All the drag race motors I've converter from points to a race MSD box,404B,404C 7,7A , 7C and 7AL2 with the correct coils have all started way better when cold and idle better when cold, below 40F
I have had two of the race boxes die also
One I caused myself while washing the motor off before going to the races (early 404B box) and the other one(7C) quit at the MATS race Sunday morning while waiting in line for the first round
If you race long enough and often enough you will break and wear out some parts at the races