MSD distributor help. please

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May 10, 2009 | 03:28 PM

Mikey74Stingray

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 434

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From: Charlotte NC

MSD distributor help. please

So I still have the old points distributor on my 74 350.
I have had the engine built up a bit. roller cam, high compression pistons, stuff like that. I have a vacuum advance and a tach drive.

I really have no idea what I need. I want to upgrade to the MSD system.
can I just buy the distributor? or do I need to buy a kit of some sort?

Thanks for the help!

May 10, 2009 | 05:11 PM

7t2vette

The ORIGINAL and bestest

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From: Toronto Ontario

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MSD Pro Billet tach drive distributor #8572:

http://www.msdignition.com/Products/...m_Advance.aspx

MSD Blaster 2 coil #8202:

http://www.msdignition.com/Products/...rformance.aspx

MSD 6al ignition box #6420:

http://www.msdignition.com/Products/...v_Control.aspx

And a good set of plug wires.

This is a recipe that many people use with success, including myself.

Last edited by 7t2vette; May 10, 2009 at 05:13 PM.

May 10, 2009 | 05:19 PM

Mikey74Stingray

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 434

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From: Charlotte NC

Excellent info! thanks.
looks like $400 or more.

May 10, 2009 | 07:29 PM

08vycpe

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 1,086

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From: Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7t2vette

That's exactly what I have. As mentioned be sure to get heli-wound or spiral-wound super conductor spark plug wires. Be sure also to get the MSD set that is made specifically for the Corvette that has wires long enough to go under the exhaust and up the shielding. The first set I bought had wires that were too short even though they were for a small block Chevy. Solid core wires will not work with this set up.

Oh yeah! Get good platinum spark plugs also and set the gap higher than you normall would (like about .045 or -050 or even higher).

Also follow this very informative timing paper to get maximum benefit from your new ignition system. Note: some dial back timing lights do not read the multiple spark over 20* of crank rotation very well. If you use one and your timing seems to be all over the place it's probably the light and not your engine or your timing.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...long-post.html

May 10, 2009 | 09:25 PM

leskinner

Instructor

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 242

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From: deland fl

A few years back, I installed two MSD 6ALs on my 308 Ferrari, two distributors. I used the original distributors and points to trigger the MSDs. I also used the original wires, coils, and plugs which I gapped at .045. It turned a garage queen into a reliable daily driver. MSD=good stuff
Enjoy
Larry

May 10, 2009 | 09:26 PM

jackson

Le Mans Master

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 7,739

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From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikey74Stingray

So I still have the old points distributor on my 74 350............I really have no idea what I need. I want to upgrade to the MSD system.
can I just buy the distributor? or do I need to buy a kit of some sort?

Thanks for the help!

Your points dist will work very well with a CD box like MSD, Crane, Mallory 6 series. ... You don't have to buy a dist. If your dist is in good shape ... Just get a CD box, coil & wires.

-also- if you're in queen city ... tons of good used ignitions off real race cars cup, arca etc ... tons of it ... heck, check dave jensen near mooresville.

http://www.davejensensouth.com/Used_Nascar.htm

Last edited by jackson; May 10, 2009 at 09:34 PM.

May 10, 2009 | 09:45 PM

schmegeggie

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 2,589

Likes: 5

From: Salisbury Maryland

My advice is to buy a Mallory.

Forget the MSD!

Last edited by schmegeggie; May 10, 2009 at 10:11 PM.

May 10, 2009 | 10:30 PM

Ironcross

Race Director

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 12,142

Likes: 54

From: Taylor Michigan

Place a tach drive HEI distributor into it. There available on E Bay for around $100.00 or less. The fancy high dollar stuff is no better than any other, just costs more. The only benifit is bragging rights at the local cruises and bench racing conversations....