Worth getting MSD?

[nathanpotts]

Hey all, I’m looking at getting a MSD Distributor and ignition kit. Would anyone recommend getting a setup like this, and which one? Or should I save some money and go with a different setup? My truck is mostly stock with edelbrock carb and intake.

 

[CountKrunk]

What are you hoping to get out of this new unit?

 

[bucket]

Their stuff is pretty good, even their own Street Fire offshore brand. I've lost track of how many Street Fire HEI distributors I've installed in my cars and trucks, not a single complaint about any of them.

 

[fast 99]

Stock HEI has plenty of voltage for most applications. Unless RPM is going to be over 6000+ it will work fine. Have used them in lower classes of circle track racing [to save money] no issues.

 

[bucket]

Stock HEI has plenty of voltage for most applications. Unless RPM is going to be over 6000+ it will work fine. Have used them in lower classes of circle track racing [to save money] no issues.

Most stock distributors are fairly worn out at this point though.

 

[fast 99]

Most stock distributors are fairly worn out at this point though.

That's true, if going to replace it anyway then I agree...... upgrade.

 

[nathanpotts]

Yes planning on replacing distributor, which one should I get?

 

[1lejohn]

I'm running an MSD 6 A box with the built in rev limiter. It's the newer digital box. It also has a built-in anti-theft if you ground one of the spare wires with a hidden switch the truck will crank but not start. I'm using an Accell Dizzy, but it has a big red cap. I wanted the box so I could get rid of the ignition module located in the distributor. I've run several MSD boxes and other components with no failures. I think it helps with cold starts, maybe a small milage increase, not increasing power at my trucks level. They are well worth the cost. IMO.

 

[nvrenuf]

I'm pro MSD and have a full MSD ignition (6AL, billet distributor, coil) that I have moved between 3 engines now over almost 30 years.

That said, IMO, MSD is not something that you'll feel relative to the amount you'll spend. I'm very happy with my set up and it's great for keeping the plugs clean under heavy carburetors and such but if it failed and I had to throw an HEI at it I might not notice it.

I'm not discouraging you from buying it just warning you that if you hypothetically spend $500 on parts you might not feel $500 worth.

 

[Catbox]

I have run a full MSD set up on my VW Bug.
Long ago I read that the pro's say that there is never too much ignition for an engine.

I had the set up on a stock 1600cc engine.
It ran like a champ for the years that I had it on the engine.

Now there is an MSD distributor in my sons truck, he will be putting the box and coil into the truck at a later date.

I have never felt like I wasted money on the things I have bought as I know that having enough spark in the chamber is a good thing.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Why doesn't everyone run the regular streetfire? lolol I would hate wiring up and mounting an extra box. Also no one ever has a built enough motor to use a standalone box.

Ive ran a few of the regular replacement street fire, version. Not a single problem.

The real problem is finding a stock replacement that is also reliable. Which is very had these days. But MSD isnt very expensive with the street fire.