SO I am trying to learn a little bit more about ignitions. There are a lot of choices out there and I am still scratching my head. Anyways, I was wondering what y'alls opinion is of converting from the stock orange/ silver box to a HEI setup? I kinda like the DUI distributor from Performance Distributors. The coil, distributor, and Current modeling of my build (compcam's camquest), 3.55 gears, and gear vendors OD put a redline of about 5900-6000 rpm on the engine. 9.5:1 comp. Anyways, I am in need of purchasing a distributor and coil anyways... Should I look at the MSD/ Mallory 6AL also? I do want a rev. limiter on the setup. If not HEI from performance distributors, should I look elsewhere? Any input is appreciated.

yes a myriad of choices. I'd suggest an MSD for the rev limiter. And an externally adjustable dist (Mallory/MP?). I'd check out FBO's stuff

I notice that FBO has been suggested. Let me tell you about my experiance with FBO. I ordered the latest system and waited months for it to arrive. When I installed it on a total restoration, I tried to start the new engine for the first time. It would not start. I hate cranking over a new engine with the starter, I want the primed engine to start immediately and build oil pressure. I checked all connections carefully. It installs just like the original and plugs into the new harness which is why I chose FBO. Still no fire. In frustration, I bought a CHEAP stock replacement from a local parts store, installed it and the the engine immediately fired up. It is still on the car and working fine. Then came the hassle of returning the FBO. I was told to refer to the web site, dismantle the box and test connections with a voltmeter etc. I responded that the responsibility to diagnose their product was on them, not me. I had been assured that EVERY unit was pre tested before shipment. This was later found to be false during a conversationg with FBO when they slipped up and admitted that all boxes were not tested. I finally had to get my credit card company involved and it took more months to get a refund. All in all, it was a VERY unpleasant experiance.

Its hard to beat the functionality, reliability and servicability of MSD. The multi sparks help starting, idling and low speed operation. Rev limiters are available. They can work with just about any distributor including points type. The points should last just about forever as they are not handling high voltage with an MSD. For another project I dug into HEI ignitions. The HEO module makes a lot of heat and does best mounted to a large heat sink... not in a distributor. Also, it seems like the available mechanical advance may be too limited for some applications.

For use up to 6000 RPM I'd suggest MSD with any distributor in decent shape and curved correctly including a points type. Just set plug gap based on the capability of the distributor/cap/rotor. More gap means more secondary voltage so don't "overload" it. If using an older style points distributor, stick with .035".

If your present ignition is working properly you will likely gain nothing perfomance wise by switching. Sure you may gain a few bbells and whistles with a higher $$ ignition system. This from one of the Mopar Mags.

Would a orange or silver box be needed with a MSD 6?

I was thinking:

440source $100 rotor and fixing advance
programmable 6AL-2 $350
blaster 2 coil $35

According to 440source, "such as an MSD 6A, 6AL, 7AL or equivalent, or a Chrysler style electronic control box".

It seems like an either or.

the msd 6Al-2 programmable has a map sensor puickup which should work like vac advance

Whatever else you do, get a new electronic distributor with a high performance curve. You'd be surprised how much difference it makes.

On to ignition boxes: The simplest for my money is to run your new dist's signal directly into either an Accel 300+, MSD 6 whatever, Crane Cams HI-6 or Mallory multispark box. No need for orange box or ballast resistor. Get the coil that matches the box.

Now, for the sake of completeness, you could run from the white wire on the MSD to the output of an orange or chrome box but I couldn't think of why you'd want to do that. Just one more part to fail.

I have two other pieces of advice:
1. Don't mount the box on the firewall. Most multi-spark CD boxes make a clicking sound that will come right through the firewall if that's where the box is mounted.
2. Buy the box used but not abused on the 'bay. I love the Accel 300+ because it is small, digital, has a settable rev limiter built in, and has as much spark energy as the MSD 6 or Crane HI-6. The most I have paid for one brand new in the box is $120, the least $55. Both had matching coils.

Good Luck,
R.

http://store.440source.com/PRO-BILLET-Distributor-RB-Engine/productinfo/117%2D1000/

Sounds like the magnetic pickup will be very precise. Price is very descent, and should work in harmony with the MSD programmable box.

If any input is appreciated, here's mine:

If your budget allows, purchase a MSD "E-curve" distributor. Then, you can use the very nice HEI type wires. And, you can ditch the ballast resistor and crude ECU.

Finally, you can "program" the advance curve and rev limiter.

I haven't initialized mine yet . as I am waiting on other (suspension) parts.

Electronics have "advanced" in 40 years - what they had back then was great, but why use it now ?