I need help picking a distributor

Posted By: 73rrak

I need help picking a distributor - 06/23/11 03:12 AM

I need help figuring out what distributor to use on my 440. I'll be using an MSD 6AL ignition and an MSD blaster coil. Some info on my parts:

Forged crank
forged pistons 9.7:1 compression
452 heads
Eddy performer RPM intake
800 Holly
2,000 stall
3:55 gears
73 Roadrunner
Summit coated headers

The distributors I have to choose from are

1. Mallory unilite electronic ignition system # 3757801 used but feels good and tight

2. Stock 78 motor home 440 dist with extremely low miles almost looks new

3. 75 440 HP dist probably 100,000 miles or so on it

4. 67 440 dist probably a 200,000 miles on it or more

The car will be a mild street car.

Posted By: dennismopar73

Re: I need help picking a distributor - 06/23/11 03:26 AM

i run a stock one please dont waste youre money,
with msd all it is a triger, lot of wasted money there thats not needed if you plan to lock it down get a plate for the mid 8- lean burn system , that what we all use and works great no issues

Posted By: dennismopar73

Re: I need help picking a distributor - 06/23/11 03:28 AM

take the unilite sell it use the low mile stocker if youre using vac advance ?? if not see previous post

Posted By: RapidRobert

Re: I need help picking a distributor - 06/23/11 04:46 AM

Quote:

take the unilite sell it use the low mile stocker

unless the unilite has an externally adjustable mech adv. Take #2 apart clean it/toss the heavy spring w the long loop and I'd finalize your initial ahead of time so you can then set the slot length as close as you can to get 36-38 total (vac adv plugged). Drive out the roll pin on the bottom shaft & add 1/2" flat washers to reduce the end play to several thou & check rotor phasing (location) & note that vac adv (if used) will shift it CW (BB)

Posted By: 73rrak

Re: I need help picking a distributor - 06/23/11 05:49 AM

Dennismopar73 are you saying to run the stock dist not an MSD dist or are you saying not to run the MSD 6AL and what is a mid 8- lean burn system ? I just don't want to misunderstand your advice.

Posted By: 73rrak

Re: I need help picking a distributor - 06/23/11 05:51 AM

Rapid the unilite is not externally adjustable as far as I can tell.

Posted By: RemCharger

Re: I need help picking a distributor - 06/23/11 07:40 AM

Quote:

Quote:

take the unilite sell it use the low mile stocker

unless the unilite has an externally adjustable mech adv. Take #2 apart clean it/toss the heavy spring w the long loop and I'd finalize your initial ahead of time so you can then set the slot length as close as you can to get 36-38 total (vac adv plugged). Drive out the roll pin on the bottom shaft & add 1/2" flat washers to reduce the end play to several thou & check rotor phasing (location) & note that vac adv (if used) will shift it CW (BB)

Great advice. Also, I would find a mr gasket light spring kit and toss it in there. You probably want a 20 degree initial, so you limit the max weight travel slot to only allow 18 degrees.
You can run that distributor to 800+ horse.

Posted By: dennismopar73

Re: I need help picking a distributor - 06/23/11 03:01 PM

im sorry, you have the choice , you can run that stock dist with low mile on so long as the bearing good, and you need the vac advance , it will work as good as any dist ,
now if youre racing it , i would buy a lean burn plate its 15$ at any auto store, put it in set it,
i wouldnt wast money nor time in something that is just a tricger for that msd!!
i have used nothing but a stock dist with the plate for years never an issue , there is 0 hp gain in any dist thats why i would sell that unilite, unilite is either a lite style which is very unreliable or its got a chevy style ign in it stands to tall for me ,
boy it looks pretty
oo run the msd ign! dont run the mallory dist,!
thank you dennis

Posted By: 383man

Re: I need help picking a distributor - 06/23/11 05:25 PM

I use this stock dist in my sons Dart with his 400 eng. I do not use the vacum advance as I installed the Mr Gasket spring kit and it has full mech advance by 2000 rpm. The shaft bushing was good when I checked it in 1997. Dist has been in his Dart since 1997 and it has around 15000 miles on it since then. It still works great and he is using it now with an MSD 6A box and MSD coil. I use a Mallory electronic dist in my 63 but its not a unilite as it uses a dist pick-up coil like a Mopar dist. But I love this Mallory dist as it has alot of adjustment for the mech advance and it has no vacum advance. It works great for me. Ron

Posted By: RapidRobert

Re: I need help picking a distributor - 06/23/11 08:51 PM

Quote:

dont run the mallory dist,

Dennis I had been wanting to ask you about the MP Mallory built adj dist's as I was thinking you had posted in the (recent) past against them and when you said Mallory I'm assuming that is what you are referring to and tho I am getting skilled at R&R ing the center clip I've wanted to get one that is externally adjustable for awhile now & figured the new(er) MP one but does it have probs? If so I'll pass & keep on doing it the way I am now

Posted By: dennismopar73

Re: I need help picking a distributor - 06/23/11 11:21 PM

Quote:

Quote:

dont run the mallory dist,

Dennis I had been wanting to ask you about the MP Mallory built adj dist's as I was thinking you had posted in the (recent) past against them and when you said Mallory I'm assuming that is what you are referring to and tho I am getting skilled at R&R ing the center clip I've wanted to get one that is externally adjustable for awhile now & figured the new(er) MP one but does it have probs? If so I'll pass & keep on doing it the way I am now

no theres no issue , once you r&r , and make them what you want,
im just saying for the money,work, they not worth running , and put money somewhere else that makes more sense.
sometimes guys like pretty things and chrome , thats ok to,
i'd rather impress with little things that are stock or stock appearing
but thats me , i dont like a large -out of place dist , when all it is a trigger for a msd,

Posted By: fourgearsavoy

Re: I need help picking a distributor - 06/24/11 02:36 AM

Firecore has one of the best distributors I have ever used and I have had them all.Rock solid timing and easy to set the curve

Gus

Attached picture 6697539-burnoutpicturegus.JPG

Posted By: RapidRobert

Re: I need help picking a distributor - 06/24/11 03:59 AM

Quote:

sometimes guys like pretty things and chrome,

Not into bling, strickly interested in the externally adj curve but wondering if the quality control is top notch b 4 I buy