MSD or HEI?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
MSD or HEI?
Regarding the 454/502 going in my 79 Vette Rod....
I'm looking to go with a good HEI or an MSD with a 6AL control box. Looking to Performance Distributors for a pre curved HEI or going with an MSD Pro-Billet or similar with a 6AL control box.
Who's running what ignition wise, and why?
I imagine it will be fine but do have a minor concern with HEI clearing my firewall in my 79 with the BB 454/502 hybrid
As always, thanks in advance!
I'm looking to go with a good HEI or an MSD with a 6AL control box. Looking to Performance Distributors for a pre curved HEI or going with an MSD Pro-Billet or similar with a 6AL control box.
Who's running what ignition wise, and why?
I imagine it will be fine but do have a minor concern with HEI clearing my firewall in my 79 with the BB 454/502 hybrid
As always, thanks in advance!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
You cant go wrong with either one. The HEI is what I am running because I like the easy replacement
parts availablity and the all in one package design. It clears the firewall fine with a big block.
parts availablity and the all in one package design. It clears the firewall fine with a big block.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
HEI will do everything you want and need, unless you're doing an all-out racing car. Of course...the MSD has a better visual appeal and will do a great job as well...your money and your choice. I can't see where you can go wrong either way.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 156
From: Mid West
Cruise-In III Veteran
Have you considered an HEI upgraded with the MSD internal module & rpm limiter, hotter coil, and low resistance bushing? That's the route I took, and I am very pleased.
Don't use the standard "bushing" under the MSD coil, I tried that and melted it permanently into the cap
.
Don't use the standard "bushing" under the MSD coil, I tried that and melted it permanently into the cap
.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
454/365 LS5 1971 engine in my 69 coupe.
MSD Pro billet
6AL box
Mounted box in front of radiator on plate
Still have mechanical tach
And I've had............0 seconds of trouble in over 2 years, in Tucson, AZ
Ambient temps can be over 110* at times here
MSD Pro billet
6AL box
Mounted box in front of radiator on plate
Still have mechanical tach
And I've had............0 seconds of trouble in over 2 years, in Tucson, AZ
Ambient temps can be over 110* at times here
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
Have you considered an HEI upgraded with the MSD internal module & rpm limiter, hotter coil, and low resistance bushing? That's the route I took, and I am very pleased.
Don't use the standard "bushing" under the MSD coil, I tried that and melted it permanently into the cap.
Don't use the standard "bushing" under the MSD coil, I tried that and melted it permanently into the cap
.I guess I'm just gonna have to throw a dart at a board!
At least I had the two top runners picked!
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I went with the MSD and the 6ALN box. I like the rev limiter, ability to itegrate my nitrous electronics like my window switch and timing retard easily and an HEI wouldn't clear my rear carb. 6 years, lots of hard runs, 0 issues, reusing it on my new build.
Last edited by 63mako; Jun 7, 2009 at 11:47 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
HOw about a bit more info on how your N2O system integrates?
I am thinking of 150-200 hp shot for track days.
( or even just for the YEEHAAAA factor!)
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Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
You have PM. 150 shot on the cam designed for it = 170 HP over the 500+ on the motor. Better hang on and beef up the rest of it to handle the load.
Last edited by 63mako; Jun 7, 2009 at 11:51 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
i have run the pro billet with the 6a box for 8 years with no trouble.....7000 miles....i run the #1 map.....the pro billet also has the melonized gear required for the gen vi cam shaft.....
Last edited by midyearvette; Jun 8, 2009 at 02:00 PM. Reason: gear
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
A good stand-alone HEI is plenty.
It's most reliable but parts are most readily available too.
Suggest you learn or locally source a distributor tuner rather than rely solely on even the best-intentioned vendor setups.
Seems an equally important consideration is material-matching proper distributor drive gear to the specific gear material found on the specific cam in that 454/502.
It's most reliable but parts are most readily available too.
Suggest you learn or locally source a distributor tuner rather than rely solely on even the best-intentioned vendor setups.
Seems an equally important consideration is material-matching proper distributor drive gear to the specific gear material found on the specific cam in that 454/502.
