Why MSD? Why not Mallory?

[Gunner]

I am somewhat mystified at the near-universal choice of MSD ignition systems - not only in Cobra-land, but almost everywhere. They have their share of failures, more than some, it seems sometimes, yet it's hard to find anything but MSD on any built engine. Why?

I've always leaned towards Mallory, which seems to have a better selection and better-engineered ignition controllers. To bring the issue home, Mallory has been around a LONG time - since the 1930s, at least - and has a long track record in racing and street rods. MSD didn't even come into being until (IIRC) the mid-1980s. So while Pertronix and Ford dual-points might be the truly original components for Cobras, it seems like Mallory would be a strong second choice. But it's not... why?

MSD seems like a Chevy-related choice as well, but maybe that's my flawed perception.

707 has, like most, an MSD system. I will probably be swapping it out for Mallory, one of the very few "just cuz" changes I plan to make. For one thing, I like the continuously variable rev limits and dual rev limit selection - it would be nice to have one street/new driver safe setting (maybe 3500 RPM) and one performance setting (6k, 6500).

What're your thoughts on the extreme preference for MSD and the preference over Mallory?

[decooney]

G,

Popularity, Maybe?

I've swapped out a few Mallory setups for MSDs myself, and never had any problems since. I use to run Mallory on a number of prior vintage Camaro builds and it worked okay. Note: ERA installs MSD from the factory, with the MSD power box mounted under the glovebox as an option. Works great.

Here is an old thread right here on ClubCobra a few years back with some other experiences with the Mallory stuff.

Mallory, ignition problems, and my last good nerve

[FuzzyDiceRide]

The MSD ignitions are the "Harley's" of the ignition world . I have seen some Mallory's and Ford Duraspark do a good job........Oh yeah , I have a MSD setup too ! ;-). I think
it is an overkill for about 99% of the street cars anyway IMO. But ,I had to follow the
masses lol.

[Gunner]

Originally Posted by decooney

Here is an old thread right here on ClubCobra a few years back with some other experiences with the Mallory stuff.

The main problem under discussion seems to be caused by poor placement of the controller box. They are built to live underhood but mounting in a cool, ventilated position is usually instruction #1. As much as I dislike having the box in the passenger footwell, it seems to be the most popular choice. My Mustang has it mounted where the battery tray used to be (it's now battery-in-trunk, so there's a nice big open space on the inner fender liner with good cooling).

[RallySnake]

Years ago, I bought a Mallory ignition system. It never worked right and I swore never to spend another dime on a Mallory product.

RallySnake

[blykins]

It's all the same stuff. I use whatever I get a good deal on at the time.

I've had MSD's crap out on me....and I've had Mallory problems.

I had a brand new MSD 6AL box that was bad right out of the box....and I've had a brand new Mallory coil that gave up after about 3 miles.

You get what you get.

[undy]

I bought a mallory uni-lite setup years ago and it was the worst unreliable POS ignition piece I ever owned. MSD all the way for me.

[CowtownCobra]

I use an MSD6AL box but have always used the Mallory distributor and coil. Been berry berry good to me...

[Bobcat]

ERA highly recommends using the MSD surge suppressor ( capacitor ) across the input lines to knock down any spikes . Doug said that since ERA has done that , they have had almost zero MSD problems .

Bob

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Bobcat

ERA highly recommends using the MSD surge suppressor ( capacitor ) across the input lines to knock down any spikes . Doug said that since ERA has done that , they have had almost zero MSD problems.

Yes, when I chatted with him years ago on this very subject he seemed to feel that a "jump start" (yes, the same jump start that we've all done for the last 50 years) on an MSD unit without the the capacitor on it had about a 50/50 chance of killing the MSD box. Maybe not initially, but shortly thereafter. MSD sells it as a "noise suppressor," btw.

[bobcowan]

I'v been using Mallory for years, on a variety of projects. I'v never had a problem up until this car. I go through a module every year. Don't know why, though. I have the spike protecter, but havn't installed it yet.

[twobjshelbys]

Mine is Accel (drop in replacement for the MSD) probably because the DFI controller is Accel too.

Oh, and it failed and had to be replaced.

[kayakjack]

Interesting discussion. My 2001 vintage Ford Motorsport engine came with a DuraSpark ignition. No problems. Not sure why I want something else.

Jack

[Gunner]

Originally Posted by kayakjack

Interesting discussion. My 2001 vintage Ford Motorsport engine came with a DuraSpark ignition. No problems. Not sure why I want something else.

Most modern CD ignitions from OEMs are the next thing to bulletproof. The only thing it might lack is suitable tunability for a high-performance engine. The aftermarket stuff can be recurved to hell and back with out-of-the-box parts and adjustments.

I do think that ignition specs are overrated. Probably 95% of "high performance" engines out there would run fine on an OEM electronic ignition, with no need for fancy-schmancy plugs, wires, distributors or controllers. Moreso the later you get, as cars of the last 10-15 years have been tweaked to run on almost absurdly lean fuel/air ratios. Only when you get into high RPMs and extreme camming are you likely to need more out of an ignition system.

But hey, it's another place to poke in a Wow Cool! component.

[Blittleton]

I have been running summits box for a while now in all my builds. Fully adjustable and easy to install. So far no problems for me. http://www.summitracing.com/search/?...-850-610&dds=1. Cheaper too.

[Gunner]

I'm not sure that's the place I'd want to save $100.

EDIT: I tried to fix this immediately but was cut off by a local network error. It's actually about a $20 difference. I don't always go for "name brand is better" but I still think I'd pop the extra $20 just to tell buyers it's an MSD...

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Gunner

I'm not sure that's the place I'd want to save $100.

The damn thing is probably made by MSD.

[kitcarbp]

I too decided to go with the digital Summit box that appears to be made by Mallory ??? not 100% sure though.

I can't comment on durability yet my build is too new. At the time I picked the summit box, I based my decision on 1) Digital circuit on Mallory/summit box) , (my thinking was more reliable??) versus the analog circuit on the MSD box. 2) Cost.

If I ever have to replace the Summit box, I am now leaning toward putting in a Duraspark II Module since my application is for the (475 bhp) street not track.

FORDMUSCLE.com did a comparison back in 2007 using the Mallory 6EZL and MSD 6AL to replace the DURASPARK, check out the link
http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2006/12/DuraSpark/

Keeping these boxes cool and protecting them from current/voltage surges makes perfect sense to me.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Blittleton

I have been running summits box for a while now in all my builds. Fully adjustable and easy to install. So far no problems for me. http://www.summitracing.com/search/?...-850-610&dds=1. Cheaper too.

I can't confirm it, but they use the phrase "Street Strip Multi-Spark Digital Capactive Discharge Ignitions" with the trademark symbol. Sounds like a private label MSD box to me.

[Blittleton]

They have switch to a new part number and looks a little different. I have used this box on at least 20-30 Backdraft's. No issues as of yet. I like the full adjustability of it.

Bill