Distributor + electrical question

coolguy88

Founding Member
Aug 20, 2001
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Poway, California
Hi guys, I currently have a stock dist with a petronix and msd 6a box. I would like to know if there would be a difference between this setup compared to a new billet msd dist.(the pin that holds the gear on my stock dist broke while I was on the freeway)

Another question, when I have my cd player on, it seems to be fighting for power with the msd box, strange things happen like backfire after acceleration, any idea how to remedy this?
 
Well, the bullet MSD distributor would be better of course, but would you need it? Probably not. As for the cd player power problems, I would check first to see where it is drawing power off of. It might be taking it from the coil/6a box, and therefore cause a power lose to either one which would result in running problems.

-Shaun
 
coolguy88 said:
Hi guys, I currently have a stock dist with a petronix and msd 6a box. I would like to know if there would be a difference between this setup compared to a new billet msd dist.(the pin that holds the gear on my stock dist broke while I was on the freeway)

Another question, when I have my cd player on, it seems to be fighting for power with the msd box, strange things happen like backfire after acceleration, any idea how to remedy this?

MSD produces a mean spark and your dinky distributor cap and rotor can't handle it. Thats why the later Duraspark ignition has that big round cap. If you can find a high voltage cap and rotor for your old Ford distributor then use it. If not, you'll need to use a Duraspark distributor or the MSD.

To check to see if you have any battery/alternator stability problems, test drive the car/engine with the stereo and any amplifier turned off. If the problem goes away with the stereo off but comes back with it on, then you have an alternator/battery stability problem.
 
You'll certainly gain from using the MSD distributor...and coil.

What you really need to do is upgrade your alternator to something closer to 100 amps. The 61 amp unit only produces about 40 amps at lower speeds and it barely keeps up with stock configurations, much less ANY electrical add-ons. Your brake lights will be the first improvements and the folks following you will thank you. Make sure your CD player is not wired into the ignition circuit.