Are MSDs really worth it? I just had a very knowledgable buddy tell me that if I wasn't going to race, there wasn't any real good reason to use one on the street. He said I wouldn't feel much difference. Is that true? Thanks Rhat

My understanding is its very true, unless you are shooting above 5000 rpms, your stock or HEI ignition system should be able to provide enough spark to the plugs without a problem. Just have good wires and good plugs you should be fine, I'd say 8mm wires would be a good set.

I disagree.

Upon installation of my 6AL some ten plus years ago, I noticed that it started eaiser, idled cold without a choke and I picked up about 3 miles a gallon with the power plant that was installed at the time.

Also, the throttle response was much quicker and cleaner. Smog wise it was producing much less emissions than that of before its installation. Come to think about it, after roughly 243,000 miles, 1 year on an oil change and 40,000 on the plugs, wires, cap and rotor....it still put out less emissions than that of a (at the time) new 1993 Z28 Camaro. :D

I like the MSDs because they generally make your engine idle smoother and cleaner. The MSD shoots out 5 sparks per cylinder while engine RPM is under 3,000. This practically insures that all cylinders are lit. Most performance engines run rich (my engine included) and the MSD helps keep the plugs clean.

If you have an HEI probably no but if you still have a point type ignition a Msd will definately help.

If you have and HEI it is still a HUGE upgrade. One of the single best bolt-on modifications that you can do. I didn't believe it either. But after putting a 6A box on my car when I had my small block, I'd recommend a CD ignition box to anyone. I had a recurved HEI with a high output coil, and my only change was the box itself. The car no longer fouled plugs at idle. No longer needed me to nurse her to life with no choke, even in the dead of Michigan winter. Idle was smoother, fuel economy picked up. And most noticable of all was the increased throttle response, ESPECIALLY off idle, where my engine was a bit lazy (355, 228* @ .050", sportsman II's, victor jr, 3310 holley), even with 3.73's and a 4-spd.

gotta add, my experience is the same as chicane and joesmith's. not to denounce the hei, but i had a good rebuilt hei, recurved, good coil, etc., as well, and going to the 6al and a pro billet dist. was very noticeable. as previously said, better smoother idle, starts and idles great, even w/o a choke, and very crisp throttle response. this is on a fairly "on the edge" street motor, but i would think any motor would be similar. so in short, an hei is certainly capable, but the msd is just far superior, imo. worth every nickle spent. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

I replaced my stock points type distributor with MSD's ready to run distributor and have no complaints. I also added a crome Blaster 2 coil. My car runs much better and has better response. I am very pleased with the MSD distributor and coil so far. I haven't decided if I will buy the 6AL box since I basically drive my car on the street and right now I would rather spend my money elsewhere, but I would recommend upgrading to an MSD distributor/coil.

Me too

Me too
I had a well prepared HEI before on a cammed up 4 speed 396 with a demon. Same curve big difference with the MSD.

KRhat, I'll tell you my experience with an MSD kit. Check my signature for my '69 as it will explain my motor. It already had a stock HEI distributor in it. Last summer I bought the MSD kit which replaces the module, rotor bug, cap, and coil. The coil was the one that goes on top of the cap. I could not tell the difference in any performance.
Well.......in the meantime after about 2000 miles of use, my car stated acting funny. I changed out all the MSD parts back to stock and I also replaced the pick up in the bottom of the distributor. When I had the distributor out of the motor I also discovered that when the original HEI had been installed the ballast resistor wire have never been removed so I replaced it with a piece of 10 guage wire. When I put it all back together I used all stock components, no MSD stuff at all.
My car ran better than ever after gettng it back together. I do not know if it would be better than that if I put all MSD stuff back in it or not. I talked to a engine builder buddy of mine and was told that if you are not planning on racing and going over 6000RPM stock components will be just fine. Keep a good set of wires in it along with the proper heat range plugs for your engine and you will be fine.