Mix 'n Match Ignition Components

I'm about ready to start putting down the cash for the spring parts but I want some input from you to see if you'd do what I want to do.

I've liked MSD stuff for a long time and never had any problems with their components on other vehicles, but I've read far too much about failing 6AL's to turn me away from them. I also like the idea of no pills to set the rev limiter.

I'm relatively settled on the Mallory 6-AL ignition, I'm torn between either the MSD or the Mallory coil, and I want to use MSD wires and the cap/rotor set.

Has anyone else used one brand ignition and another brand coil with either positive or negative results?

If I used the Mallory coil it would be part 29209, the one good up to 6,500 (I'm thinking for the future), but I'd rather use the MSD. There seems to be more information available on them and I've heard lots of good things. I just don't want to have trouble by mixing parts, so that's why I ask.

I assume the cap and rotor being replaced is a good deal no matter what the brand, but the MSD is a cheap and good looking piece.

I also assume that the plug wires being of one brand or another don't matter so long as it's a quality piece. It's that whole opinions thing...

So, I guess it's really do you guys think the Mallory ignition would play well with the MSD coil?

Also, if you have a real strong opinion about a set of wires, let me have it.

Alright, in the extra looking and searching I've done since yesterday I've already changed my mind on a couple of things.

I'll either go with a Mallory or a Screamin' Demon coil. From what I've read it doesn't really matter if you mix and match brands and coils. That demon coil is hella expensive though.

I've also decided to stray away from the MSD wires (length) and opt for a set of either Taylors or the LiveWires. I don't mind purchasing a nice R&M wire loom piece either, those look awesome.

I'll report back on how things feel once I get the parts, but I still have a bit more reading to do.

HISSIN50 said:

Donavan, did you happen to come across Andy's (Rio 5.0) engine pics? IIRC, he has the Livewires and whatever coil he used (I personally dont think the brand makes hardly any difference as long as the heat sink doesnt come loose) looks really nice. Whatever brand it is (Ford Racing?) has a chrome-like facade over it that's perty......

Most of us do this crap for looks and Andy's set-up is sharp IMHO.

Oh, on mixing, I've got an MSD coil and Crane box. I never thought twice about it. I have MSD SC wires and they are a bit tight. It's tough IMHO to make them look nice in loom because they're short.

I believe that Tim once said that Anderson Ford makes custom FRPP wires for the 94-95's and that they fit nice.

Good luck with it.

Click to expand...

JT, I did. I've also been looking through the SN of the month nomination thread and drooling over all the beautiful cars we have on this forum.

Part of my quest for an ignition coil was indeed looks. I wanted to use the MSD over the Mallory or the Demon because they are both just plain jane black.

The shortness of the MSD's was part of my reasoning on passing on them this time around. Looms aren't necessary, but seeing how those R&M's look on BlackVert's engine... wow

I checked out the AFM site and see they have custom fit wires for our year cars, and they are only $40. They also have those Super 40 wires, but I'm certainly not shelling out $170 for them.

If I had it my way I'd set it up exactly the way BlackVert did, but I don't feel like messing with cut to fit wires and other stuff right now. Maybe in a few more years when I have a more worthy motor and engine bay

Thanks for the confirmation on the mixing of ignition and coil brands too, I feel pretty settled about it now.

earleys94gt said:

Just so you know, I have the 8.2mm Spiro-Pro Taylor Wires.

For some reason, eventhough they were for the 94/95's, the wires were not numbered.

It just takes a few minutes to find what wire goes where, but just some food for thought.

Click to expand...

It seems that Taylor and LiveWires are the two highest recommended wire sets around here. I also looked at those Taylor wires, the ThunderVolt's I think the 8.2's were. I found those for a pretty good price. Taylor also has a really high end 409 10.4mm set that looks like it might compare to the LiveWires, but I couldn't find very many reviews of 'em.

Most of my reading knocked on the FRPP wires for being too long (because they also fit the 351) and they seemed to crap out on a lot of people. The MSD complaints were that they were a little short (but worked okay), and on and on.

After all my reading I only found one person who had any problem with the LiveWires and it was a boot laying on a header. Other people had found plug boots laying on the header and it didn't even phase the boot.

Thanks for the help