MSD Distributor, Coil & Wires worth the cost??

[Shadetree]

Hello, I have a 72 Cuda with a 440 that the mechanical advance on the stock distributor has quit working on. I wanted to clean the old distributor up and reuse it but it's locked up and past saving. I'm going to purchase a new distributor and I'm wondering if the MSD is worth the extra $300 cost over a stock distributor. I'm also considering upgrading the wires and coil to MSD while I'm at it if it could be beneficial. I already have the MSD box installed and the motor is moderately built with a cam and headers. I'm wondering if anyone has any firsthand knowledge on this upgrade and are willing to share their experience. Thanks!

[Brads70]

I just used a rebuilt from a jobber. With an MSD box your just using it as a trigger basically.
I found this useful. I also run a MSD box. Been on my car 10 years now with no issues. http://www.4secondsflat.com/Mopar%20Mechanical%20timing%20limiter%20plate.htm

[7212Mopar]

Unlike stick, the pickup on the MSD is fixed and not adjustable. However, the star wheel is beefier and bigger. The advance is on top and easy to change spring and bushing to setup mechanical advance. I have billet model and no vacuum advance. Not sure if they have one with vacuum advance. I am also running MSD multi-spark ignition box and blaster 2 coil. Use ring connector when hooking up the coil and forget the slip on connector.

[Chryco Psycho]

IMO No MSD is not worth the cost , I have seen them fail constantly ,
try Firecore instead .

[Scooter]

I've got a complete MSD setup in my Big Block Ford 390FE. Billet dizzy (with vacuum advance),  wires & 6AL box. Using a Petronix blaster epoxy filled coil as it's mounted horizontally on the intake manifold and MSD does not offer one. Love the ease of adjusting the total mechanical advance, springs and weights on the MSD. The MSD had the wrong gear installed from the factory, tech support guy was kind of a jerk. Once I swapped the proper gear in it was easy~peasy. I have not had issues with the MSD setup for near 10 years now.

That said, I dropped an aftermarket(Ebay) HEI dizzy with Petronix module and coil in my 360LA for less than 1/2 the price of the MSD and am just as happy with it.

GL

[7dcuda]

I have a like new FireCore distributor and plug wires for sale in the parts for sale area if interested.