Yet, another Distributor Post

[The PIG Smith]

OK, I am needing to upgrade my distributor and ignition system in my 86 Grand Wag.

Some of the options that I have been considering are: TFI, HEI and some type of total MSD solution.

TFI would be the cheapest, but I hate having that module over on the fender to worry about.
Also, my skills at fabbing a coil bracket are not the best. I am sure I hack something to together, but it would look cheezy.
I would really like to stay away from Ferd ignition systems.

HEI sounds like that is the way to go, but I understand that there limited movement for adjustment once the unit is installed.
Also, finding them to purchase is not the easiest thing, for they are available and then they are not.
This also seems to be the least popular ignition upgrade, so they means not that many folks around to ask for help when I need it.

MSD makes a Distributor and all types and little red box that gets mounted over on the firewall/fender.
I am sooo confused as to what all a person needs buy in order to obtain the best MSD solution.

I am writing to hear your MSD opinions and experiences, and what all MSD product that a person needs to buy that works well together in a FSJ.

HEI opinions are also welcome.

[The PIG Smith]

What, no opinions? No Flames? ;)

[GirlsLoveDirt]

i just installed a hei and my wag is in a parking lot dead ...

[89grand]

I have the TFI and MSD and it's been running great for 9 months or so, not to rub it in or anything. If you've got the fabrication skills of a 6 year old you'd still be able to make the stock coil bracket work. It takes 1 minute with a hack saw. And with the MSD I'm not using the stock ignition module, of corse that's the whole idea in using the MSD.

[Joe Guilbeau]

You wanna keep it simple and fairly cheap?

Mallory Unilite Series 47 Optical LED Distributor for about $235 dollars and a ProMaster coil to match the Unilite system, or just keep on using you current coil.

That is all you need.

Been running mine for 10 years now, with no problems.

[89grand]

If you want indepth instructions on how to install the MSD 6A, where to mount it and how to modify the coil bracket I'll give it to you.

[GirlsLoveDirt]

geez joe i wish i knew that before i bought this 275 dollar hei piece o'

[Joe Guilbeau]

Originally posted by GirlsLoveDirt:
geez joe i wish i knew that before i bought this 275 dollar hei piece o'HEI has been utilized on many (probably hundreds of thousands of vehicles) without problem.

Somthing amiss?

[Merc69]

Did the MSD TFI set up on PsyOp about a month and a half ago. It is great. So much so I did the same to SBR and went the MSD distributer on this one...I could not find a good rebuilt one. Lots of bucks but RELIABILITY is my goal. If your dizzy is good just get the adapt-a-cap from MSD, a 6A box, MSD 8.5mm wire set for a Ford 460 with the HEI coil wire, and a MSD TFI coil. Very cool set up. If you need the part numbers let me know...I can look them up.

[djmac]

i need some help guys. i am totally confused on what ignition to use. i have an 88 ford 460 in my j-10 with a dura spark ignition. what would be the best\simplest upgrade for me? it seems from what i read that my dizzy is good as is. where do you go from here?

[Merc69]

djmac: get the msd setup. You will not regret it. The 6A box works great. This will eliminate the dura-spark box, up grade your wires to the MSD when you do this. If you don't have a ford TFI coil do so. You will never look back. Good luck.

[millertime]

As far as the TFI coil mounting is concerened look at ford cars at the junkyard and im sure youll find a good tfi bracket. I got mine from a 80's merkur xr4ti and it worked perfect. Ill see if I can get a pic.

[Dragon wagon]

Merc69,
Would this work in my 75' 401? Is this local auto parts store stuff or online products?

Tyler

[Sbonley]

MSD also has a new dizzy for AMC's called the Billet ready to Run. It does not require the MSD 6 box or the factory Duraspark. Just put it in with a good high output coil and away you go. I have heard good things about MSD and this is the way I am going to go in the motor I am rebuilding(if the weather ever gets better or if I am not working every weekend the weather is good).

[carrotman]

The whole distributer upgrade started because of the Prestolite ignition used in late 70's Jeeps. It would die at least 3 times a year. Didn't matter the temp or humidity. I wouldn't ride in the passing lane on major highways for fear that it would decide to die. Also did the same on friends FSJ's and CJ's. I finally got the Davis Unified Ignition HEI about three years ago. Works perfect. Except for the winch, best thing I ever got for my Chief.

[djmac]

my current coil is the typical round cylinder type. how do you id the tfi coil?

[89grand]

It's really easy to adapt the TFI coil to the original bracket. Take the round part off, you won't need it, then you'll have to cut a small piece off whats left of the bracket with a hacksaw and you're done. You'll see exactly what needs to be cut when you have the coil and the bracket there to look at. There is no need to go scrounging for a TFI bracket. I took me a few minutes to do.

[The PIG Smith]

Originally posted by Sbonley:
MSD also has a new dizzy for AMC's called the Billet ready to Run. It does not require the MSD 6 box or the factory Duraspark. Just put it in with a good high output coil and away you go. I have heard good things about MSD and this is the way I am going to go in the motor I am rebuilding(if the weather ever gets better or if I am not working every weekend the weather is good).I saw that on their Web site

http://www.msdignition.com/dist/pn8523.jpg

Ready-to-Run Pro-Billet V8
Finally an answer for your AMC’s worn out breaker points distributor!
This new Ready-to-Run Pro-Billet Distributor has a built-in inductive module
that produces up to 7.5 amps to create a high voltage spark at the plug.

This spark improves combustion of the fuel mixture resulting in quick starts, a smooth idle and great performance.
Since this distributor has it’s own ignition module there is no need to run an MSD Ignition Control.

This keeps your engine compartment uncluttered! Installation of the distributor is simple with
only three wires to connect with the supplied Weathertight harness.

Under the MSD cap there is a mechanical advance assembly that can easily be tuned to your engine’s specifications.
The assembly is fine blanked from chrome moly and receives a friction reducing QPQ coating.

Different advance springs and stop bushings are supplied giving you 24 curves to choose from.

The Ready-to-Run AMC Distributor also has a vacuum advance canister and
is supplied with everything you need for installation!

Pro-Billet Ready-to-Run V8 AMC Distributor
290, 304, 343, 360, 390, 401 PN 8523

[gpd]

I did the TFI and it has run great. Very simple and straight forward project. Look for the link that explains the "whys" this upgrade works, It helped me.

http://fsjeep.homestead.com/TFI_Upgade.html

[osceola]

bracket for coil is easy. piece of angle iron . mount coil on top edge drill two holes using coil as guide. drill hole in other flat to mount to intake manifold piece of cake. you wont even see it . if you are cheap like me make it out of a piece of old bedrail someboby threw out .

[The PIG Smith]

Thanks guys for the ideas!

I think I am leaning towards the MSD Ready-to-Run distributor.
I like the one-stop-shopping, just like the GM HEI unit.

Anyone here have an experience with this new MSD dizzy?