I run the 6AL mainly because I like to eliminate the ballast resistor, love the rev limiter function, and I got tired of replacing bad ECU's. I only get about 2-3 years out of the current parts store ECU's in my truck before they crap out!

The great thing about the MSD is you can add on things like a two step or adjustable timing module so you can control timing from the drivers seat, It really does idle nice compared with points.

I rebuild and tailor the older Mopar electronic distributors to use with the MSD. All it is is a triggering device anyway. Some of them do have reluctors that aren't quite right and I've found you have to go through a few to set a consistent air gap.

i used a pertronics igniter in my 69 dart 340 because it hides well,installs easily,very dependable and cost effective.great piece for a driver. jeff57

The amount of benefit you get from an MSD really depends on the engine you attach it to. On you’re 440 Cuda I think you would probably see a bit of improvement in starting and cold idle but if it’s enough to justify the changeover is up to you. Here are a few thoughts for what they are worth.

In most cases with a stock low performance engine you spend a fair amount of money to hang an ugly box (sometimes 2 if you’re running a factory tach that requires the add on tach adaptor) and wiring in the engine compartment for no noticeable gain.

Although MSD boxes have a pretty good reputation for reliability, if
you happen to be away from home and the box dies you’re dead in the water until you can find a replacement which may not be that easy in a lot of small towns.

That being said they can make a BIG difference on cars with a lot of cam, cold start issues, or cold drivability issues (for instance on cars that have had the intake exhaust crossover blocked).

Of the 7 car I own, I’ve use MSDs on 2 of them...... the other 5 don’t need it.

I just left my orange box on the firewall and wired up the MSD with spade connectors on all of the connections formerly used by the orange box. Easy to switch back if it ever dies on me on the road.

“……I just left my orange box on the firewall and wired up the MSD with spade connectors on all of the connections formerly used by the orange box. Easy to switch back if it ever dies on me on the road…..”


I went one better when I wired my 57. I mounted both the MSD and Chrysler box and when I built the wiring harness used 9 pin plugs so that if needed I could just unplug the harness with the MSD and plug in the Chrysler box.

The Plymouth is my vacation car (usually 4000+ mile trips) and I’ve never had to change it, (although I do plug in the Chrysler box to check it before I go on long road trips) but it is just kind of nice having the peace of mind knowing that I have a backup to the MSD.