Electronic distributor questions??

well it's that time, the points on my 73 mav are shot and I need to brake down and buy an electronic one so that I can finally hook up the MSD box that I bought almost a year ago. So I got the new summit catalogue today and I noticed that in the info boxes some of the distributors came with wiring harnesses or adaptors for the harnesses. My main question is, can I buy just the distributor and have it installed or am I going to need additional items to make it work? If additional items are needed what are they (technical names only please)? Also what is a good distributor? I have the MSD ignition box and Blaster 2 coil but everthing else (???) is stock as far as ignition and electrics are concerned (new battery and starter but only stock replacements)? Thanks in advance for any advice.
Jeri

 

Easiest thing would be to buy the MSD distributor. It will all plug together.

 

MSD is the ONLY way to go........ IMO!

 

you can run a mallory with this an MSD box however there will be more wires plus a ballist resistor. I think using the MSD Dist is the way to go. However as everyone here has or soon will find out that MSD Boxs always go out sooner or later! Its happen to me 3 times

If you run a MSD Dist you there for have to run a MSD box to make it all work together. So.... if your box goes out when your off some where your screwed. Cuz you can't by pass the box. Unless you have an extra box in your trunk.. in fact that what the guys do when they go on the HOT ROD Power Tour never can be too safe.

On the other hand if you run and Mallory or stock Dist and your MSD box goes out... you can always by pass the box and your car will still run. Ever wonder why they aways give you those two pink wires with connectors on each end in your kit that you never use? Well there you go!

 

I thought MSD made a ready to run distributor for fords?? You could use it in conjunction with the box. I will agree though, the MSD box will eventually go out. It may be 10 months or 10 years but it will eventually go out. I carry a spare one when I go to the track!

 

http://www.msdignition.com/dist_15.htm

 

yeah thats kinda cool... that one looks like its for a late model connection which your should still beable to bypass. it has three wires on it.

However if your running one of the other ones it only has 2 wires out of it that run right to the box instead of the coil.

I had a spare box but i'm using it now cuz my other one went again! and your right it could be 10 months or 10 years when it can go out!

Also don't forget Mallory unitlites are know for going out as well. However my hasn't yet.... knock on wood, put a rabbits foot in my pocket and pary real hard! its been 15 year so far... should be any time now!

 

Wow, fifteen years? that is one long time. It outlived my dog!!

-Todd

 

Here is the website to find all the common wiring for MSD boxes.
There is a link for the Dura spark dist. listed part way down the page.
www.msdignition.com/downld1.htm.

 

MSD box goes bad.......

Yeah, I bought a MSD 6AL and I had several people wanting my old MSD6. I thought it was weird cause they already had the 6AL. They said they wanted it for a back-up.
I guess I am getting a little smarter in my old age cause I decided to let it be my back-up instead of saling it.

 

My mallory has been in 22years, no problems so far.

 

I have an Accel Blueprint distributor, basically a stock one that they refurbish, with a Pertronix Ignitor that triggers a Mallory HyFire box. If the box goes out I can run just on the Ignitor, if the ignitor goes out I have a stock breaker plate and points in the trunk.

 

Jerilyn; just use the stock distributer, if it is good, and put in a Pertronix kit. Very inexpensive, 15 min. install and they are dead bang reliable. I have had mine in for 5yrs, and no failures...ever. If your distributor is shot, get a replacement stocker, put in the Pertronix. Save some money!

 

Ditto on what Earl said. I have the stock distributor with the pertronix electronic ignition & have never had a problem with it. Like Earl said 10 to 15 minute install. Best thing I ever done.

 

What is is with these ancient threads? I am still running stock ignition, has not let me down and has even seen 7300 rpm's. That is what I go thru the qtr mile traps at!
Dan