Why MSD? Why not Mallory?

[afret]

On the street car I use a Mallory distributor with magnetic pickup (Duraspark) and a MSD box. The Mallory is easier to lock out and doesn't look like a chebby part. The other cars are all MSD.

[bobcowan]

What's the advantage of magnetic over optical?

[afret]

What's the advantage of magnetic over optical?

This Mallory has the Duraspark pickup like what Ford used to put in their cars. Should be pretty durable and easy to find replacements if it ever goes bad. I've used to run a Unilite long ago. Had no problems with it but it tends to be pretty voltage sensitive and is expensive to replace.

[SCOBRAC]

The name says it all, Multiple Spark Discharge over 22 degrees... This is the single best investment you can make in any engine.

[Gunner]

Mallory and others have multiple discharge - some of the OEM ignition systems do as well.

Although I've seen more than one competent technical analysis that says multi-spark is pure voodoo with no real effect *except* in very high-RPM, high-compression engines. Like premium gas, it does no good (nor any harm) in lesser engines.

[bobcowan]

Originally Posted by afret

This Mallory has the Duraspark pickup like what Ford used to put in their cars. Should be pretty durable and easy to find replacements if it ever goes bad. I've used to run a Unilite long ago. Had no problems with it but it tends to be pretty voltage sensitive and is expensive to replace.

But is there any reason the magnetic is better than optical? Mallory makes both. Why would you choose one over the other? Is the magnetic less voltage sensative? Will the pick up last longer?

[undy]

Originally Posted by bobcowan

But is there any reason the magnetic is better than optical? Mallory makes both. Why would you choose one over the other? Is the magnetic less voltage sensative? Will the pick up last longer?

My experience with optical systems is the optical lens get coated with an spark/ozone by-product. This is due to sparking between the cap terminals and rotor within the cap containing the optical system. Over a period of time the lens gets cloudy enough to cause the car to start missing due to it not passing enough light. Things may have improved by design but I still stay clear of such optical systems. Magnetic all the way with me.

[68gt500]

I used to be an MSD fan too!

I had an MSD box in almost all my cars, both daily driver and fun cars.
Their msd feature comes in quite nice, when AFR is not quite right.

But over time I have suffered just too many failures - for me too high a price to justify the "advantages".

The newer the stuff the worse the QC.

My fun cars are back to org. Ford distributors with a Pertronix module (and a spare in the glove box). No more failures and some have been in there working for more than 10 years.

The MSD era was preceeded by Mallory unilite - got me to know the tow truck drivers real well... The root of the problem was a non existent spike protection. They have learned and are offering it as an option.

[Cobrabill]

One issue with MSD in 19 years.THe magnet in the distributor cracked.No 6AL failures.Just sent in a 6AL that was at least 8 years old and MSD up-graded it for nothing.Best customer service in the industry.