Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 15
From: Toronto, Canada
Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 18-Mar-02 AT 11:36 PM (EST)]I am looking to upgrade my ignition because it is all original, and I figure with a new engine I might as well throw on a new ignition. Plus the engine rebuilder said that he would have liked to see a new distributor in the engine.
I've heard the MSD 6a is a good control box, good price, found it for $150.
I also found a MSD Blaster 2 coil for $37, so far so good.
Now what about distributors, shouldn't I stay with vaccuum advance on my mild M motor? Keep in mind that I will be upping the power later on (few years), pistons, 4bbl, 400 conversion, already got duals etc. The MSD 8580 is cheap at $190, but doesn't have the vaccuum advance. The MSD 8447 and 8350 (Pro-billets) have vaccuum but are $260 and $286 respectively. The mallory vaccuum assisted ones are a bit cheaper ($200ish), BUT will they match up well/connect with the MSD stuff? Any cheaper/better alternatives?
Can I upgrade piece by piece? (I would like to add control box and coil first, then distributor OR VICE VERSA.
Thanks experts!
Matt
I've heard the MSD 6a is a good control box, good price, found it for $150.
I also found a MSD Blaster 2 coil for $37, so far so good.
Now what about distributors, shouldn't I stay with vaccuum advance on my mild M motor? Keep in mind that I will be upping the power later on (few years), pistons, 4bbl, 400 conversion, already got duals etc. The MSD 8580 is cheap at $190, but doesn't have the vaccuum advance. The MSD 8447 and 8350 (Pro-billets) have vaccuum but are $260 and $286 respectively. The mallory vaccuum assisted ones are a bit cheaper ($200ish), BUT will they match up well/connect with the MSD stuff? Any cheaper/better alternatives?
Can I upgrade piece by piece? (I would like to add control box and coil first, then distributor OR VICE VERSA.
Thanks experts!
Matt
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 2
Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade
weldman, congrats on the new engine. Many people like the MSD stuff, and it is compatable with the Duraspark distributor. All you need to hook it up is a wiring harness that adapts the box to the DS distributor (MSD sells it).
Both MSD and DuraSpark are magnetic triggered systems. The Mallory is an infrared light triggered system (Unilite), and is not compatable with the MSD or DS.
That being said, my favorite is still the 'ol DuraSpark. It has a "timing retard upon starting" feature that I like, and has been very reliable for me. A hotter coil, and low resistance plug wires is all you really need with the DS. It is really a trade-off, in whether you like the multiple sparks from the MSD (up to 3000 rpm), or the spark retard from the DS.
If this is a street driven engine, you really need the vacuum advance. It will give you better mpg, and I don't need to say how important that is.....
Both MSD and DuraSpark are magnetic triggered systems. The Mallory is an infrared light triggered system (Unilite), and is not compatable with the MSD or DS.
That being said, my favorite is still the 'ol DuraSpark. It has a "timing retard upon starting" feature that I like, and has been very reliable for me. A hotter coil, and low resistance plug wires is all you really need with the DS. It is really a trade-off, in whether you like the multiple sparks from the MSD (up to 3000 rpm), or the spark retard from the DS.
If this is a street driven engine, you really need the vacuum advance. It will give you better mpg, and I don't need to say how important that is.....
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 15
From: Toronto, Canada
Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade
Ok, next question, what am I going to notice with an MSD 8447 as opposed to my DuraSpark? Will it not start as well? (I don't understand what the retard feature does.) Isn't it the MSD control box that provides the multiple sparks, not the distributor?
I would like to upgrade the factory coil and ignition box, and the MSD components seem to be the way to go from what you are describing.
Where do I find a stock replacement distributor if this is the way to go? How much should I expect to pay? Aren't I going to get better performance from the MSD 8447, or is the extra cost not going to be worth it?
I would like to upgrade the factory coil and ignition box, and the MSD components seem to be the way to go from what you are describing.
Where do I find a stock replacement distributor if this is the way to go? How much should I expect to pay? Aren't I going to get better performance from the MSD 8447, or is the extra cost not going to be worth it?
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Rancho Cordova, CA USA
Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade
I am running the complete MSD igntion system on my 390. The only problem you will have in componant matching is that you must have the MSD box to run the MSD distributer. Of jcourse since my distributor upgrade it starts and runds alot better (woldn't have changed it if I wasn't having problems) and it gave a nice racey sound to the engine. The MSD system is also "VERY SIMPLE" to install.
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 15
From: Toronto, Canada
Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade
Yes, some of the dizzy's say that they require the 6A box, which is ok, since I want the box anyway.
Due to the high cost of the MSD distributors, the parts guy at the speed shop has pointed me to an Accel 9203, which was almost half the price! It is supposed to be a stock replacement for the Duraspark. Anyone have any comments on this?
I think that Mallory does make a few magnetically controlled distributors, won't they work with the MSD box like the Duraspark and the replacement above are supposed to?
Due to the high cost of the MSD distributors, the parts guy at the speed shop has pointed me to an Accel 9203, which was almost half the price! It is supposed to be a stock replacement for the Duraspark. Anyone have any comments on this?
I think that Mallory does make a few magnetically controlled distributors, won't they work with the MSD box like the Duraspark and the replacement above are supposed to?
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 2
Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade
Weldman, sorry I wasn't clear on the boxes. Yes, the MSD box is what gives the multi-sparks. The DuraSpark box has a timing retard feature that automatically retards the timing about 2 degrees when the starter is turning. This gives a quicker start, and eases the load on the starter. When the starter disengages, the timing is advanced normally.
MSD sells a wiring harness (MSD-8869, $15.50) which allows a MSD box to connect to the stock DS distributor. This is a plug-in install, with no wire splicing. Later on, you can easily install a MSD distributor, if you want. You can use any aftermarket coil of your choosing, with either system.
You can get a rebuilt DS distributor at any auto parts store. Cost should be in the $60-70 range.
MSD sells a wiring harness (MSD-8869, $15.50) which allows a MSD box to connect to the stock DS distributor. This is a plug-in install, with no wire splicing. Later on, you can easily install a MSD distributor, if you want. You can use any aftermarket coil of your choosing, with either system.
You can get a rebuilt DS distributor at any auto parts store. Cost should be in the $60-70 range.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 2
Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade
Weld, the Accel is a rebuilt, blueprinted distributor built on the DuraSpark core; so yes, it should be similiar to the stock DS dist, with the same wiring connectors.
I can't comment on the magnetic pick-up Mallorys. I thought they were all light-triggered (Unilites).
I can't comment on the magnetic pick-up Mallorys. I thought they were all light-triggered (Unilites).
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 15
From: Toronto, Canada
Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 20-Mar-02 AT 01:12 AM (EST)]Mallory makes a 57 and 85 series.
The 57 is a magnetic breakerless vac advance #5756701 - its out, just as expensive as MSD's. The 85 is a magnetic vac advance stock replacement with stock connectors #8556701. The two are on the Mallory website (distributorsM.pdf). Whats the difference between the two?
edit- the 85 and 57 series are the same price on the racesearch (260-290) Guess their out too!
Which one should I choose, accel or a rebuilt NAPA etc?
The 57 is a magnetic breakerless vac advance #5756701 - its out, just as expensive as MSD's. The 85 is a magnetic vac advance stock replacement with stock connectors #8556701. The two are on the Mallory website (distributorsM.pdf). Whats the difference between the two?
edit- the 85 and 57 series are the same price on the racesearch (260-290) Guess their out too!
Which one should I choose, accel or a rebuilt NAPA etc?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
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
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 15
From: Toronto, Canada
Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 20-Mar-02 AT 02:00 AM (EST)]Just checked the Accel 9205, more my style at $126. Would there be any difference between the accel and noname rebuilt one? Is the accel worth the extra $60?
There is also a 59205 which is a high performance replacement at $213. Worth it? Narrowed it down to these 3 finally!
Also, found an accel 8140C coil, 42,000volts compared to the MSD 45,000. Will I notice any difference? I mainly want the accel for the chrome look.
There is also a 59205 which is a high performance replacement at $213. Worth it? Narrowed it down to these 3 finally!
Also, found an accel 8140C coil, 42,000volts compared to the MSD 45,000. Will I notice any difference? I mainly want the accel for the chrome look.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,494
Likes: 0
Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade
I know who cares about my two cents, but a lot of folks are looking for those old durafartII distributers due to ease and realiability. Folks meaning those younger computer controlled folk resorting to the glory of the carb. If it aint broke don't fix it...
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 2
Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade
Yeah, tetraruby, and the DS is also a popular conversion with the 64-71 Mustang crowd. I like the DS.
Weld, you won't be able to tell the difference between the 42Kv and the 45Kv coils. These are peak output ratings, and I'm not sure how accurate they are anyway. If you want the shine, go with the chrome.
Weld, you won't be able to tell the difference between the 42Kv and the 45Kv coils. These are peak output ratings, and I'm not sure how accurate they are anyway. If you want the shine, go with the chrome.
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 15
From: Toronto, Canada
Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade
Thanks for all the help tetra and lone!
I think that I will check out the prices on the Accel blueprint (9205) and the noname Duraspark and see what I can really afford.
Theres probably not much difference in quality/performance right?
Yeah, if it ain't brke why fix it right? Its given me no trouble, but after 24 years its getting a little worn!
Thats my final answer, MSD 6A, Accel 8140C!
I think that I will check out the prices on the Accel blueprint (9205) and the noname Duraspark and see what I can really afford.
Theres probably not much difference in quality/performance right?
Yeah, if it ain't brke why fix it right? Its given me no trouble, but after 24 years its getting a little worn!
Thats my final answer, MSD 6A, Accel 8140C!
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,494
Likes: 0
Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade
Glad you made a choice. Sorry, didn't mean to offend your upgrade efforts 
- I know the reasoning. From my own experience everytime I try something over and beyond it seems like more trouble for what it's worth. Hold on to that old, worn distributer...let us know how the install / and results go. 
- I know the reasoning. From my own experience everytime I try something over and beyond it seems like more trouble for what it's worth. Hold on to that old, worn distributer...let us know how the install / and results go.
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 15
From: Toronto, Canada
Control Boxes, Coil and Distributor Upgrade
No offence taken tetraruby! Your right, why make things more difficult than they have to be?
Do they have a core charge for the rebuilt NAPA ones? Thats probably the only one that I can afford!
do you know if there would be any difference between the accel and Napa one?
Do they have a core charge for the rebuilt NAPA ones? Thats probably the only one that I can afford!
do you know if there would be any difference between the accel and Napa one?