aftermarket ignition system

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Dec 7, 1999 | 01:45 PM

Bill Martin

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aftermarket ignition system

I'm getting ready to upgrade the ignition system in my '77 F150 w 351M. The two products I'm interested in are the MSD 6a and the Jachobs Ignition system. Does anyone have first hand experience with either of these units. What are the pros and cons involved? Is there an appreciable effect on milage, throttle response, power etc... ? Any replies appreciated.

Dec 7, 1999 | 05:58 PM

Ron

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aftermarket ignition system

I run the Jacobs system on my 73 F250, 460. The original stuff that was there was in bad shape so I dont know if the improvements I got were from the Jacobs or if I would have gotton the same improvements with another brand ignition. I know it installed quick and easy and the truck runs better, starts better, gets better gas mileage, and the looks are great. I installed a mallory distributor at the same time.

Dec 8, 1999 | 07:36 AM

Chuck P.

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From: SE PA

aftermarket ignition system

I also upgraded to the Jacobs ignition system in a 79 150 with a 351M(400). I beleive this to be the second most noticable upgrade I've made after the roller rockers. I've gotten all the benefits that Ron has posted, plus I carry my "old" coil in the tool box, it can be reinstalled with 2 wires and the coil wire if anything would happen to the Jacobs system. I like the idea of being able to carry two ignition systems on the vehical-never had a problem, but it's piece of mind thing. Alot of the guys out here also seem to take to the MSD systems, and rate them very high. I really don't think you can go wrong with just about any quality aftermarket ignition system. Just my opinion though! Chuck P.

Dec 9, 1999 | 09:31 PM

BigBrownTruck

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aftermarket ignition system

I installed a Crane Fireball ignition in my 69 390. The hot rod shop cleaned, curved and installed the optical pickup in the OEM distributer and the rest of the installation was very simple. It cost me about $160 including the labor and it has worked great.

Jul 4, 2000 | 01:12 AM

FE427TP

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From: yes

aftermarket ignition system

Ron and Chuck, how long have you guys been running your jacobs? my neighbor had his Probe have problems with the distributor about a month after he installed it.

Jul 4, 2000 | 08:33 AM

Ron

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aftermarket ignition system

Mine has been installed about 2 years now, everything still perfect, I run the mallory magnetic breakerless distributor with mine, havent had to do anything to it havent had to make any changes, even the same plugs are still in it.

Jul 24, 2000 | 07:22 AM

slikness

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From: Durham

aftermarket ignition system

My MSD 6A works great. I don't have any comparison numbers though since I swapped engines the same time I put my MSD in. I did have trouble with my stock Motorcroft distributor, though. I thought it was the MSD, but it was easy to check and to eliminate. My problem finally traced to the magnetic pickup on the distributor. I would highly recommend picking up one of the new MSD distributors with the vacuum advance. They are built a lot better than the stock distributors and give you more tunability.

'82 F150 2WD w/351W (orig 300 I6)
Slik