I'm looking for a way to trigger a MSD with a stock distributor. I do not want to do it with points. Crank triggers get a little complicated for my usage. I could set one up easy enough but then have to lock out the distributor(I think -- correct me if i'm wrong) and find a way to get an ignition curve (MSD sells a zillion little add on boxes). I wanted to try ignition mans converted distributor -- before I heard he was sending back distributors unrepaired to v-8 members. Not now. :moonu: He said his conversion was off the shelf parts. Makes me think someone else knows what he is using. Reallly I'd just like a plain old magnetic pick up (like a stinger with out the stinger box and other stuff) and nothing more just to trigger the msd. In other words here is what i want: Not an hei not an msd distributor (or other brand) not a crank trigger not a pertronics (people beside ignition man have warned me about these) and I realize that afew have ahas good luck with these but i've heard of too much bad luck. However these may work better just as a pick up, with no load to speak of. perhaps just a stock magnetic pick up and points cam flag thing that was a stock part on some other gm car or other, that i can get at at an auto parts store.(no speicial stuff) Any body have an idea? o No: P.S. yea..... I know I'm picky....what so you expect... I drive a buick!
I set mine up with the Crane optical trigger. Not using MSD but a Crane Hi-6. Was dirt simple. I use the MSD cap for post type wires. I have also heard good things about the Mallory optical trigger. I do know with the Crane trigger you go with 12V to the distributor (no resistor.) Has worked great so far. I think I spent about $100 on the conversion. I can also say that I had ignition man do a conversion on a Ford distributor and it did not work worth a damn.
Stock Conversion I have an ignitionman conversion on my 455, like MANY others with excellent results. One of the best things I had done. :Smarty: :TU:
I have one of Daves distributors also, with no problems. What was wrong with yours Doug, and were you able to send it back? I know Dave supposedly moved from California to Nevada. I spoke with him a few months back, and he said to watch his website for an address change. That would mean he was back up and running. I know a few guys who had problems, but Dave resolved them promptly.
I think the basic problem is that it's a Ford. Tried to set it up in a 65 Mustang and could not generate enough spark. Car ran like it was super rich. Put a stock unit back on and worked fine. Even though I had an all new electrical system it did not provide enough voltage for HEI. I could not do a gm alternator because it had to look stock. I put together the Crane system because I could do it cheap and have been very pleased with the result.
You've circled the problem. :grin: I've seen th opticals and the more i think about it, any samn thing will fire the amplifier(MSD). there is not real load, so any thing will hold up.
He tells you what he uses, but I don't think it's as simple as that, he does some custom work to them.
Why not? I have been running an MSD 6AL in Swampthing for over 10 years with an occasional 250 shot of NOS. I have yet to reset the points, no electrical load to speak of, the only thing that can wear out is the rubbing block. But, because the MSD is only looking for a signal to time the spark relative to the cylinder, dwell isn't even a consideration. The points will continue to fire the MSD until they (almost) won't open. The only thing I would do different now is leave the condenser in, just in case the MSD failed, it would limp home (actually happened about two weeks after I installed it, and I didnt have tools with me to remove the wires and reconnect). Just remember the points will last a lot longer without a load than you can go without a tune up. :TU: Good luck, Jim
Rob Dave was happy to do mine..He knew I heard about him on V8. He was a super nice guy to talk to. I'm running an MSD 6AL and Dave's dist and an adjustable vac advance...The car runs awesome! Couldn't hurt to call him!! :TU: I could probably find the info on my dist from Dave if you'd like to PM me I'll try to dig it up!
Actually, I believe all he does is remove a plate on the pick up, by drilling out some rivets. It is the same pick up used in Ford Duraspark distributors, and MSD distributors, annd some Mopar distributors. MSD part #8466, the pick up with the Ford plate on it is MP700, and MP805 for the Mopar applications. It's all explained in the bill and receipt Dave sends along with the distributor.
That is odd... Considering Dave HAS a money back policy, with 1 year or so guarantee! Here is his info since the move, and I strongly suggest you contact him with any problems or questions. I have seen him help several people who were NOT even his customers. A very nice man, which I have met once. And one further fact, Dave tests 100% of the distributors before they leave his shop. I know, I watched him do mine. It must have taken all of a couple minutes on his machine. It is important to follow his instructions, and if you are not electrically inclined, I could see they could be confusing. Contact him. DAVE's small-body HEI's 24 Buffalo Lane Yerington Nevada, 89447 (775) 463-1821 (775) 463-1809 (Fax only) www.davessmallbodyheis.com sparkman451@earthlink.net sparkman451@dslextreme.com
Well that's a good point also. looking at budget of getting this car to run, almost persuades me to that. I can freshen the distibutor my self. go to a none contact tirgger later. The reason I don't like points is that they are contacts. I'm a maint man in a printing plant. I like reliability. the way to acheive this is often less moving parts and overkill in nearlyeverything
thanksfor the info. Don't think i really have anything against the guy personally. I think he knows his gig very well. and he may be a nice guy. But had that been my distributor he sent back.... P.S. I was near sending him my distributor when that whole deal went down.
Sent back dist's Dave has moved recently and may have made a mistake or two by returning some. I suggest if that happened to anyone, to contact him so he can rectify the situation. Keep us posted! o No: I do recall Dave stating the dist core must be rebuildable.
