• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

MSD setup

  • Thread starter Thread starter 65'Pony
  • Start date Start date Jun 15, 2007
6

65'Pony

New Member
Jun 25, 2005
25
0
0
Jun 15, 2007
#1
  • Jun 15, 2007
  • #1
I received a MSD 6AL from my grandfather for graduation. I want to install it and I have heard that I can run it on points setup, but I want something much more reliable than the points. I have heard of using a duraspark ignition, what parts consist of the duraspark? Is it just a stick or does it have an ignition box, can it run vaccum advance?

I dont wanna spend a load of money an and MSD distributor so im looking for a cheaper alternative that will give me the same performance.
 

Tim65GT

Active Member
Feb 24, 2004
1,149
2
39
West Texas
Jun 15, 2007
#2
  • Jun 15, 2007
  • #2
You should have info in the instructions how to hook up to a duraspark system.

http://www.msdignition.com/pdf/6%20series/6series.pdf

The duraspark system consists of the distributor with a magnetic pickup and reluctor inside:







Those parts would probably be around $75 new (1980 Granada 302)

The MSD 6 box would take the place of the module:



You'll still need a coil. I'd recommend the Blaster 2.

By the way I ran a MSD box with points for a while. It ran good.
 

dennis112

15 Year Member
May 15, 2005
1,561
36
79
Amish Wonderland of Central PA.
Jun 15, 2007
#3
  • Jun 15, 2007
  • #3
I have the duraspark/MSD6AL combo on my 393. All you need is the distributor, a coil, the MSD box, and a wiring diagram. Some MSD instructions use the Duraspark control box too, but it is not needed.

What you are looking for is actually a Duraspark II distributor, which is the most common one and was available in the late 70's through the 80's. It looks just like the points distributor on the outside and even has the vacuum advance that you asked about. The cap is larger, and includes a separate spacer adapter that helps mate the cap to the distributor housing.

I use a TFI type coil instead of an oil based one. Just my personal choice. You will need to make several wiring connections, but the MSD literature on how to do this is pretty good. There are also several sites on the web that can help. Even if they are converting a Jeep or a 6 banger to a duraspark, the info is relevant and helpful.
 

ratio411

Founding Member
Apr 21, 2002
3,870
73
109
Pensacola FL
Jun 15, 2007
#4
  • Jun 15, 2007
  • #4
You can use the 75 "Solid State", or 76 Duraspark 1 distributors too.
They are same as the Duraspark 2!
The boxes are different is all. You don't need to run a box with the MSD6 though.

They are all magnetic pickup. The MSD distributors are actually based on the DS design. Magnets don't go bad, so they are perfect in this application.

The bigger cap used on later DS2s fits any distributor.
It just comes in 2 pieces. A bottom part that clips to the dist and a top that attaches to the base. It is a very good setup. Uses better wires and you can even go to the junkyard and get a fancy rubber boot to cover it all up.

The big cap will even fit your points distributor if you just want to upgrade to the better HEI style parts.

Good setup you are putting together.
Dave

Edit: I attached a pic of the big cap and boot adapted to an older stock distributor... Sorry for the grainy pic. It was an old pic I scanned in.
It is good enough to see the dizzy though.
 

Attachments

  • 302inMaverick2.webp
    19.9 KB · Views: 215

Bullitt

Packin' Heat
Founding Member
Jan 13, 2000
2,743
0
47
Houston, TX
Jun 17, 2007
#5
  • Jun 17, 2007
  • #5
I have an MSD Billet Distributor for a 302 I'd be willing to part with (recently converted the car to EFI). It's got a gear for a roller cam though you'd have to change.

PM me if you're interested.
 
P

PJx5x

Member
Mar 30, 2005
197
0
16
Chicago
Jun 18, 2007
#6
  • Jun 18, 2007
  • #6
I have a Duraspark setup I pulled out of my car, along with a MSD coil. Let me know if youre interested in one/both and Ill get some more pics/info.
 

Max Power

Active Member
Jul 31, 2003
1,774
1
36
St Paul
Jun 18, 2007
#7
  • Jun 18, 2007
  • #7
I just ran mine with a Pertronix. Cheaper and easier than swapping out. These boxes work great with just about any trigger.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Preparation for Holley Terminator X install – Foxbody 306 (electrical fan, alternator, MSD Ignition, etc)
  • So_Flo
  • Mar 1, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
22
Views
2K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Mar 4, 2026
General karthief
K
Resolved Weird sound coming from a freshly rebuilt 5.0L
  • karhoot
  • Jun 24, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
218
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jun 27, 2026
Mac131
A
Fuel Capable fuel system for +600hp
  • Avia.tuned
  • Feb 24, 2026
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
1
Views
113
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Feb 24, 2026
squeak93
5
Hello Everyone !
  • 5150K
  • Jul 3, 2026
  • The Welcome Wagon
Replies
0
Views
99
The Welcome Wagon Jul 3, 2026
5150K
5
1
Engine 91 mustang 302 Low acceleration car backfires pops and acts like it doesn’t want to take fuel
  • 1991Fox5.0
  • Oct 4, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
16
Views
1K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Oct 6, 2025
1991Fox5.0
1
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?