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Jan 3, 2007 | 02:03 PM

Hvymtlc5

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 3,472

Likes: 18

From: Lake Ozark, MO

To MSD or not?

Is there any value added (or waste of money) to adding a MSD or Mallory electronic ignition onto a factory HEI system? I do get a rev limiter with the Mallory (which I already have new in a box).

My max RPM is 6200.

Jan 3, 2007 | 02:09 PM

jotto

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 2,056

Likes: 8

From: Redruth Cornwall

I asked exactly the same question ( well, almost!! ) recently and the general upshot was, As long as your stock HEI is in good condition, has been shimmed to remove endplay and has had springs replaced to give good advance curve then no its not worth it. For a few bucks, buy a shim kit and the advance kit for a points style dizzy and go to work! I wondered why Lars recommended the points style kit over the HEI kit...simple, you only need the springs and the HEI kit has stuff you dont/wont need.

Hope this helps.

Jan 3, 2007 | 04:13 PM

wfo76

Drifting

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 1,259

Likes: 2

From: MS

I ran the MSD just for the rev limiter (4-spd), with an automatic or normal street use I wouldn't bother. Unless you have a high compression high rpm engine, the HEI should suffice.

Jan 3, 2007 | 04:26 PM

Mark PittPayne

Instructor

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 194

Likes: 0

From: Hamilton Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by wfo76

I ran the MSD just for the rev limiter (4-spd), with an automatic or normal street use I wouldn't bother. Unless you have a high compression high rpm engine, the HEI should suffice.

Unless you are going racing don't change what you have.

Jan 3, 2007 | 05:04 PM

69vettester

Pro

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 725

Likes: 1

From: FL.

Not sure if its worth it to you, but the MSD w/6a makes alot more start up spark , than stock. This would help if youve ever had Cold weather starting problems & flooding ect. also ,Low Maintenance , once you get it dialed in, its good for many miles without anymore adjustment. So is an Hei though.

Jan 6, 2007 | 04:07 PM

Hvymtlc5

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 3,472

Likes: 18

From: Lake Ozark, MO

3 against, one for. I bought it new and it's sitting here. The rev limiter feature would be nice...but then again one more thing to deal with. Still waffling..........................