258 Distributor Cap - MSD upgrade?

Guy's

I've searched the forums and don't see an answer to my question which is:

Is there a suitable distributor cap that fits the stock (1972) 258 distributor AND is suitable for use with a MSD 6A using stock points and a MSD coil?

I haven't installed the MSD yet and but I'm looking for a better than stock cap in case I get flash over or other problems. I will be adding upgraded 8MM wires to handle the hotter stock. I'd prefer not to buy the MSD replacement distributor but if it comes to that does anyone know if that distributor suffers from the "hard" gear syndrome some of the HEI units are supposed to have. Also, I see Summit has a "performance" distributor, any thoughts?

Thanks

 

If you have the MSD 6A, do you need a hot coil too? I'd think the OEM coil ("oilcan coil") would be fine. MSD makes an adapter to the HEI-style connectors.

Is the OEM distributor a Delco? If so, this one might fit http://www.msdperformance.com/Produ.../8014_-_Chevy_6_Cylinder_Distributor_Cap.aspx - not a lot of other clues about it though.

Another option is to buy a '78 or later Duraspark distributor for a 258. That will drop in to your engine, use the big "TFI / Team Rush" cap, and trigger the MSD 6A no problem. Cheap too - ca $50 for the distributor. You'd need an adapter wire from MSD to plug into the 6A, the big cap, adapter, rotor and wires.

 

Thanks for a quick response Timger. I called MSD about that 8014 cap and it's only for Chevy V6 so that's a no go. You're right about the coil but my oil can coil is actually weeping oil so I figure a new coil is in order and not too expensive on Ebay. I'll try to run my stock cap and see if I get fireworks and if so the Duraspark Team Rush option should do the trick. Is there a better Duraspark distributor in the years they were used, that is, do you order a 78 , 79 or will any one do?

Now I hope the MSD6A I'm getting on Ebay is better than the $20 Craigslist special I got that didn't work.

 

Supposedly the best advance curve is the earliest ones, 78 or 79. You can recurve the distributor yourself though - the Duraspark vacuum advance diaphragm is adjustable, and a spring kit is available from Summit et al. There is an article on Jeepforum that may be helpful - http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/working-your-distributor-how-tune-973904/ - no experience with this, but it seems to be a popular post there.

 

You can also go the Chevrolet 250 6 cyl HEI route, all you have to do is take the distributor gear and spacer off of your points distributor and install them on the Chevrolet distributor and it will slip right in, get a set of wires and remove the resistor from primary circuit and your ready to go. I did this swap on my 72 about 6 years ago and have not had a single issue.

 

A new distributor would be a pretty great idea while upgrading the ignition. I was amazed at how much better my 258 starts and runs with the dui hei. Part of it is hotter spark but also a consistent advance. One of the best things I've done to the ole girl.

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I've converted a couple and is Indeed an excellent upgrade. Parts availability is excellent also.
One thing I'd recommend is upgrading the power feed wire to a larger gauge to match what GM used. . It helps with dependability. I want to say its 12 gauge but that may not be correct.


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