Stroked Big Block Ignition

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mopowers

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What do you guys with stroked big blocks run for ignition? HEI, MSD, or? I'm acquiring parts for my 470 build and am trying to decide on an ignition. My 4-pin GM HEI seems to work well on my SB, but the features that some of the MSD and similar boxes provide seem attractive as well.

What do you big block guys run?
 
Stock right now. My MSD **** the bed after two months. Had to Temp wire stock back in. MSD warrantied it so this spring I'm wiring up both to have stock set up for spare so I'm not stranded again.
 
I ran an MSD distributor locked out, with a 6AL box. no issues ever. my box was under the dash away from the heat and vibration.
 
I should've probably specified that I'll be running a MP electronic distributor.

Has anyone had any issues with the digital boxes on the market - say from Crane, Mallory, MSD, etc.

I ran an MSD distributor locked out, with a 6AL box. no issues ever. my box was under the dash away from the heat and vibration.

What is the engine/car combo?
 
I should've probably specified that I'll be running a MP electronic distributor.

Has anyone had any issues with the digital boxes on the market - say from Crane, Mallory, MSD, etc.



What is the engine/car combo?
I was going to post about THAT very distributor...
Rick Ehrenberg from Mopar Action magazine has stated many times that he thinks that most of the MP electronic distributors are junk. STOCK ones were great but the reproduction Mopar Performance units are not despite the fact that they look similar from the outside. The problem is that the MP units were essentially a scaled down version of a GM HEI design and R/E claims that not all things scale down properly. The weights in the MP unit are tiny and don't weigh much, leading to unstable timing and spark scatter. He believes that these distributors are "Un-Tuneable".
I've had one for many years. It works but I can attest that the timing does jump around. I can run the engine to any rpm and look at the timing marks with the light and see it dance around. I have to watch it move back and forth and guess what the middle number is and assume that I have it right.
I did not want to use an MSD. The huge control box looks ugly to me. For years, I have considered just getting a stock RB distributor and welding up the slots a bit to narrow the curve. I did just that last Summer for a B series distributor that is going in the 383 in my "Jigsaw" Charger.

Jiggy F 2A.JPG
 
I was going to post about THAT very distributor...
Rick Ehrenberg from Mopar Action magazine has stated many times that he thinks that most of the MP electronic distributors are junk. STOCK ones were great but the reproduction Mopar Performance units are not despite the fact that they look similar from the outside. The problem is that the MP units were essentially a scaled down version of a GM HEI design and R/E claims that not all things scale down properly. The weights in the MP unit are tiny and don't weigh much, leading to unstable timing and spark scatter. He believes that these distributors are "Un-Tuneable".
I've had one for many years. It works but I can attest that the timing does jump around. I can run the engine to any rpm and look at the timing marks with the light and see it dance around. I have to watch it move back and forth and guess what the middle number is and assume that I have it right.
I did not want to use an MSD. The huge control box looks ugly to me. For years, I have considered just getting a stock RB distributor and welding up the slots a bit to narrow the curve. I did just that last Summer for a B series distributor that is going in the 383 in my "Jigsaw" Charger.

View attachment 1715693133

Very interesting that you mention that, Greg. That actually makes a ton of sense. I run a MP electronic distributor on the 340 in my other Dart along with a GM HEI module. I've never been able to get the timing stable with that thing, especially at idle. I've got a collar on the distributor shaft near the intermediate drive gear and a really good timing chain, and have just chalked it up to it being a product of having light springs in the centrifugal advance mechanism.

I found a deal on a new low deck BB MP distributor years ago and it's just been in a box on the shelf awaiting use. I may have to rethink using it on this particular build.
 
I plan to get a rebuilt electronic 440 distributor and weld the slots like so....

383 D 11.jpg
383 D 17.jpg


That was my 383 distributor. A fresh RB rebuilt unit is going to have new bushings, pickup, reluctor wheel and a clean appearance.
The beater Charger is a 383 model. I rebuilt the original mill and am waiting to install it after the 5 speed swap is done and all the bugs are worked out with this car....
Charger 10 fffx.JPG
 
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