in another post i am asking about warm starts

in talking to the engine builder about some of the build characteristics of the engine in relation to the warm starting issue (for example, timing) I mentioned to him that i was still running the original dual point distributor system

knowing that i intend to drive the car and not trailer queen it, he strongly recommended i look into an electronic ignition system - he said most especially for a hemi that does not drive well at low speeds to begin with, this would really help

he noted that the engine likes strong spark at low speeds, which is something that the dual point distributor does not really provide (not sure why, but apparently it doesn't) - he also commented on the MSD system saying that the multiple sparks are more effective than the single spark of the distributor system (again, not sure why...but that is what he said - wouldn't a properly placed single spark work just as well?)

to that end, i am wondering what people's experiences and suggestions are specifically in relation to a hemi engine (or an engine with similar characteristics) - as a new hemi owner, i am seeing that driving this engine at low speeds is a challenge, it surges, and bucks around, not smooth at all - what have you done ignition wise to to smooth things out? - is MSD the way to go? - Petronix? - what drives the decision?

thanks!

MSD, I also have used chrome box, Chrysler Electronic with good success. On my 66 I have swapped the MSD to Chrome and back and you couldn't tell the difference starting and driving it.

Sheldon

thanks Sheldon - pretty looking car - looks really familiar!

it sounds like you are saying that any should work fine - got it - when you say you used it with good success...what are the improvements you got when switching over to this ignition?

my understanding is that at slower speeds the air fuel mixture might not burn all the way or consistently across pistons leading to uneveness, roughness, etc. and that the hotter spark of these ignition systems lead to fuller and more even burning and so smoother performance and lower speeds - was that your experience?

Pretty much so. It will start a little quicker and runs a little crisper at idle and low speeds as compared to points.
Glad to have another Hemi 66 prowling the streets!

Sheldon

thanks RR

The ignition is not causing it to surge at low speed , that is usually the carbs, Carter carbs are a little more sensitive to vacuum signal with the front metering rods as they move up and down via vacuum.

You have a non stock cam so the first thing to do is see what your idle vac is and then see what springs are on the metering rods on both carbs.
Edlebrock sells a kit with different springs , you'll probably need to kits so you have enough of the proper spring for both carbs.