Opinion on best ignition?

[adl3026]

This question is for my 150 4x4 pickup, but could pertain to the Broncos as well. The truck has a 408 cid engine with 10.5-1 compression, Edelbrock Performer manifold and a Holley 670 carb. The distributor bit the dust (unilite) a couple of weeks ago and I'm needing a replacement. What recommendations would you have? I was contemplating a MSD setup.....is it worth the cost? Maybe just a plug and play unit? An HEI style? The unilite and promaster coil worked well for 29 years, but I know things have been updated a bit. I would value your input on a good ignition replacement. Thanks!

 

[bronconut73]

Get a new module for the Unilite and their electronic filter and rock on.

 

[gr8scott]

You'll get a lot of opinions here.
I personally run the MSD Ready-to-Run distributor. I like the option of running a ignition module or not, i just run a coil.
A lot of people here will dump on the MSD stuff, but mine has been trouble free for a couple of years now.
Like I said, you'll get a lot of opinions.

 

[adl3026]

Yeah, I know I'll get a lot of opinions. That's what I'm asking for, other's experiences. I can't complain about the Unilite setup as it only lasted 29 years! I just figured it's time to replace it. I was thinking about a complete MSD system, but it's around $700. I see Summit has a knockoff system. Anyone have any info on them?

 

[needabronco]

If you buy MSD, buy it in pairs because your gonna need the backup parts! Usually 200 miles from home at 7pm on sa Sunday in the rain......

 

[pcf_mark]

I am a huge MSD fan. They had a HUGE problem for a lot of years and still do with knock offs made in China and it hurt their name. http://www.hotrod.com/features/1311-counterfeit-automotive-products/

I have run them hot, cold, upside down, 18 volts to 9 volts,high compression even with blowers and they always work. The only way to kill them I have found is when jump starting. Get your pos and neg right they are ok, wrong no sparky sparky!

 

[C Saporito]

MSD works great. Read the directions before installing and try to mount the ignition module away from excessive heat and moisture.

I've personally never had a problem with MSD equipment, but some of their older designs didn't have internal circuit protection which would be a problem if you had faulty wiring or just skipped the directions and made a mistake.

 

[lsukevinc]

Yeah, I know I'll get a lot of opinions. That's what I'm asking for, other's experiences. I can't complain about the Unilite setup as it only lasted 29 years! I just figured it's time to replace it. I was thinking about a complete MSD system, but it's around $700. I see Summit has a knockoff system. Anyone have any info on them?

i bought a summit brand HEI for my 76 with a 302. One wire for the power and one wire to the tach. I have had it installed about a year and have had great luck with it. I would repair it if it would break and would not change a thing about it. Let me know if you have any questions or want pictures.

 

[JWMcCrary]

I'm guilty of having bashed MSD, and at the time felt I had every right to do so. I went thru 3 ignition boxes (2 new, 1 used) in a 2 year span, each time buying a new box to get going. I put the last one on in 2009 and haven't had any trouble since. The three that were bad were sent back to MSD and repaired. The last time when replacing I put 1/2" spacers under it so air could circulate all around it. It's in the same place on the passenger side inner fender. Can't say for certain that was the fix but haven't had a problem since. Been running the same MSD coil and distributor without fail since 2005. I just picked up a MSD TFI distributor to swap in so the EFI can control the timing, I hope it serves me as well as the one that's in there now.

 

[bronconut73]

There was a spell of counterfeit/Chinese made MSD stuff.

Distributors didn't even know they were selling them.

When they started going back to MSD for warranty or repair MSD figured it out.

 

[SteveL]

I also run the height in both broncos. Love em. Nice clean install. I've been running em for 15 years with no problems. Mine are the dui units. Some guys on here have had problems with the cheaper ones. I think it was the pro comps