MSD vs. Stock Distributor

[JavelinSST343]

I just finished installing my MSD distributor. I was running the stock distrib w/ a 6AL box and blaster coil. The car has the E-cam w/ GT-40 irons. With the stock distributor I had no problem getting rubber in third but with the MSD I cant even chirp second. I dont know what the shop set the timing at but I would be surprised if the timing is making this enormous of a difference. The good points of the MSD is that it idles a ton smoother and it seems to want to stay running even if I bog it down. Any insight would be appreciated...

Larry

 

[maverick0716]

Maybe it's not advancing like it should. You should be getting your full advance in by around 2000 rpm.

 

[aleborjas]

in what rpm's do i have to take the max advance? 3k or more? with the spout in...

 

[5.02GO]

I purchased one of their distributors one time. I never could get my car to run right.

I sent it back to summit and had them send me another. Still couldnt get my car to run right. Mine wouldnt idle very good. Sometimes under acceleration, the car would fall on its face.

I sent it back aswell and put the stock distributor back in.

I dont know why it didnt run right.

 

[$uperstang]

stock distributor is the best!

 

[HISSIN50]

The distributor itself on an EFI car does not control advance, per se (it is not like mechanical and/or vac advance dizzies).

Was that the only change made? Can you put the old dizzy back in and see how it does? Are you sure the SPOUT is installed?

Good luck.

 

[JavelinSST343]

I used to also get 200 miles to a tank but I am on half a tank and have only driven 50 miles. I am gonna bring it back to the shop and have them inspect it over and probably have them put the stock distributor back in.

Larry

 

[HISSIN50]

It really sounds like the SPOUT might not be in (running retarded will kill fuel economy and can lead to chugging sometimes). Put a timing light on it and see what advance you are getting when. You should see north of 35* w/o much work.

Good luck.

 

[90mustangGT]

The MSD distributer isn't really better than the stock one, in fact the only advantage is it uses berrings instead of bushings in the shaft. Better build quality but that's it. It uses the stock pickup inside the housing, and the module on the other side is similar. It might have an upgraded gear to the cam. On mine, I have a new pickup and got the Accel module.

You said the shop, I am assuming someone put it in for you. They probally didn't either install the spout, didn't set timing properly, and/or installed it "one tooth off".