Distributors...Which one??
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 952
Likes: 44
From: NC
Distributors...Which one??
I was just wondering what aftermarket distributors everyone is using and if they are happy with them. Right now I am leaning towards the MSD - 8572
which is the HEI with mechanical tach drive. I am building an engine with new parts so I will no be using my old one.
Another question is, Do I have to use one of those MSD 6 AL boxes that has a rev limiter and controls the spark? I didn't really think I needed one.
Thanks
which is the HEI with mechanical tach drive. I am building an engine with new parts so I will no be using my old one.
Another question is, Do I have to use one of those MSD 6 AL boxes that has a rev limiter and controls the spark? I didn't really think I needed one.
Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Upper Darby PA
I have been out of Corvettes for 35 years until I bought an '81 with a ZZ4 motor. in the old days, I remember a duel point Mallory distributor was the way to go.
after removing the pollution equipment, I changed the top from a Q-jet and HEI to a Demon and full MSD system. the difference is awsome. the box is insurance for missed shifts, etc. you don't need it, but I felt it was worth the money. Rich N.
after removing the pollution equipment, I changed the top from a Q-jet and HEI to a Demon and full MSD system. the difference is awsome. the box is insurance for missed shifts, etc. you don't need it, but I felt it was worth the money. Rich N.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 22
From: Yooperville MI
Yes you will need an MSD box for that distributor to control the spark for the magnetic pickup. It is a good alternative to the stock points ditributor and the only electronic tach drive I know of besides home made. MSD uses a capacitive discharge design where energy is stored in a capacitor and always ready to use, where points and HEI ignitions rely on inductive discharge where the coil needs to be continuously recharged for each spark. This was the shortcoming of HEI in the early days, but now there are hotter coils and modules available. A CD ignition is best for high performance engines in my opinion because of their ability to spark better at high rpm's because the energy is available quicker but the spark duration of CD is shorter which is okay at high rpm. Inductive systems can spark better with longer duration at low rpm's and could have better driveability on the street. This is the reason CD systems throw multiple saprks at each plug below a certain rpm, to increase the spark duration. The MSD 6 boxes power from the original coil + wire, so you don't need a new hot lead like when converting to HEI.
Last edited by crazywelder; Oct 28, 2006 at 04:45 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Read these links, might interest you. They custom curve the dist for you when you order.
http://www.performancedistributors.c...stributors.htm
http://www.performancedistributors.com/faqs.htm
Torque and hp comparisons dui to duel point
http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2...utor/index.php
http://www.performancedistributors.c...stributors.htm
http://www.performancedistributors.com/faqs.htm
Torque and hp comparisons dui to duel point
http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2...utor/index.php
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 952
Likes: 44
From: NC
Originally Posted by ahoover
Yes you will need an MSD box for that distributor to control the spark for the magnetic pickup. It is a good alternative to the stock points ditributor and the only electronic tach drive I know of besides home made. MSD uses a capacitive discharge design where energy is stored in a capacitor and always ready to use, where points and HEI ignitions rely on inductive discharge where the coil needs to be continuously recharged for each spark. This was the shortcoming of HEI in the early days, but now there are hotter coils and modules available. A CD ignition is best for high performance engines in my opinion because of their ability to spark better at high rpm's because the energy is available quicker but the spark duration of CD is shorter which is okay at high rpm. Inductive systems can spark better with longer duration at low rpm's and could have better driveability on the street. This is the reason CD systems throw multiple saprks at each plug below a certain rpm, to increase the spark duration. The MSD 6 boxes power from the original coil + wire, so you don't need a new hot lead like when converting to HEI.
well poo, I was hoping to not have to spend money on the box. Thanks for the info though, gets me thinking about it. I may call the tech line to pick their brains with more questions.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 0
From: Beacon NY
I don't have my car up and running yet, but I bought a MSD Digital E-curve distributor. I know nothing about timing and I thought this one looked the easiest to install and adjust in the future.
