‘71 LS-5 MSD Ignition Question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 798
Likes: 30
From: Alberta/Missouri....... depending when.
‘71 LS-5 MSD Ignition Question
As part of the resurrection of my ‘71 LS-5 coupe, I’m in the process of trying to clean up a mess of an engine compartment and I’d like to get rid of the MSD ignition box and coil........ as well as freeing up the space for the soon to be installed (when I get one) wiper door vacuum canister. Can I use this MSD distributor with a conventional coil while I look for a OEM distributor?
Thanks in advance.
Allan
Thanks in advance.
Allan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Sort of. The distributor you have is a magnetic pickup. That sends the signal to the MSD box that it's time to fire the coil. The MSD box I don't think really cares what coil it fires, as long as it sees a coil out there. But also knowing how MSD boxes can be a little finicky, it may not last too long. You'll need to look up the specs on the box and see if there's anything on how much load the coil should have.
There is a spot on the firewall to the left of the distributor you can mount that coil too- At least there is on a 69.
There is a spot on the firewall to the left of the distributor you can mount that coil too- At least there is on a 69.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 798
Likes: 30
From: Alberta/Missouri....... depending when.
I really just want to get rid of the entire MSD system. The original ignition system worked just fine and I’d like to put it back to that.
Maybe someone has a rebuilt/good condition distributor and correct coil they’d like to trade for the entire MSD system? Engine was May 21, 71 assembly.
Maybe someone has a rebuilt/good condition distributor and correct coil they’d like to trade for the entire MSD system? Engine was May 21, 71 assembly.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,240
Likes: 1,673
From: Long Island
I would go with a stock distributor and an electric breaker less conversion. The conversions fit into the cap and looks stock.
The car runs better and holds the tune up much longer.
Jegs, electric limited and others sell them.
The car runs better and holds the tune up much longer.
Jegs, electric limited and others sell them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
71 had a resistor wire built into the engine harness. It's possible that it may still be in the harness- I suspect most people just clipped it off where it breaks out of the harness and ran a new wire from inside.
Last edited by TimAT; Jan 20, 2018 at 06:35 PM.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 798
Likes: 30
From: Alberta/Missouri....... depending when.
Thanks for the heads up, but I was actually able to find a distributor from a fellow member which I believe is date code correct. Thanks Dan!!!
May 5, 1971 distributor for a May 21, 1971 engine assembly date?
I’m going to get the car running with the existing system and then remove all the MSD components and install the OEM ignition. I’ll list the complete MSD set up with wires in the for sale section when I get that done.
May 5, 1971 distributor for a May 21, 1971 engine assembly date?
I’m going to get the car running with the existing system and then remove all the MSD components and install the OEM ignition. I’ll list the complete MSD set up with wires in the for sale section when I get that done.
Last edited by Al T; Jan 21, 2018 at 03:34 PM.
