MSD Ignition
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 315
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From: SW Louisiana
MSD Ignition
Rebuilding my 351M into a 408M w/Aussie Heads from TMInc. Cam unknown at this time, but I know I want an MSD system (Distrubuter, coils, wires, ect.) Couple of questions though. MSDs are expensive, is there an alternative distro out there that gives you the same power as the MSDs? When I choose my MSD system, I've seen coils, packs, this brick looking thing (sorry about my ignorance); which one is better and whick one do u=you think I should go with. The truck will be my off and on daily driver and part time off road (light off road) truck. I hope my explainations help you out enough to help me!
Jay
Jay
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 184
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From: Ft. Riley, KS
well i would call MSD direct and they can set you up with what you need. I bought everything for my 400eng. the ing. box, dist, coil, and plug wires. I at this point am not to impressed with it all. i have to get an adapter to make my tack to work thats 50.00. but it all looks great, LOL as far as money spent..hummmm probly close to 500-600.
hope this helps
hope this helps
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 347
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From: Skyway, WA
A stock distributor will work with the MSD box. I've been using Ford distributors to trigger my MSD. The MSD box can be triggered by points or a magnetic trigger distributor for electronic ignition. The MSD distributor is nice looking but not neccessary.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 887
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From: Colorado
I spent almost $900 on my MSD ignition setup, and i can honestly say that with the exception of the rev-limiters, it is pretty much equal to or less than a stock duraspark. The low rmp and high rpm revlimiters are really the only advantage i have seen form switching form a cheap ebay HEI to the full MSD system. My truck is slower, i have to replace coils more often, and i spent way too much on it.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,305
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From: Montgomery, IL
I like the msd box since it cleans up/eliminates all of the duraspark wiring and puts it in one handy unit.
I run stock Ford dizzy's and an msd coil.
I run stock Ford dizzy's and an msd coil.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
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jc/msd sparkers
i want to share here,but i want to be very carefull. nick and i went the full msd route on his tmi 400. big bucks/pretty/ most part plug and play and so on. but we had issues with the brain box and the rev limiter. msd is a hardcore co who produces some hi quality stuff BUT we would not and will not do it again for the street. drag race you bet, but no more street. we believe those $$$ are better spent elsewhere. good luck. paul md.
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Joined: Nov 2005
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poison oil, paul f/s
interesting, did not know about the new street fire. we WILL chech it out. tx paul md.we do think alot of msd just a few things, that mallory, for 1 has addressed. thats all it twas.anyway thanks again. i reapeat, our attitude is good, we are always lookin to learn and i firmly believe every mfg deserves a fair shake always.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 18,423
Likes: 9
From: iowa
I have run MSD for racing for years. I have ran all the way from the MSD 5 on a stock pinto, to MSD 7al-2 on a full on race engine. I ran it on the street also and saw zero improvement. So if your just doing a street rig stay with the duraspark personally.
My observations where this, the MSD 5 was a waste of money unless your switching from a points to a electronic and need a control box, the 6 I wouldn't bother with at all, just go to the 6al and get the rev limiter if that is what you want. The 6al makes a good box for a street/strip vehicle (my current play toy). DO NOT run a 7al unless your runnig a race ONLY vehicle, it's a waste, and dang expensive. BUT the 6al works good on engines that spend a lot of time in the 4000-6500rpm range, the 7al works on engines over 6000rpm all the time. Anything else the duraspark works just as good, is more dependable and cheaper.
Exception to the above is a street rod going for a cleaner hot rod look, then any of the MSD boxes just look beter.
My observations where this, the MSD 5 was a waste of money unless your switching from a points to a electronic and need a control box, the 6 I wouldn't bother with at all, just go to the 6al and get the rev limiter if that is what you want. The 6al makes a good box for a street/strip vehicle (my current play toy). DO NOT run a 7al unless your runnig a race ONLY vehicle, it's a waste, and dang expensive. BUT the 6al works good on engines that spend a lot of time in the 4000-6500rpm range, the 7al works on engines over 6000rpm all the time. Anything else the duraspark works just as good, is more dependable and cheaper.
Exception to the above is a street rod going for a cleaner hot rod look, then any of the MSD boxes just look beter.