Comparison of MSD to points for the street.

[451Mopar]

Most of our classics don't seem to get alot of miles on them, so points seem to last longer.
Back in the late 1970's early '80's when I started driving, I had points issues a few times, and converted to electronic ignition.
The Old Direct Connection Conversion kits were like $60 and I did not have any issues with them until the 1990's?
I think the Mopar conversion kits were maybe sourced from a different manufacturer? Either way, the quality was not good on the newer kits and the price of the kits went from around $90-$100 to $200+ around the same time.
I think around mid 1990's to 2000 I avoided the Mopar stuff and used Mallory Unilite, Accel BilletProof, and MSD distributors. I didn't run these direct to the coil, but to trigger CD ignition boxes like the MSD6AL (analog box), and Crane HI-6
The ignition setups seemed pretty reliable, but I did have to replace the unilite module after about 20 years.

 

[Geoff 2]

Yeah, Unilite did have the nickname Unidark...

 

[AR67GTX]

You do have to follow a couple common sense steps with points. Installing new ones without lubricating the rubbing block is a good way to see them lose their gap in very few miles. And doing a bit of research to make sure the coil and ballast resister are compatible is a good step to maximize point contact life. And some replacement condensers today are crap so a spare is always a good idea.

 

[fourgearsavoy]

I still prefer a good old analog MSD 6AL. Choose the right coil and proper wiring with a good Denso alternator and they operate perfectly.
Of course I know it will fail sometime but then again I have a spare ready to plug in.

Gus

 

[Rusty knuckles]

I don't think either is inherently more reliable than the other. With electronic ignition the ecu goes out. With points the condenser usually goes bad. In either case carrying $50 in spare parts is necessary.

 

[khryslerkid]

I'm happy to see people on here think the same way.

I thought I was one of a few that ran points. Mallory dual point as a matter of fact. Love it, no problems except trying to find a reliable condenser. The Mallory takes one with a long pig tail. The Mallory ones are real junk and won't last long. Found an Echlin one that fits the bill and has been going strong for several years.

 

[Geoff 2]

You can go to an electronics store & buy a 0.22-0.25 mfd, 400 volt condenser & use that...