Switch to MSD?

[Pete G.]

I tried to read as many posts as possible on ignition performance (there are many!). I have a '68 L68 with new spec Holleys (linkage not tuned well yet, mainly only primary carb working well). I have the electronic ignition module in lieu of points. Not good performance, pre-detonation, hard starting cold and warm, etc. It's been recommended that if I want better performance on this setup, I should consider changing ignition over to MSD. Most everything is spec on the car and I would like to judge it at some point, but also am not a mechanic (I am learning!) and need to get assistance when things get outta whack. I know the MSD conversion would improve driving performance/enjoyment, would allow the L68 to run better on pump premium, and would be easier to adjust, but what would the conversion cost me at judging?? This is a performance vs. originality dilemma.

Thanks for the input!

[Michael W.]

Re: Switch to MSD?

I know the MSD conversion would improve driving performance/enjoyment, would allow the L68 to run better on pump premium, and would be easier to adjust, !

Actually it won't do any of those things. If your engine does not operate as per GM spec with stock ignition, there's a problem elsewhere that must be corrected rather than covered up with expensive red boxes.. Ultra-zoomy-blasto ignitions are the darlings of the boy racer crowd that spend too much time reading Jegs or Summit catalogues.

Also- there is no such thing as predetonation, there is either pre-ignition or detonation which are very different phenomena with different root causes and cures. Again, a properly adjusted stock system will eliminate either issue.

That sort of solves your potential judging issue too.

[Dick W.]

Re: Switch to MSD?

Gonna get flamed for this comment, but if you want to drive your car and enjoy it, by all means convert to MSD and the Blaster coil. Have one on the '72 big block for over 20 years. Using the points in the distributor, never adjusted them after installation, replaced one spark plug (bad wire), starts easy and fouling of plugs is non existent. Judging would be another thing. You can hide the MSD box easily, especially if the car has A/C. I painted ours black and mounted it on the lower splash pan on the RH side, made a wiring harness that with the factory harness. Coil you would take a full deduction on, and box, if a sharp judge found it, would take ? points hit. Trailer queen or driver, it is your car and it is up to you to decide which.