I want to buy an MSD ignition set up with a new distributor but i dont know what to buy? i dont race, occasional 1/4 mile run, but i do want to buy the best set up possible for the street. can anyone list some part#'s of what i would need, im looking in the summit catalog and i see quite a few distibutors and many different MSD boxes, any help is appreciated. 1966 chevelle 396.
frank

Frank,
I hate to see guys waste a lot of money so here goes... Unless you need a rev limiter, I think that one of MSD's HEI type distibutors is the way to go. Nice and compact, all in one place and easy to hook up. More than enough spark energy for almost any engine here on Team Chevelle.
Mallory also has some very nice distibutors. They actually have an HEI module that has a built in rev limiter too. The Mallory 7548201C is a complete billet HEI type distributor, complete with coil and should do the trick. Or, if you have a nice GM HEI, just get the Mallory module (# 699) and coil (#29215)
Just my opinion,

MSD has a "ready to run" pro-billet distributor, PN 8360, that I bolted in to replace my HEI, and I was VERY happy with it in my 396 (425hp). It's an external coil, three-wire hookup (they recommend using a blaster 2 coil, which I did). $249 from summit.

I too am using a MSD pro billet distributor and Blaster 2 coil, I'm also using MSD 8.5MM super conductor spark plug wires and a 6AL box. I am very pleased with my set-up and have had no problems with it for the four years it has been installed and I would reccomend it. My 72 Chevelle has a mildly modifed 350 which I do drive somewhat hard occasionally (I don't beat the crap out of it) I do race it once or twice a month for fun and the ignition performs great. I'll try and find some part numbers for you for the MSD products that I have on my Chevelle.

Brandon

I have the same setup as BK72SS, runs great....although I feel it was a bit of a waste of money, $500 for basically the same performance as my stock HEI.

As you can see at the bottom of this where I'm from...if not it's El Paso, Tx. Those of you familiar with MSD might already know that this is where MSD (or Autotronic Controls as it is technically speaking) is at. In seeing back to back comparisons run with and without MSD you do see better spark control and timing throughout all the RPMS especially down low (i.e. less than 3K) which is where most cars need to make the most power to get moving. All of my cars have full MSD setups, distributors, boxes, coils and wires, everything that MSD makes. I recommend them to anyone and although most everyone bases their hard earned money spent on performance upgrades by the seat of the pants feel, MSD is really not that type of upgrade, all though by dyno #'s you do see changes and they are upward gains just by changing over chances are you won't feel it.

With that said, I say if you don't want to spend a lot of money a MSD ready to run unit is the best, but if you got some cash to throw around, just lay it all down and by everything MSD. I recommend the 6AL box, MSD Blaster 2 coil, MSD distributor #8361 (the added vacuum advance really helps when you get to the gas station), and add in some Super Conductor wires and you're ready to rock.

Sean

thanks for the replies, so it looks like the MSD 6AL, with MSD 8360 or 8361 - what is the difference? where do you mount an external coil blaster 2?

Frank,
I aggree with Bill, but I have an MSD with the blaster 3 coil. Not necessary, but then again neither is a 2 carat engagement ring. You just like the WOW factor. Know what I mean. Plus, you have a few more options as far as custom tuning advance curves and a positive stop for max advance. Over all, just a very nice distributor.
I mounted my coil just to the left(passengers side) of the distributor on the fire wall.


Dave

Frank,
The part numbers for the MSD products I have are.

MSD 6AL box= 6420

MSD Pro Billet distributor= 8551

MSD Blaster 2 coil= 8203

I couldn't find a part number on the spark plug wires but for a description they are red and say MSD 8.5MM Super condutor spark plug wire, for a location for the coil I have my located in the stock location behind the carb.

Brandon