What aftermarket distributor would yall recommend?

[VileZambonie]

For TBI

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MSD%2D8366&N=700+400122+4294925008+4294908216+4294908002+4294840140+115&autoview=sku

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MSD%2D8226&N=700+400122+4294925008+4294908216+4294908002+4294840140+4294890813+115&autoview=sku

[eventhorizon66]

And to use an MSD 6-series CD box on the above or stock TBI distributor use this wiring harness.

[Skunksmash]

For TBI

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MSD%2D8366&N=700+400122+4294925008+4294908216+4294908002+4294840140+115&autoview=sku

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MSD%2D8226&N=700+400122+4294925008+4294908216+4294908002+4294840140+4294890813+115&autoview=sku

How is that coil any better than a stock one? I always wondered that. And do you have to run that dizzy with the new module? I am guessing no, but you posted it so i thought i would ask.

[VileZambonie]

A coil is a step up transformer. The quality of the components and the number of turns of wire dictate the voltage output. A higher output coil shouldn't be used unless the rest of the ignition system has been upgraded.

[Skunksmash]

Ok. So let's line out what all composes the ignition system. Dizzy, plugs, wires, module, coil... Anything else?

[VileZambonie]

Your ignition system is broken down into two parts. One is the primary side (control) one is the secondary side (output)

Primary=
Trigger device (pickup coil)
Ignition control module (transistor)
Breaker points for 73-74
Ignition coil primary windings

Secondary=
Ignition coil secondary windings
Distributor/cap/rotor
Igniton wires
Spark plugs

[Skunksmash]

So really, is a stock dist is pretty much the same as an aftermarket one? I mean if we are going to change the module, anyway... what else is there about an MSD brand dizzy that makes it any better?

Also after looking around at MSD's site, i have no idea what parts would be best for my truck. I don't want their bottom of the line stuff, but i can't really tell what's still safe to be used as a daily driver.

[VileZambonie]

No, they're not the same

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MSD%2D8361&N=700+400122+4294908216+4294840140+4294925045+4294881256+115&autoview=sku

Race distributors designed for the street.
These MSD Pro-Billet Street distributors are popular routes for people looking for race-proven performance for their street machine. A vacuum advance canister provides improved economy, and the proven MSD mechanical advance mechanism gives you the opportunity to dial in a timing curve to fit your needs. As always, an advance kit of springs and stop bushings is included. The housing features an all-billet 6061-T6 aluminum design for accuracy to within .001 in. An oversized steel shaft is QPQ-coated for low friction, and rides in sealed ball bearings at the top and bottom of the distributor. An extra-long sintered bushing replaces the ball bearing at the bottom for Chevrolet models. This combination keeps the shaft steady, creating accurate spark delivery at any rpm. They rely on a magnetic pickup to trigger the MSD ignition control, which delivers the powerful sparks to the coil. This pickup is extremely accurate and never needs adjusting. The distributors are CARB E.O. approved for use in all 50 states, and are guaranteed to deliver race-quality performance for your ride. These distributors require the use of a separate ignition box, such as an MSD 6, 7, 8, or 10 Series ignition.

[Skunksmash]

Thanks vile! Now i have a couple questions about the components of such a dist.

1. What exactly is vacuum advance? I am afraid i never really learned about that part.

2. Is the vacuum advance on the stock dizzys in some form? They talk like it is some kind of upgrade, so i don't know...

3. Is there a difference in the cap and rotor somehow? Are the MSD cap and rotor somehow better than OEM quality ones?

[VileZambonie]

The quality is defintely better.

There's a lot to it but to sum it, vacuum advance allows the timing to change according to engine load. The GM HEI is kind of hokey in it's centrifugal advance and inconsistent vacuum advance. You will be able to dial in your timing more accurately and consistently with an MSD

[Skunksmash]

Thanks. Just looking to get the best i can that is still safe for street/daily driver. Probly be driving the truck to work and school a lot to begin with, till i get a honda or a toyota gas sipper.

[Skunksmash]

Oh yeah, i forgot to ask. Are those larger MSD dizzys still small enough to fit up against the firewall in our trucks?

[eventhorizon66]

Yep, but air cleaner clearance might become an issue, as it did for me.  If I had it to do all over again I would go with a small cap pro-billet street dist and a 6AL box.  Little more $ overall, but a better package, IMO.

[Captkaos]

The Large Cap MSD's shouldn't be any larger than a comparable HEI. 

[Skunksmash]

Yeah but he says his air cleaner wont clear, which is also what i was kinda thinking. I will just have to go with the one he recommended cause i dont wana deal with all that.