440 source vs msd distributor ?

[Bens69PlymouthSatellite]

I know the msd distibutor is like the best of the best, but what would u say about the 440 source distributor? obviously the cost is the issue here, i have a full msd ignition system for my 440, 6al box,blaster 2 coil msd wires,and i was gonna just get the msd distributor but $350 is alot of damn $ for a distributor,is it really worth that and whats the biggest difference between the vacuum advance and just the mechanical advance distributors? Thanks for your input.

 

[Meep-Meep]

I can't comment on the difference between the MSD vs. the Source distributors but I will say if you plan to drive the car on the street you definitely want vacuum advance. No exceptions.

The OEM electronic works fine with an MSD and that's what I do. You should recurve it and put on a high quality well insulated brass terminal cap but that's about it.

 

[Bens69PlymouthSatellite]

forgive me for sounding ignorant...

Forgive me for sounding ignorant but what exactly is recurving a distributor? any explanation will help thanks!

 

[eagleone1983]

Ben you could contact 4secondsflat.com guys. They seem to really know their stuff when it comes to Mopar ignition. They might have an answer for you. They also rebuild distributors if you just want to have that done. I can't say if they are good to deal with or not because I haven't used them personally but I was thinking when the time comes I'd probably give them a call.

 

[Meep-Meep]

Forgive me for sounding ignorant but what exactly is recurving a distributor? any explanation will help thanks!

No problem. As the engine RPM goes up the timing needs to advance at some rate defined as degrees of advance vs. RPM. Controlling the rate at which the timing is advanced is done by weights and springs under the breaker plate in the distributor. Recurving just means changing the springs to allow a higher rate of advance (light springs) or slower (heavy springs) depending on how the engine responds. Lots of power and better driveability can be had through careful recurving. The advance weight limit may also be adjustable depending on the distributor although that number is typically set by the basic engine design. Initial plus what's in the distributor is the total. Vacuum adds to the total but really only at cruise RPM and light engine loads.

 

[Bens69PlymouthSatellite]

Thanks a ton meep-meep as usual you have been a big help, not to sound to pushy but i have a thread for peoples engine pics,could you submit a pic of how you have your your distributor wired to the msd?If not no biggie you are always plenty of help,thanks a ton!

 

[Bens69PlymouthSatellite]

THanks alot I am convinced to,between you guys and doing some homework I think I may just bite the bullet and pay the $ for the msd,might as well,I havent cheaped out much yet so no reason to start now,hey BuckNeccid you should post a 440 pic on my other thread if you have time and access to a camera,would be much appreciated by me and hopefully other fbbo members,thanks aton to all of u!

 

[Meep-Meep]

Thanks a ton meep-meep as usual you have been a big help, not to sound to pushy but i have a thread for peoples engine pics,could you submit a pic of how you have your your distributor wired to the msd?If not no biggie you are always plenty of help,thanks a ton!

My old 383 setup is slightly dismantled right now but it's really simple to hook up. The Chrysler mag pickup wires go right to a pig tail coming out of the MSD with a mini Molex connector. Scroll down to page 19 http://www.msdignition.com/uploadedFiles/MSDIgnitioncom/Products/Ignitions/6420_instructions(1).pdf

 

[dantrap]

Hey Ben, i have used both the MSD and 440 source unit. My current mill has the source piece and it works good. You may want to try one out to save some coin depending on your application.

 

[dantrap]

Ben, Just as a note i run the mechanical advance units only by both suppliers, no Vacuum advance. But mine is a limited use piece not a full time street car.

 

[Bens69PlymouthSatellite]

Thanks alot guys,just ordered an msd distributor,my wallet is cryin but oh well,called my friend at the old shop I worked at and got it for a good price,Im gonna keep my mopar one though and store it for a rainy day,thanks guys!