Dumb Ignition Question

[04mustang70]

This may be a dumb question but I'm just curious. Those MSD red boxes. Are they necessary for street use. I understand they increase the spark energy but do you really need that? Isn't that what the coil does? I have a 351w with flat top pistons making about 10:1 compression, aftermarket cam, aluminum intake, holley carb, Unilite distributor and headers. What would the benefit be of adding one of these Multiple Spark Discharge boxes? I don't have a clue what the are for. Thanks

 

[ForceFed70]

The only dumb question is the question unasked

No, they are not necessary. Although they do have some benefits. They generally help the engine run a little smoother, and you will usually pick up a few horsepower.

 

[shatter]

I put in a MSD 6A box along with a Ford Duraspark distributor when I rebuilt my motor. Plus side is hotter spark and timing stays put and no points, condenser, etc. The down side is if the MSD 6A box fails then you are stranded. My MSD box failed on me one time and cost me a 50 mile tow home. It failed at month 13 of a 12 month warranty.

So not necessary but nice as long as it doesn't ever fail!

 

[04mustang70]

Will they work with a unilite distributor? I have a powermaster coil. Will it work with that also?