I guess the myth of 50 bazillion volt ultrahype ignition systems will never go away.
Looking for a good high performance ignition system
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Joined: Mar 2011
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Looking for a good high performance ignition system
Hi guys: I just put together a 375-400 hp motor and I,m having a bit of a problem picking a good ignition system for it.I know there are a lot of good ones out there to choose from.MSD seems to be the pick for a lot of guys, just wondering what you think.Thanks in advance .
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
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From: Japan
For old-style distributor ignition systems MSD is hard to beat. I have one in my race car which sits for long periods of time...turn the pump on, give the pedal one or two squirts and BANG! it lights off. That particular box is now 17 years old. They make quality stuff as well- there are some chinese copies out there but you do get what you pay for. I use a Pertronix setup in my vette which also works very well and you don't have to look for a place to mount that big box either. I still think if performance is your #1 consideration though MSD is (even after all these years) the best thing out there.
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Joined: Jul 2001
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
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From: Livonia MI
I use MSD 6AL's with very good result's, and the interchangable soft touch rev limiter plug in resitors are a nice feature. Surely Mallory and some others are right up there. The multi spark low rpm feature of these units helps smooth out the lumpy idle of big cams. Not sure of all brands, but MSD requires a seperate tach adapter module to match up to factory electric tach's.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Corsicana, Tx
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Depends on what you're looking for as far as appearance and maintenance. A GOOD set of points (not cheapies) will last for years and not move around or wear and will spin 7500 rpm all day. Years ago I made over 800 HP on the dyno with a 7 year old set in a stock distributor..but they were starting to bounce at 6800 rpm or so. A switch to an MSD on the dyno didn't make any more power..just let it rev higher to allow more power. Same as a new set of points would have done.
Most folks don't want to play with points, so that said the Pertronix under a stock cap works well. Past that the MSD tach drive distributor is a great piece and works perfect and allows easy advance curve tuning.
Adding the MSD box to any system helps cold starts, idle and keeps plugs clean with nasty cams etc.
A good H.E.I. system will easily handle what you have. You might look at Performance Distributor (Davis Unified Ignition). We just tested one of their HEI's against a complete MSD package in a 720 hp 572 and it did very well. Ck the article starting on page 102.
http://editions.amospublishing.com/K...spx?d=20110701
JIM
Most folks don't want to play with points, so that said the Pertronix under a stock cap works well. Past that the MSD tach drive distributor is a great piece and works perfect and allows easy advance curve tuning.
Adding the MSD box to any system helps cold starts, idle and keeps plugs clean with nasty cams etc.
A good H.E.I. system will easily handle what you have. You might look at Performance Distributor (Davis Unified Ignition). We just tested one of their HEI's against a complete MSD package in a 720 hp 572 and it did very well. Ck the article starting on page 102.
http://editions.amospublishing.com/K...spx?d=20110701
JIM
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Unless there is something wrong with the stock coil it will likely do fine. You do need good wires. I used a stock parts store type Bosch coil on my 540" motor running 9's forever and it never hiccuped once.
The advance curve is where you can likely improve things.
JIM
The advance curve is where you can likely improve things.
JIM
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 183
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From: Litchfield CT
Use a Pertronix in your stock distributor, 40kV coil such as MSD blaster. Maybe an Msd6. This is the combo I use today.
I use a $59.00 flea bay tach drive HEI whenever I build or swap an engine, because it eliminates potential no-start troubles (just add 12v and go).
Used a $400. MSD billet yada yada yada distributor, and the only reason the car went faster was because my wallet was $400 lighter.
I use a $59.00 flea bay tach drive HEI whenever I build or swap an engine, because it eliminates potential no-start troubles (just add 12v and go).
Used a $400. MSD billet yada yada yada distributor, and the only reason the car went faster was because my wallet was $400 lighter.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Presently my Vette has The MSD E-tech digital distrib, Crane H6R multi spark sequential rev limiter, Crane E-core super magnet coil, Taylor 10.4 mm pro race wires.
My E-Tech is not as good as the Crane full digital. I would have the crane, but it was not on the market yet. The even better units are the no moving parts electronic distribs, crank triggers and 8 coil packs
Dual points, locked out Magnitos sucked 25 years ago when we used them on sprint cars. What an archaic piece of junk. Switched over to mallory electronic and never looked back
My E-Tech is not as good as the Crane full digital. I would have the crane, but it was not on the market yet. The even better units are the no moving parts electronic distribs, crank triggers and 8 coil packs
Dual points, locked out Magnitos sucked 25 years ago when we used them on sprint cars. What an archaic piece of junk. Switched over to mallory electronic and never looked back
