Im thinking about throwing in an MSD ignition. When doing so Do I need to change out my hole ignition setup? Do I need a new distributor? And Should I do it?
Thanks Alex

 

Depending on which MSD you use they are setup to trigger off a points type or electronic ignition. The wiring hookup is a minor change as they work different than a standard system. It's up to you, as to what you run in your car! What do you have in it now, and what are your future plans for your car?

 

Im not sure of my ignition now but Im sure its stock. I recently rebuilt my 455. Here is a link to my car on cardomain. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/385541...mobile-cutlass
A bunch of my future plans are there too. Hopefully I get it all done this spring.

 

Nice ride!!! I remember now, you aren't going to race it are ya? If not go with an Hei or a pertronix. Pretty reliable and inexpensive. I still like points, however I have an Hei in my Cutlass at the moment.

 

I'm running an MSD 6AL on my custom built 455 with HEI, and don't recall wiring to be much of a deal. Main thing I noticed is a smother idle when running a larger cam. Had to get a tach adapter module to run a non MSD brand electric tach though. As mentioned earlier, Pertronics has points eliminator kit's, but not sure if they're low rpm multi-spark. MSD now has smaller kits that simply replace HEI dist modules, but not sure if one for a point style dist.

 

I believe the 7 series will work off points or electronic.

 

Thanks! I dont race it as a professional but I have gone to the track and raced it as street. I was thinking about switching to HEI but havent decided yet, distributors are so expensive.
Right now I have a 0.472 Cam with lifters so im not sure how the idle would be effected. Any other suggestions you guys may have for my Cutlass? Thanks

 

Anything you do will not effect your idle, as your only swapping a new technology that basically does the same as your old, with the exception of the multi spark, which in essence replaces what a dual point would do.

The advantages of the newer systems is you have a more accurate control of your ignition system with less time involved to get there.

 

With a big cam, the engine will start easier with MSD. I really llike my 7AL3 with either a big hydraulic or solid cam. Plugs don't seem to foul as easily either, when treading that fine line between not enough and too much pumping of the accelerator pedal strying to start it in cold weather. With stock ignition, the engine reluctantly fired a bit and struggled to start. With MSD, it just starts.

 

We are still using a 6AL box. That will change this winter going to a 7 something. Main help like stated previously is idle and low rpm. Be aware tho a MSD will screw with some timing lights.