Thread: MSD Ignition

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I am currentyl running Msd distributor, coil pack and 6al box.. I just got my 350 crate engine in from jegs and it has a HEI dist. I was thinkin bout just takin all of my msd out and running it like normal.. What negative downfalls will i have out of this if any?? thank you in advance

You can do it either way. Just run one hot line to the HEI off the switch. Make sure it's not a ballast type line. The HEI needs 12v at all times.

Why can't you just pull the HEI out and drop your MSD distributor in?

Wats a ballast lol? But i was gonna give my dad the msd stuf since he got me the crate engine if it wasnt gonna be a great difference

Do u remember which crate mortor he ran?

I run MSD in a couple of my cars.......if the car is a bit overcammed or cold blooded until it warms up they do help clean up the idle. Otherwise chances are you will not notice any difference. Additionally should you have any problems with the HEI, parts are available at any parts store as oppsed to generally waiting for mail order replacements with the MSD (if you live in the boon docks like I do).

"Wats a ballast lol?"

If the car is old enough to originally have had a points ignition, then the hot wire from the switch to the coil would have been a resistor wire or would have run through a ballast resistor. Points would not take a full 12v all the time or they would burn up, so the OEM's put a resistor in the system that would cut the voltage to 6v after the motor was fired on 12v and warmed up.

Originally Posted by Shavenlaidblaze

I am currentyl running Msd distributor, coil pack and 6al box.. I just got my 350 crate engine in from jegs and it has a HEI dist. I was thinkin bout just takin all of my msd out and running it like normal.. What negative downfalls will i have out of this if any?? thank you in advance

I am currently running a 6AL with an HEI and I am planning the switch to an MSD distributor that plugs right into the 6AL box. I will also run a Blaster 2 or 3 coil. The centrfical advance on the MSD is too easy to adjust. Do you have one you want to sell?

The only advantage to the MSD in an early street rod especially is that the diameter is much smaller which means that in many cars you don't have to dimple (dent??) the firewall. Also, in some, you cannot even get an HEI dist in or out of the engine without massaging the firewall (or pulling the engine ). In a '60 and on car, the HEI works just fine

Hey Dennyw that is the exact one i have.. How did ur nephews run??

At 330 horse, the stock HEI will do fine. Leave the MSD stuff to the race cars and stick with what works. Give the MSD to Dad, and tell him thanks for the new engine.

IMO, the only time you need the MSD stuff is when you start getting into compression of 10.5 and up, exotic fuels and engines producing more then 450 horse....

Ok thanx guys this site is just plain awesome... Yea my new crate engine is goin into a 91 s10, with all painless wiring stuff, a ford 9" with mini spoil and 11" rear tires wheels combo. hopefully it will run good

ought to run good, but with those tiny tires, you're gonna have a hard time gettin the thing to hookup

there 11" wide not 11" round

hahaha ok that sounds better.... figured you might be goin with the custom tiny stuff for a super lowered ride.... glad you're not though

It will be bagged and bodydropped cus i am a hardcore minitrucker but i dont go small lol.. Bigger is better lol