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Because the tack drive requires an external box like a 6AL...... which is not a quality multi spark or an exact rpm multi cylinder rev limiter. I would not even put one on a motor I cared about.
You can still find these. the built in start retard is a nice feature even with mini starters like mine.
The crane HI 6 has nice rev limiter dials and the coil is one of the best.
.............but it was really way too corroded for the conditions it lives in and the care i take. Really annoyed me. I cleaned it all off and lubed it. What garbage. As I menioned earlier my old mallory unilite (which failed after about 10 years of ownership) never rusted at all.... the good thing I can say about the MSD is that it never failed to fire.
THAT REMINDS ME THOUGH---- I really oughta look under that distributor cap again.
Another worthwhile addition when using aftermarket heads, manifolds and distributors is the use of a slip collar on the distributor so that you can adjust the mesh between the distributor/cam gear. A good many manifolds measure different than stock and cause the distributor to sit too high in the cam gear. It's a simple matter to turn off the existing fixed collar on the distributor shaft and install an adjustable one. Anyone with a decent sized lathe can do the job. You can check the mesh when building the engine using gear paste. I like the yellow color myself.
Another worthwhile addition when using aftermarket heads, manifolds and distributors is the use of a slip collar on the distributor so that you can adjust the mesh between the distributor/cam gear. A good many manifolds measure different than stock and cause the distributor to sit too high in the cam gear. It's a simple matter to turn off the existing fixed collar on the distributor shaft and install an adjustable one. Anyone with a decent sized lathe can do the job. You can check the mesh when building the engine using gear paste. I like the yellow color myself.
Good point to make sure the shaft length is right for gear engagement. I do not have access to lathe so I used distributor shims. There are several manufacturers. For example.
MSD is not th same company it use to be. Morel has made Ampco45 Bronze distributor gears for years. They will run for many thousands of miles on the street. You buy a cheap bronze gear then yes it will wear out.
And their Red coils are crap. A friend ate 3 in a year. Switched to NAPA stock coil. No issues.
Thanks guys, its always nice to get feed back on a good product before I reach for my wallet.
I've run MSD on cars and boats in the past and they always served me well.
Yes, I do plan to run with the 6AL box as they recommend.
Are you guys running the vacuum or machanical advance?
Greg
I run the FAST XFI unit so I'm completely locked down.
I've had this distributor on my 454 for 7 or 8 years with no issues at all. I run the 6AL box with a MSD coil. I just finished a complete rebuild, and it performs a lot better than I had thought it would.
I guess some have good experiences and some don't. Take your pick, I guess. I have run Mallory in the past along with Accel and many of the other ignition equipment, and almost all of it has been good. I even ran a Mallory ignition on a VW bug that ran like a stripped tail snake....
I had one on my 66' and it was great.....BUT understand that although they recommend the 6al box......you HAVE to run one as there is no module in this distributor. Why MSD has not made a Ready to Run tach drive unit is beyond me.
Jebby
I emailed MSD and this was their reply.
Hello,
No plans on a Ready to Run 8572. The best option for you would be the 6AL, part number 6425. Thanks, Bret
Your question was:
I have a 1973 Corvette with a 454 and auto trans.
I am getting ready to purchase an MSD distributor p.n. 8572. I was wondering if you will be coming out with a tach drive, ready to run distributor for the Corvette in the near future?
If not what is the best ignition module?
Most people seem to run the 6AL box.
Thanks, Greg
Last edited by OldCarBum; Jan 27, 2017 at 12:40 PM.
Hello,
No plans on a Ready to Run 8572. The best option for you would be the 6AL, part number 6425. Thanks, Bret
Your question was:
I have a 1973 Corvette with a 454 and auto trans.
I am getting ready to purchase an MSD distributor p.n. 8572. I was wondering if you will be coming out with a tach drive, ready to run distributor for the Corvette in the near future?
If not what is the best ignition module?
Most people seem to run the 6AL box.
Thanks, Greg
Which means you have to buy the box. That means a DUI Tach drive HEI is cheaper, bullet proof, has a Melonised gear, and you can buy spares at any NAPA.
MSD tach drive with a 6AL and MSD coil and 8.5mm wires. Runs great and has been since 2000 when I installed it with my ZZ4. BTW the 6AL IS an multi-spark box with rev limiter chips (resistors) for different RPM's
If you get one just be sure it has the adapter that goes in the distributor side of the tach cable. I've read here over the years that some kits have it missing for some reason.
I've run MSD in boats and street cars over the years and you all confirmed what I was hoping; that their quality and reliability is what it was several years ago. I'll be ordering mine in a few days. It can sit on the shelf for now among-st all the collection of new parts I'm stocking.
Thanks again, Greg
Good point to make sure the shaft length is right for gear engagement. I do not have access to lathe so I used distributor shims. There are several manufacturers. For example.
Good thought. The post I responded to was referring to the distributor being too high. And for me the problem was just that. It would not drop all the way down to the seating surface of the intake. So I used the shims to raise it up. I have a zero decked block and machined intake to match. But I guess if the distributor does drop all the way in and seats on the intake it maybe too high on the cam gear. I don't know.
I also run the Pro-Billet Tach drive 8572 dizzy and 6AL box. No issues in 7 years/19k miles, other then a SLIGHT corrosion issue about 2 years ago. Mine wasnt nearly as bad as the one in the previously posted pics but...It did have some white corrosion on the rotor/cap terminals and a little on the pick up coil area. It all cleaned up easily and I replaced the cap/rotor.
I've never had an issue with my MSD stuff at this point. My 8572 had the iron gear that I can use with my billet steel cam.