Topic: Hei or msd ???

[Godrokz]

Ok so what do you guys think. I'm putting my 76 455/4 speed back together and the previous set up was the msd stuff with the modified hei cap. That's a whole lot of crap in the engine compartment with the msd setup. Will a hei distributor perform just as good?

[Godrokz]

Any suggestions??? What kind of ignition are you guys running?

[joe d]

a well set up hei will perform just as well as an average off the shelf msd, until you get into the really hi end msd stuff or a magneto then not doing much more, have your hei professionally recurved with good quality parts installed and run it, hi end msd set ups are designed for high hp appliacations that are passing a tremendous amount of fuel and have a need to keep the flame lit

[Godrokz]

My engine is a 455 bored .060 over with 96cc 1970 gto heads, an edlebrock torker 2 manifold, a muther thumper cam and an 850 Holley. Do you think the hei will keep up?

[joe d]

wit the right parts and tune, yes

[oldskoolubr]

Hey John That MSD is Overkill and You need to sell it to Me! 

[oldskoolubr]

On another Note Joe Do you recommend the Module Bypass wires with A Crane HI6 Setup?

[joe d]

i am not familiar with that set up

[oldskoolubr]

Basically Cranes Version of the Various MSD 6 boxes.

[joe d]

if you look at the voltage an msd 6 puts out they are about the same as a factory hei, the 7 series and mags get into the real hi hp aps

[oldskoolubr]

Right but they are digital and have a rev limiter and are supposed to supply a hotter more consistent spark throughout the RPM range and I already own it so it's going in!  I believe the original are about 37K,  where these are closer to 50K right?  Either way John Just do a little research and see if it is worth it I forgot what kind of compression you will be running and all your other specifics?  You can use either but IMHO I think the MSD would be overkill especially if you get an original HEI recurved and rebuilt to your application!

[joe d]

yes they have rev limiters, no they are not hoter unless the voltage is higher, i think and could be mistaken but a fresh hei is 50k as for the consistent spark throughout rpms that would be due to variation from  worn shaft, weak springs, corroded weights and cheap internals, i fully agree that when in a hi hp app an msd will get he job done better and also agree with his initial gripe, a lot of clutter under the hood since you hve one already then i also agree to go ahead and install it

[oldskoolubr]

The way I understood it is they have double spark up to a certain RPM then hotter at higher!  Could be mistaken, but that's what they claim?  My HEI already had an MSD Coil in it So I was going to leave that!

[joe d]

it really depends on the system, like i said most of the 6's are for te daily diy backyard guy when you get into the 7's then you are getting a better product and the price reflects that, want to eally increase the fire, go with a mag

[oldskoolubr]

So you think I should sell it and use the money elsewhere?