aftermarket distributors ???
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Okeechobee Florida
aftermarket distributors ???
when i built my motor i discovered that the dist was shot...
my budget was running tight so i decided to "skimp" on a couple of things that were external so that i could easily replace them later...
such as the dist...
well...the time has come to upgrade it and i need advise...
those who know please advise me of my best alternatives...
MSD...Mallory...Accel...??? model numbers??? Summit links???
id like to keep it in the $300 MAX price range and NOT go to an ignition box....
i just want a nice replacement
i do NOT race the car and the engine is slightly modified...
probably around 300+ HP...
thanx for any advise...
my budget was running tight so i decided to "skimp" on a couple of things that were external so that i could easily replace them later...
such as the dist...
well...the time has come to upgrade it and i need advise...
those who know please advise me of my best alternatives...
MSD...Mallory...Accel...??? model numbers??? Summit links???
id like to keep it in the $300 MAX price range and NOT go to an ignition box....
i just want a nice replacement
i do NOT race the car and the engine is slightly modified...
probably around 300+ HP...
thanx for any advise...
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Greensburg PA
I'm using the MSD V8 Corvette Billet Tach Drive Dist. w/Vac Advance #8572, MSD 6AL Box, MSD Blaster II Coil, & MSD Wires on my 383 in the 68'
I've always had very good experience with MSD quality and performance
You're gonna go over your $300 with just the dist. & box. I would definitely go with a box even if it is just a street driven car, such as mine. The difference in how smooth the car idles (even with a big cam) due too the Multi Spark Discharge, is hard to pass up. Plus you get the added integral adjustable Rev Limiter.
I mounted my 6AL under the dash and ran all wires to/from thru the dash so as to not have the box mounted visibly under the hood.
-Jay-
I've always had very good experience with MSD quality and performance
You're gonna go over your $300 with just the dist. & box. I would definitely go with a box even if it is just a street driven car, such as mine. The difference in how smooth the car idles (even with a big cam) due too the Multi Spark Discharge, is hard to pass up. Plus you get the added integral adjustable Rev Limiter.
I mounted my 6AL under the dash and ran all wires to/from thru the dash so as to not have the box mounted visibly under the hood.
-Jay-
Last edited by 68MakoVette; Dec 19, 2004 at 10:02 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 61,415
Likes: 478
From: Here to make friends
St. Jude Donor '11, '16-'17
This is over your $300 budget, but the Crane system is extremely nice. The advance curve is adjustable by external dip switches. It does require an ignition box though.
http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...ibuter&x=0&y=0
http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...ibuter&x=0&y=0
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
[QUOTE=68MakoVette]I'm using the MSD V8 Corvette Billet Tach Drive Dist. w/Vac Advance #8572, MSD 6AL Box, MSD Blaster II Coil, & MSD Wires on my 383 in the 68'
I've always had very good experience with MSD quality and performance
You're gonna go over your $300 with just the dist. & box. I would definitely go with a box even if it is just a street driven car, such as mine. The difference in how smooth the car idles (even with a big cam) due too the Multi Spark Discharge, is hard to pass up. Plus you get the added integral adjustable Rev Limiter.
I mounted my 6AL under the dash and ran all wires to/from thru the dash so as to not have the box mounted visibly under the hood.
i have similar setup. only difference is i have the digital 6 plus box instead of the 6AL. more features and analog technology is getting dated. digital is more precise. box also has a spark retard on starup feature that helps with hot and cold starts, built in rev limiter dip switch so you don't have to buy the plug in "pills", a second stage rev limiter for launch rpm (if you decide to race it), and a nitrous retard feature. great unit
I've always had very good experience with MSD quality and performance
You're gonna go over your $300 with just the dist. & box. I would definitely go with a box even if it is just a street driven car, such as mine. The difference in how smooth the car idles (even with a big cam) due too the Multi Spark Discharge, is hard to pass up. Plus you get the added integral adjustable Rev Limiter.
I mounted my 6AL under the dash and ran all wires to/from thru the dash so as to not have the box mounted visibly under the hood.
i have similar setup. only difference is i have the digital 6 plus box instead of the 6AL. more features and analog technology is getting dated. digital is more precise. box also has a spark retard on starup feature that helps with hot and cold starts, built in rev limiter dip switch so you don't have to buy the plug in "pills", a second stage rev limiter for launch rpm (if you decide to race it), and a nitrous retard feature. great unit
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 61,415
Likes: 478
From: Here to make friends
St. Jude Donor '11, '16-'17
For a nice cheap stock replacement, you might ask on the C3 and C4 parts forum for a zz4 take off. I was able to pick a brand new zz4 HEI distributer this way.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Okeechobee Florida
[QUOTE=greyghost79]
do they offer it all in a kit of some kind that includes the box and the dist etc? or do you have to buy it all seperately?
Originally Posted by 68MakoVette
I'm using the MSD V8 Corvette Billet Tach Drive Dist. w/Vac Advance #8572, MSD 6AL Box, MSD Blaster II Coil, & MSD Wires on my 383 in the 68'
I've always had very good experience with MSD quality and performance
You're gonna go over your $300 with just the dist. & box. I would definitely go with a box even if it is just a street driven car, such as mine. The difference in how smooth the car idles (even with a big cam) due too the Multi Spark Discharge, is hard to pass up. Plus you get the added integral adjustable Rev Limiter.
I mounted my 6AL under the dash and ran all wires to/from thru the dash so as to not have the box mounted visibly under the hood.
i have similar setup. only difference is i have the digital 6 plus box instead of the 6AL. more features and analog technology is getting dated. digital is more precise. box also has a spark retard on starup feature that helps with hot and cold starts, built in rev limiter dip switch so you don't have to buy the plug in "pills", a second stage rev limiter for launch rpm (if you decide to race it), and a nitrous retard feature. great unit
I've always had very good experience with MSD quality and performance
You're gonna go over your $300 with just the dist. & box. I would definitely go with a box even if it is just a street driven car, such as mine. The difference in how smooth the car idles (even with a big cam) due too the Multi Spark Discharge, is hard to pass up. Plus you get the added integral adjustable Rev Limiter.
I mounted my 6AL under the dash and ran all wires to/from thru the dash so as to not have the box mounted visibly under the hood.
i have similar setup. only difference is i have the digital 6 plus box instead of the 6AL. more features and analog technology is getting dated. digital is more precise. box also has a spark retard on starup feature that helps with hot and cold starts, built in rev limiter dip switch so you don't have to buy the plug in "pills", a second stage rev limiter for launch rpm (if you decide to race it), and a nitrous retard feature. great unit
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
Originally Posted by SIGNGUY
do they offer it all in a kit of some kind that includes the box and the dist etc? or do you have to buy it all seperately?
MSD offers "package" deals or you can buy the stuff individually and "mix and match" as you desire. there are a lot of options and ways to go. call MSD and get a catalog (915) 857-5200, also check out www.msdignition.com. they don't sell direct but Summit racing (and others) carry them. be sure to use parts that are compatible (ie. certain coils should be used with certain ignition boxes etc.). when people have problems with these things its usually because they didn't. remember the MSD is sending 500+ volts to the coil and stepping it up to about 50,000 whereas the stock HEI sends only 12 volts to the coil.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,135
Likes: 1
i bought the entire m.s,d, package (tach drive distributor, wires coil and 6 a box) about 4 yrs ago and glad i did, got rid of those annoying points forever,also was always breaking tach drives in the origional distributor,,,,there's a $3.00 ''thrust washer'' that was overlooked and that part caused 3 tach drives to shred gears-plus i like the idea of having a grease zerk on my distributer now!!!!
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 56
From: Shawano WI
Signguy you have a 79 so you do not need a tach drive distributor. If you want to go the full MSD route you will need the following (with Summits prices)
Distributor - 8361 - $189.88
Digital 6 box - 6520 - $279.88
Blaster II coil - 8202 - $29.88
Red wires - 35599 - $68.99
Total is $568.83
That is almost double your $300.00 limit and the only benifit I see over a MSD HEI is the rev limiter.
Pete
Distributor - 8361 - $189.88
Digital 6 box - 6520 - $279.88
Blaster II coil - 8202 - $29.88
Red wires - 35599 - $68.99
Total is $568.83
That is almost double your $300.00 limit and the only benifit I see over a MSD HEI is the rev limiter.
Pete
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
when it comes to aftermarket ignition boxes people either seem to swear by them or swear at them. as i said, i debated a long time about it but happy i finally went with it. regarding the previous post, use the HVC 8252 coil not the blaster 2 coil. read the literature on the products and see if the features are what you need. i can tell you my 79 starts, idles and gets better throttle response with the MSD. my .02.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 2
From: Summerville SC
I have a new "Mallory Comp 9000" it's a Hi-Performance Billet Distributor with only about 500 miles on it! I can let you have it for $175 + shipping... if your interested. It cost me about $250 with tax and shipping when I bought it from "Jeg's" 
Last edited by INTIMIDATOR ZO6; Dec 20, 2004 at 11:28 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 56
From: Shawano WI
Originally Posted by greyghost79
when it comes to aftermarket ignition boxes people either seem to swear by them or swear at them. as i said, i debated a long time about it but happy i finally went with it. regarding the previous post, use the HVC 8252 coil not the blaster 2 coil. read the literature on the products and see if the features are what you need. i can tell you my 79 starts, idles and gets better throttle response with the MSD. my .02.
It is my opinion that the MSD boxes are one of the best ignitions available today. I highly recommend them for all of the race motors I sell. But I also believe they are overkill on the street. You can get all of the benifits of the MSD boxes (except Rev limiter) in the MSD HEI distributor (provided you don't need tach drive) at a fraction of the price. Again, it is just a matter of how much money you want to spend. If your budget is $500+ for an ignition then I would say get the full system with a box. If your budget is $300.00 Then I would recommend the MSD HEI. Performance for his motor will be the same either way.
Pete
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Recommend an $150 HEI from Summit and spend the difference having it curved.
Like others have said that HEI is fine for the street. Maybe add a performace module and then have a shop recurve the advance for u on a dist machine. I read the stock module inside the HEI is weak at hi-rpm. And maybe those Summit HEIs come with a performance module - u would need to check.
My car came with a brand new MSD 8572 and 6A. But with an automatic trans are u going to over-rev? Recently had my MSD 8572 curved and found it way off/slow - no full advance until 3600 rpm. So what i'm saying is that u could spend more money and still need to recurve the mech advance.
Good luck. cardo0
My car came with a brand new MSD 8572 and 6A. But with an automatic trans are u going to over-rev? Recently had my MSD 8572 curved and found it way off/slow - no full advance until 3600 rpm. So what i'm saying is that u could spend more money and still need to recurve the mech advance.
Good luck. cardo0
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Okeechobee Florida
ok...heres the deal...
i am currently running this http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...rm+distributor
it has a 50,000 V coil and has been recurved as per Lars instructions...
it is just not an impressive piece...not made that well IMO...
i totaly agree that going full bore with a box and all is overkill for the kind of driving that i do...
yes, i DO bang gears and yes i DO put her thru her paces...
but i DO NOT race it in competition and probably never will...
to me, its just a fun little hot rod to own and drive...
as some of you have said...i doubt that i would ever feel the difference spending the extra $ and using "the box"...
my car starts great and idles great etc already...
i just want a higher quality replacement part than i am currntly running...
what i need is a high quality, 50,000 volt, no tach drive, "plug and play" dist for my car...period...
as a matter of fact...the Mallory that Intimidator454 has is probably just what i need...
or something like that...is this MSD comparable to it?
http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...h&Ntt=msd+8365
if so...should i buy his and save the extra $$$ ???
thanx for all of your help guys....its appreciated....
i am currently running this http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...rm+distributor
it has a 50,000 V coil and has been recurved as per Lars instructions...
it is just not an impressive piece...not made that well IMO...
i totaly agree that going full bore with a box and all is overkill for the kind of driving that i do...
yes, i DO bang gears and yes i DO put her thru her paces...
but i DO NOT race it in competition and probably never will...
to me, its just a fun little hot rod to own and drive...
as some of you have said...i doubt that i would ever feel the difference spending the extra $ and using "the box"...
my car starts great and idles great etc already...
i just want a higher quality replacement part than i am currntly running...
what i need is a high quality, 50,000 volt, no tach drive, "plug and play" dist for my car...period...
as a matter of fact...the Mallory that Intimidator454 has is probably just what i need...
or something like that...is this MSD comparable to it?
http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...h&Ntt=msd+8365
if so...should i buy his and save the extra $$$ ???
thanx for all of your help guys....its appreciated....
Last edited by OkeeGuy; Dec 20, 2004 at 07:19 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 61,415
Likes: 478
From: Here to make friends
St. Jude Donor '11, '16-'17
Mallory makes a good distributer. The only caveat I can see with the one Intimidator is selling is that it has no vacuum advance. This isn't really a problem, but I prefer to have it on a street driven car for better mpg while highway cruising.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Okeechobee Florida
Originally Posted by The_Dude
Mallory makes a good distributer. The only caveat I can see with the one Intimidator is selling is that it has no vacuum advance. This isn't really a problem, but I prefer to have it on a street driven car for better mpg while highway cruising.
and whats all this about not needing vacumm advance?
ive been hearing that a lot lately...
i thought you need that...
whats up with that???
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 61,415
Likes: 478
From: Here to make friends
St. Jude Donor '11, '16-'17
No, you don't need it at all. It will give you better mpg on the highway though. It gives you somewhere around an extra 10 degrees of advance when you have a lot of vacuum, say when you're cruising on the highway at a lower rpm. If you're racing, you're running WOT all the time so a vacuum advance doesn't get you anything.