Msd Ignition On Odd-fire

So I think I am going with the pertronix conversion on my dauntless build.

I think I want to upgrade to a Mallory or MSD igntion. Has anyone done this and if so, what did you go with?

Thanks.

 

If you go MSD, IIRC there is a version specifically for the odd fire engine. You pretty much do away with the need for the Pertronix conversion. The points will trigger the MSD, and relieved of the burden of the coil inductance, the points will last a loooong time. Until the fiber block wears out. Trigger the MSD with the points.

 

The MSD also provides Multi Spark Discharge which is some kind of magic. My Jeep starts immediately no matter what and runs as well as it ever did. The model you need is 6446.

MSD 6t box..#6446..ODD FIRE V6 ONLY+NEW SOFT TOUCH REV CONTROL 85132031177 | eBay

This one comes with the rev limiter you don’t need but would be kind of cool. I’ve seen them as low as $50 but $100-150 is what they go for.

 

It's capacitor discharge. There is an LC circuit formed by the coil inductance and a capacitor in the module. The coil discharge refreshes the capacitor, which then discharges through the coil. LC circuit - Bing

 

Ok - Just to clarify.. If I get the 6446 MSD box - I will not need the solid state conversion for the Distributor, I can keep my points.

Would I then just wire the 6446 in and leave everything else alone? Will the plugs get a hotter spark like when converted to pertronix?

Chris

 

I would not spend good money on anything Mallory

 

Why not just put in a Pertronix with the flame thrower coil and be done with it? A set-up with a proven track record. You can carry your points set-up in your tool box, just in case... Or how about an HEI distributor?

 

The Pertronix does not change the spark intensity. It simply replaces the points with a transistor switch, so no more points replacement.

You can get a hotter spark by using a hotter coil, like the Flame Thrower coil, or the GM HEI distributor. Or you can use a capacitor discharge module like the MSD or Mallory to boost the spark. Or both.

The MSD module can be triggered by points (a Kettering trigger, like a switch). Read the MSD instructions - they are online at MSD and Summit Racing, likely other places too. When using the Kettering trigger, the coil discharge is handled by the module and the points provide a low voltage signal to the module.

If you had the Pertronix module and the MSD module, they would be connected as if there were points. So there's little advantage to the Pertronix conversion if using the MSD module, since the point contacts do not wear out when used to trigger the MSD module.

 

Do you bypass the ballast resistor with the pertronix setup or not?

 

Read up on the MSD systems. I believe they are the best ignition system available for performance and reliability, even superior to the GM HEI distributor. My #2 choice would be the HEI system. The Pertronix system simply eliminates the point ignition, and you can add a hotter coil to improve performance, but this system is well below the performance of the two other systems, though the reliability is well proven.
For what its worth, I believe nearly every NASCAR team run an MSD, though tailored to their application.
-Donny

 

MSD used to convert some other models to the odd fire configuration, I don't know if they still offer this service. IIRC it was limited to the 6A model. I have one NIB, It is an original odd fire unit I thought it was model number 6246 but, I could be mistaken, it's been 8 years since I've seen it. Good luck!

 

MSD #6446 for the odd-fire part number. I have a couple 6200 series units for my V8 stuff. I've used some of these for close to 30 years now.
-Donny

 

I just put one in my jeep. I also have the 225. The instructions that came with the module said to leave the ballast resistor in if it has one, but not to add one if it does not. My jeep has one so I left it there. I have installed the Pertronix kit and Flame Thrower on a couple other old trucks over the years and quite like it. Like others have said, it's a mild yet noticeable upgrade, eliminates points and has proven reliability. Sounds like there's other, high performance options as well. From what I've gathered folks love the performance and reliability of the HEI. I was/am tempted by that too. There's quite a few threads covering the HEI and HEI vs Pertronix here. I can't speak to the MSD system. Seems like some folks think it's great (although questionably still available) and some guys think it's a time-bomb.

 

Would I still have to worry about setting the proper gap on the points if I keep them as you describe?

 

Probably not, but I would. Setting the gap is really easy on the Delco distributor. Dwell is controlled by the module. They still have to open. You still have to time the ignition. Then I would not look at them again for, say 50K miles. The fiber block that rides on the cam would still wear, so they would not go indefinitely without some attention.

 

I would gap the points to factory specs. If the gap were too small or too large, then the contact point could be early or late.
It would be just as easy to follow the original spec, and then you could more easily monitor rubbing block wear.
-Donny