Ignition

[69x22]

A friend with a 67 Camaro running a small block wants to do away with the MSD ignition box, so the question is what distributor can he run that is self contained with high enough intensity to keep up with a 500 hp small block without being the size of a HEI. According to MSD the self contained 4 wire hook up distributor that they make is designed for milder engines.

[chr2002ca]

I would agree with that choice. I have a GM HEI distributor and installed the MSD 6AL Super HEI kit. I saw no difference in performance. I installed the MSD box under my dash and the only thing I got out of it was a noticeable hum(they're not overly quiet). Also, I was doing some reading after I installed it and learned that you lose the multiple spark feature of this box when you run it through your GM HEI distributor. You can only have a single spark with that setup. Has something to do with the ignition module or something like that. The person who wrote it actually contacted MSD about it and they verified that it was true. So after reading that, I was like, "What the hell am I using this thing for then?" The only feature I was truly getting was the rev limiter. So I removed it and went back to my standard HEI coil and ignition.

I know this doesn't really answer your question, but it does support your efforts! :)

[Bowtieracing]

I So after reading that, I was like, "What the hell am I using this thing for then?" The only feature I was truly getting was the rev limiter. So I removed it and went back to my standard HEI coil and ignition.

I know this doesn't really answer your question, but it does support your efforts! :)



Yes you are so right! The biggest speed shop jokes is to sell 6AL with HEI :rolleyes:

[awr68]

Yes you are so right! The biggest speed shop jokes is to sell 6AL with HEI :rolleyes:

Is all this still true if it's a MSD HEI?

[Bowtieracing]

Is all this still true if it's a MSD HEI?


I have no idea. But upgrading stock good condition gm HEI distributor in mild street motor with 6AL does not give or gain anything.

And as far "mild" goes,even GMs 620hp / 572 use GM HEI distributor without any boxes. :cool:

[chr2002ca]

I think we kinda hijacked this thread a bit. The original question was, is there a distributor out there that is self-contained and that will perform like an HEI but has smaller dimensions? When you say, "self-contained", I'm only guessing that you mean that the coil is on the distributor? If so, I'm not sure you'll find a distributor that includes the coil, is smaller, and performs like an HEI. I believe you would have to use an external coil. Something like the MSD HEI Distributor kit 8474:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MSD%2D8474&N=700+4294881256+115&autoview=sku

[69x22]

MSD makes a distributor that uses a standard Blaster type coil, but needs no MSD box. I believe it is a 3 or 4 wire hook up. I know what you meen by that hum, I went through that with my old Model A.
The problem is once you have AC, stereo, and cruise control installed under the dash of a Camaro it leaves little room for a MSD box. Then if you get it under the dash and have to work on anything, you probably know where I'm going with this. Pain in the A@*.

[98ssnova]

doesn't MSD make a small cap for HEI?