FE Distributor Advise!

Clois Harlan · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2001, 06:51 AM

I have a new 428 CJ but want to update the distributor and need some advise. Which one? MSD, Accel, or Mallory? When I had my small block in I was running a MSD Ready To Run unit and was very pleased with it but an FE is a different animal and would like to experienced advise.

Oh yea I will be running a Toploader 4 speed with 373 gears in the rear.

Thanks for your help.

Clois Harlan

CSX 4027 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-09-2001, 08:31 AM

MSD.
I have been using the MSD distributor for racing along with the blaster coil & 6AL box........Works great. I heard the crane Hi 8 box might have a little advantage?

Clois Harlan · #3 (**permalink**) 10-09-2001, 09:19 AM

Steve,

Thanks for your input, I was leaning toward the MSD. By the way do you recall the model number of your MSD Distributor. I have been looking at several catalogs that are showing at least three different models for the FE.

65cobra427 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-09-2001, 09:53 AM

Clois,

I too am running a MSD distributor with a 6AL on my 427 "poked & stroked" side oiler (454 C.I.)...
Didn't see your post till I got to work but will check distributor model # tonite...

I've got a 3:54 Jag & turn 3000 RPM @ 70 MPH... I have calculated that you will be @ 3300 with 15" BFG's (26.7" tires)... Thats a lot of RPM for crusing...

Good luck...

Ken Oikawa · #5 (**permalink**) 10-09-2001, 10:51 AM

I'm using Mallory Unilite and Hyfire IV ignition box. So far no problems (touch wood).

Clois Harlan · #6 (**permalink**) 10-09-2001, 11:34 AM

One of the guys here in Tulsa is using the Accel model 71200 Ready to Run unit and he swears by it but I haven't heard much about Accel lately. Basically all of these units cost about the same so my main interest is in reliability and ease of use.

Thanks everyone for their input.

Clois Harlan

CSX 4027 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-09-2001, 11:39 AM

I have heard that accel is junk but do not have 1st hand knowledge other than every engine builder I have dealt with says it is most likely to $hit the bed.
For the
MSD part no. call Summit Racing

chopper · #8 (**permalink**) 10-09-2001, 02:49 PM

The FE distributor is #8594. Check out the MSD website at http://www.msdignition.com/ Make sure you get the appropriate drive gear to match your camshaft (bronze or steel).

I had a Mallory UniLite unit on the car when I purchased it from the original owner. I averaged about four months between optical module failures. At $95 a pop, it got rather obnoxious (not to mention irritating to be standing at the side of the road during rush hour traffic) so I replaced it with the MSD.

My experience with the MSD distributor has been good. I experienced a problem with the distributor about a year after I installed it. I contacted MSD, who told me to return the unit. They replaced the internal works and returned it to me at no charge. Quality company.

loudpedal · #9 (**permalink**) 10-09-2001, 04:48 PM

Get a decent stock FE dist core.....one with good bushings and a good iron(if thats what ur using) gear.

Then get any pre 90 (thick film) and/ back to '74 any V8 dist with the magnetic trigger. The 302/351W's are the most common. Get one with good internal reluctor and pole units.

Now put the electronics in the FE body. You now have a magnetically triggered distributor for cheap. The mag/electronic units that were o.e. pieces for the FE wer '74 & later...but there hard to find.you can trigger a Ford stock or performace box, a GM module, MSD 6 or 6AL , or any of the electronic boxes that are triggered magnetically. I have run many motors on a Acel 4 pin and even a stock GM 4 pin HEI module with great sucess and this will run almost unlimited rpm.

As you are using stock weights you can use the light spring kits for any V8 stock dist to change the rate of advance.

Cheap and effective.

Rick Young · #10 (**permalink**) 10-09-2001, 06:09 PM

This may not be for everyone but I am running an Ignitor point replacement module in my stock 390 distributor, with the stock coil. It has given me flawless service for six years and 40k miles.

I don't race or anything like that. I can idle at about 550 to 700 rpm and get good throttle response from a dead stop. I also get an instant start even with a cold engine.

I haven't messed with my timing since I installed the unit.

Clois Harlan · #11 (**permalink**) 10-10-2001, 06:28 AM

Thanks everyone for your input I guess I have to make a call this weekend. From everyones input the MSD route appears to be the easiest way to go. Thanks Loudpeddal for your input I have heard of doing the FE conversion and several of the guys around here done the same. My stock distibutor is junk and I haven't had time to search out the bone yards for a replacement so I will probably go with the MSD.



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