• Hello there guest and Welcome to The #1 Classic Mustang forum!
    To gain full access you must Register. Registration is free and it takes only a few moments to complete.
    Already a member? Login here then!

EFI Distibutor

kb3

kb3

Well-Known Member
I purchased an MSD EFI billet distributor for the 302 in the fastback. On original start up I could never get the idle right and the engine had a terrible miss above 2500 RPMs. After checking all of the EFI components and doing an extensive internet search, all things pointed to a bad distributor. I replaced the MSD with an original 93 vintage Ford unit and the engine ran like a top. I sent the MSD back to Summit and they sent me a replacement. Installed it last night, same problem. I called MSD they had no answer as to the problem, so I am done with those units. I am curious as to what others are running for a good EFI aftermarket distributor? The old one works fine, but looks like crap in the new engine.

Thanks
 
I got a used MSD Billet EFI distributor at a swap meet several years ago for $75... I've had no issues with it in over 5000 miles.
 
I am also using an MSD dizzy. Are you sure you have the right model? Perhaps a 94-95 model but older computer system?
 
"68EFIvert" said:
I am also using an MSD dizzy. Are you sure you have the right model? Perhaps a 94-95 model but older computer system?
Click to expand...

It's a 8456 Pro-billet ready to run unit for 87-93 5.0 motors. It has the TFI attached to the body of the distributor. MSD tech line said to pull the TFI off the Ford unit and see if that helped. I couldn't get a spark doing that so we put the stock unit back in. I have read several other comments from people on the net getting 2 bad MSD units in a row. So time to change manufacturers.
 
Why don't you just swap the cap from the MSD to you factory unit. You get 90% of the look but none of the price. My tuner said I basically wasted my money with an aftermarket dizzy. He said he doesn't see a difference in the quality of spark or power output.
 
"68EFIvert" said:
Why don't you just swap the cap from the MSD to you factory unit. You get 90% of the look but none of the price. My tuner said I basically wasted my money with an aftermarket dizzy. He said he doesn't see a difference in the quality of spark or power output.
Click to expand...

The stock unit has had a rough life and is incredibly pitted and ugly. Really detracts from the look of the engine when you pop the hood open. Yes it is a little vain on our part, but hey the rest of the engine looks so darn good, why not finish this last piece! I have no doubt we won't see much difference with a aftermarket distributor compared to factory, but again it is a looks thing. I found a new FORD distributor (without TFI module) for more money than the MSD and it is still the ugly, bare aluminum look.

Thanks for the input so far!
 
It I were you I would swap out the TFI module from the MSD unit to the ford distributor. If it causes the same problem as you had with the MSD dizzy I would swap over the TFI module from the Ford distributor to the MSD unit and give it a try. Perhaps the TFI on the MSD units is bad? :confu
 
"68EFIvert" said:
It I were you I would swap out the TFI module from the MSD unit to the ford distributor. If it causes the same problem as you had with the MSD dizzy I would swap over the TFI module from the Ford distributor to the MSD unit and give it a try. Perhaps the TFI on the MSD units is bad? :confu
Click to expand...

I put the TFI from the Ford on the MSD, could not even get a spark to the timing light, much less the motor to fire. I did not try the MSD TFI on the Ford as I think the problem is internal to the MSD.

With the MDS distributor in the car, it is difficult to start, will barely idle and falls on its face after 2,500 rpms....same thing the first MSD did.
 
The Summit brands are typically made by some of the brand name manufacturers, and I would be afraid it would be made by MSD. I think I am leaning towards the Mallory unit at this time.
 
When I had my 73 Vert with the 429, I ended up scrapping all the MSD stuff and went with A Davis Unified Ignition distributor.
That thing was GREAT!!! if I built another one, I would go with the D.U.I in a heart beat.
 
I also noticed on the Performance Distributors site that they used to offer a power coated version for factory units...has anyone powder coated theirs? Would you need to remove the gear or anything?
 
"66resto" said:
Have looked at Performance Distributors? Seem to have some nice pieces. I am running a factory Duraspark with their coil/cap/wires. Seem to have a good reputation...so far.

http://www.performancedistributors.com/5.0distributor.htm


I have a D.U.I. on a shelf, but I don't think it will work with my efi set up...plus I don't want to make everyone jealous because my unit is so big.
Click to expand...

I will call those folks and see what they say. I tried the Mallory distributor and had basically the same problem. I could not hardly get the car of the driveway it was cutting out so bad. Put the 20year old Ford back on, and runs like a champ. I am really confused. Maybe the people at Performance Distributor can shed some light.

Thanks for the link
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top