Building a budget 440 for a SS car. Lower-compression, better heads etc. Not a huge HP builder.

I currently have a stock distributor and a "known good" MSD-AL Digital box with the rev limiter.

A buddy is trying to sell me a MSD Distributor that I would say is 3-4 years old. Nice one.

For a build such as this, what practical benefits will I get by running it?

I will eventually run a stronger engine etc. down the road.

I'm really on the fence about this.....

I don't see any benefit in your case. If you want to make a change that will be interesting and educational you should install one of the inexpensive EFI kits now on the market. A Sniper kit is fairly inexpensive but it comes with built in data logging which allows you to view multiple engine parameters. You can drive the car and then download the data log and view the oil pressure, fuel pressure, ignition timing, coolant temp, intake temp, throttle position, air fuel ratio, etc.

Replacement parts will be a little harder to find, and it will cost more.

I don't see the need for it.

Ok thank you. I live 40 plus miles from town and I really prefer to keep stuff on hand so that I can fix things at home.

I like the fact that I have a spare regular 440 distributor etc. already in my garage.

I hear you on the EFI. Good thoughts for the future.

Ditto.

85+% of the street cars running MSD's don't need them IMO. But they do have an awesome marketing dept,