MSD or Duraspark ??? What should i put ?

[michel schryer]

HI guys,what ignition system do you guys suggest to put on my stock carbed 302. I heard that Duraspark is easy to install and not so expensive compare to MSD. The engine is from a mustang '90 5.0L. I have a EZ wiring harness. I'm installing a Holley 570 street Avenger and Holley mech. fuel pump. Any pictures of those set up would be a plus,thanks for any replies

[Blittleton]

I use the Summit Racing Summit SUM-850600. The Rev limiter is adjustable, with no buying extra chips for different Revs. Easy to install as well.

Bill

[madmaxx]

MSD has a slight buzz to it that one can always hear. Personnally I like the duraspark, $20 at autozone, plug and play if one goes bad, only thing is no rev limiter. I know alot of people think they are junk but they have been installed in over 1,000,000 plus fords how junk can they be?

[vettestr]

Michel,
Some of the comparison between the two suppliers will be as subjective as blonde's or redheads. That said I think the cost of MSD is offset by their documentation and ease of set-up with an even quality advantage. The rotor tab/carbon issue is fixed with proper tension.

Installation planning will help either choice. Heat is the enemy so location of coil and the control module are the biggies. I think mounting a coil in the horizontal reduces life/performance and vibration can't help any. There are some that disagree but I don't care, not to be rude or argumentative just how I feel. I would rather run a little longer coil wire and mount in a cooler location with less vibration than bolted solid to the hot intake. We mount components to a aluminum plate and rubber mount the plate to help with heat and vibration. Check for proper supply voltage and wire size.

[Frank Messina]

For your setup you cannot go wrong with a Ford Duraspark ignition. (distributor, coil and module). If you follow this path just make sure to buy a GENUINE FORD Module. If you want something more exotic I prefer the Crane Hi-6 over an MSD 6AL. The performance and dial your own rev limit convenience of the Hi-6 does it for me.
Frank

[michel schryer]

Thanks guys i might go with Duraspark,cheers

[flipscobra]

With a stock 302 you should be fine with the Duraspark mine had the blue module. without the rev limiter. But if you need a rev limiter MSD makes one they call Street Fire its the same size as the Duraspark and it has a rev limiter, an use the same connections

[FWB]

some advantages to both, msd is not a true electronic ignition, duraspark is.
msd is pricey, and cap, rotor, and replacement parts are not avail at most local autostores(at least in my neck of the woods) without waiting a day or so. the msd can be bought as a package and has rev limiting features, timing retard and advance options, duraspark does not. i can't speak for the small block but for FE engines the distributors have alot to be desired in their physical size, they are too tall. where the duraspark can utilize a factory 360 one and maintain the lower height. the dual 4 users will notice their plug wires mashed up against the fuel bowls with the msd. i like the duraspark because of the ability to run larger plug gaps, seems to not foul as quick. where msd i am stuck with point style plug gaps .035-.040. duraspark .050-.060.

[flipscobra]

Im runnig a MSD 6AL ignition with a Duraspark distribitor an have no problems

[michel schryer]

Thanks guys !

[PANAVIA]

I second the "street fire" from MSD, inexpensive and is still an MSD system with a Reve limiter built in.