C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
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Old Aug 2, 2010 | 09:27 AM
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Trying to figure out what model MSD unit to purchase. 1978 w/ 383, Weiland intake, Demon carb, 2 1/2" full dual exhaust and automatic. Thanks for the help.
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Old Aug 2, 2010 | 10:37 AM
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FWIW, I've decided to go with a Mallory Max-Fire.
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Old Aug 2, 2010 | 11:21 AM
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I like Mallory also.

I don't buy anything from MSD except their bulk 8.5mm black plug wire.... read on their forum with all the problems their stuff has. I also think many of their products are ugly in shape and color. Looks amaturistic in design.
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Old Aug 2, 2010 | 11:51 AM
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I have an MSD 6A...no problems at all with it. What I would consider today (it wasn't available when I bought the MSD), is Summit Racing's own brand capacitive discharge ignition...digital rather than analog like the MSD, and far less expensive. I understand it's made for Summit by Mallory.

The MSD 6AL has a rev limiter you can set...not really necessary unless you plan on winding the engine out a lot, but a nice feature. The Summit CD has it where the MSD 6A doesn't.
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Old Aug 2, 2010 | 12:06 PM
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MSD 6AL, put a low rev 6000 rpm chip for my new motor until shes broke in. Never had an issue with MSD
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Old Aug 2, 2010 | 01:49 PM
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Originally Posted by manfroni
Trying to figure out what model MSD unit to purchase. 1978 w/ 383, Weiland intake, Demon carb, 2 1/2" full dual exhaust and automatic. Thanks for the help.
What drivability issues are you seeing that is pushing you towards a different ignition system?
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Old Aug 2, 2010 | 02:00 PM
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I have an MSD 6AL in my drag race big-block Camaro and the Summit version in my Corvette.
The Summit isn't as sexy as the MSD but it's half the price and digital.
and yes........nothing beats the MSD wires!
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Old Aug 2, 2010 | 02:47 PM
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MSD Pro billit and MSD 6al
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Old Aug 2, 2010 | 03:00 PM
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MSD 6AL box, #8572 tach drive dist, Blaster coil and 8mm wires here. Been bullet proof 10 years now.
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Old Aug 2, 2010 | 03:09 PM
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Default Msd 6al

I fitted an MSD 6AL to my '69 350 when I rebuilt the engine. The Vette starts immediately, idles and runs well, and uses the original distributor system. It's never given me any trouble in many years of service. Before I bought it I knew it had a very good reputation.
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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 08:42 AM
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Here's from the MSD troubleshooting forum...you guys with MSD appear to be lucky..... better buy a lotto ticket.

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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 09:11 AM
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Enough volume to start an actual forum for that. Amazing.....
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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 11:06 AM
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Originally Posted by jimvette999
Here's from the MSD troubleshooting forum...you guys with MSD appear to be lucky..... better buy a lotto ticket.

If you sell thousands of a product, a problem will eventually arise. Majority of problems are due to incorrect installation issues. I am also a problem free MSD user.
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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 12:17 PM
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Tough to beat a GM HEI dist./ignition setup.
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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by skids
If you sell thousands of a product, a problem will eventually arise. Majority of problems are due to incorrect installation issues. I am also a problem free MSD user.
MSD 6AL, Pro Billet Distributor and Blaster Coil. No problems here.
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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 01:40 PM
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From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
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Originally Posted by skids
If you sell thousands of a product, a problem will eventually arise. Majority of problems are due to incorrect installation issues. I am also a problem free MSD user.
GM sold millions of their ignition systems, and yet you see less reported problems on this forum than the aftermarket bling systems.

FWIW, I believe we are still waiting for an answer from the OP on why he thinks he needs to change what he's already got.

(Disclosure: I'm a problem-free Delco ignition user on my turbo 355 and my 427.)
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