova, CA USA
MSD ignition???
I have the complete MSD ignition system. You can hear and feel a difference, and I'm very happy with it. It was not cheap though.
Silly rabbit. Jeeps are for chicks!!
"If you're not getting stuck, you're not trying"
76 F100
Silly rabbit. Jeeps are for chicks!!
"If you're not getting stuck, you're not trying"
76 F100
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 662
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From: CA
MSD ignition???
Depends. if you have a lot of compression and performance parts installed you will see some improvement, particularly if your engine is presently missing once in a while. If it's a stock engine, and the idle is good and smooth on up through the range, you probably won't benefit much. Remember the basics of Ohm's Law. MSD ignitions can produce a LOT of spark, but the engine will never draw any more then it needs to fire the plugs!!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 107
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From: home
MSD ignition???
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 28-Sep-02 AT 08:22 PM (EST)]In my opinion putting an MSD ignition is good for a motor that is built but for a factory 351 modified it isnt worth it.Your factory ignition is good.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
MSD ignition???
The factory Duraspark system is as good or better than aftermarket ignitions for the normal rpm range that a stocker runs (0-5K). It is cheap and readily available, but get an OEM Ford module if you can. Mount any Duraspark module 1/4" off the mounting surface for increased cooling and reliability. The OEM makers have a lot at stake to get maximum performance and reliability out of their ignition systems. They sometimes have problems but the Duraspark system has passed the test of time. It has several nice features like retarded spark for starting, simplicity, availability, etc.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,027
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From: Canada
MSD ignition???
Not meaning to ask questions in someone elses post but...
How modified does your engine have to be for the msd to be considered useful?
(Everyone says modified...is that race gas only high compression engines? Or is that mildly modified like mine)
RV Cam, headers, exhaust, no emissions, trying to invent a new intake (previous owner came up with one to get heat off headers, works better in winter, I think there is a way to make one that is more efficient in summer (so I will swap in and out)
Oh and I still have stock 2bbl carb.
Just curious,
Chado
How modified does your engine have to be for the msd to be considered useful?
(Everyone says modified...is that race gas only high compression engines? Or is that mildly modified like mine)
RV Cam, headers, exhaust, no emissions, trying to invent a new intake (previous owner came up with one to get heat off headers, works better in winter, I think there is a way to make one that is more efficient in summer (so I will swap in and out)
Oh and I still have stock 2bbl carb.
Just curious,
Chado
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Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
MSD ignition???
For your engine use the Duraspark.
The stock air intake system works well. If you want more air put another snorkle on it and plumb the vac motors in parallel. You will have to fabricate the warm air pickup off the headers, but you only need one side, block off the second hot air intake.
The stock air intake system works well. If you want more air put another snorkle on it and plumb the vac motors in parallel. You will have to fabricate the warm air pickup off the headers, but you only need one side, block off the second hot air intake.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 248
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MSD ignition???
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 29-Sep-02 AT 01:39 PM (EST)]IMO, it is worth it to get rid of the crappy Duracrap ignition. The peace of mind of knowing you don't need to carry a spare igniton box is MORE than worth the cost of the MSD. BTW, you can get a MSD 6 box for about $120. I have several, have not had any fail in 6 years. Though my freind got one bad out of the box once.
Can you tell I HATE the Durapsark ignition? On my stock 78 F150/351M, (worn to hell) it did noticably help cold winter starts, and partially got rid of alot of misfiring, and my plugs stopped fouling. (I also used a Blaster 2 coil) Oh yea, and it stopped burning out!
Matt
Can you tell I HATE the Durapsark ignition? On my stock 78 F150/351M, (worn to hell) it did noticably help cold winter starts, and partially got rid of alot of misfiring, and my plugs stopped fouling. (I also used a Blaster 2 coil) Oh yea, and it stopped burning out!
Matt
