I have an ignition question. I have a 1979 L-48 vette, most of it is original with some modifications. The mechanic guy I take it to once in awhile says it has a "mild cam". I am not sure about the insides of the engine, I bought it about 2 years ago and slowly replacing 30 year old items on it. It is the original 350 automatic transmission and a Holly 600 on it. Everything works great on it (except a small tranny leak that will get fixed some day) but I was wondering......Should I get a new distributor for it and if so what one? What is an MSD ignition and what would it do for me, performance wise? Do I need one or should I just stick with a stock one?

Appreciate the help and advise.
dan

 

The factory HEI is extremely dependable, you can modify the advance if needed. The normal items that need attention are the cap, rotor, advance can, and the shaft bushings. As you can see, the thing is still working after thirty years, that says alot. I bought a MSD streetfire HEI for my new motor but still have not made the time to swap engines-so I can't tell you anything about the MSD.

 

Riley,
This topic,like so many,is a little controversial. My experience has been that the stock HEI properly tuned and maintained will deliver all the ignition a stock or mild engine needs. I put "weight kits" in most of those I run to cause the advance curve to be all in by about 2500 rpm. This makes 'em pull harder at lower rpms and makes them more fun to drive on the street. We ran a stock HEI on a slightly warmed up 327 in a circle track 1/4 mile dirt track car and often saw 8000 rpm+ on slick tracks. I don't think you'll be spinning your L-48 that tight so you should be just fine. HEI's demand lots of current,make sure all the system feeding it is in good shape and as large a wire as possible.
Ron

 

I agree with BuckShot keep what you have and save a lot of cash.
To use MSD Iignition you will need to purchase their distributor and there ignition box.
You are looking at $500 min.
I purchased a new HEI distributor on ebay for $110 and it works just fine.

 

MSD and others make a huge array of ignition systems, for me?, the more simple-the better. Thats why I went with a HEI stand alone distributor from MSD. I want to bag the factory motor and I also didn't feel like rebuilding the stock HEI and modifying it for the new mill. I think I paid about $150 from Summit Racing.

 

Although I mostly hang on a different Vette forum I come here occasionally. I hate to disagree with Schoon but my MSD works just fine with my HEI. Now does it improve performance, most likely only in my head. But it looks cool.

 

I appreciate the help. I guess I will stick with what I have until something goes wrong. thanks again.