MSD ignition control box

[RockyPat]

Hello everyone,

I had a person offer me a MSD ignition control box for $100 in used condition. It works, the seller just needed one with a rev limiter I believe.

I did not know much about it, as I am new to restoring cars.

I have a 1971 Charger with a stock 318 that will be replaced with a 360 or a big block.

Another friend of mine recommended that I could do a Pertronx upgrade instead along with a new wiring harness.

Can someone explain why I would want to get an MSD box?

Or why not?

Trying to get some new knowledge!

Thanks.

 

[RockyPat]

I have read that MSD electronic ignition is the way to go on these Mopars, and that their wiring harnesses are not very good and should be replaced.

If I am missing anything, some help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[JerseyJoe]

I have read that MSD electronic ignition is the way to go on these Mopars, and that their wiring harnesses are not very good and should be replaced.

If I am missing anything, some help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

It's ONE of the ways to go. Some people swear by them, others not so much. I have an older 6AL, the analog version and it's been in the car for 10 years. MSD's wiring is fine, do you mean a 50 year old car's wiring? The MSD pretty much stands alone and doesn't tax the original wiring.
If your ignition is working correctly and you don't NEED a hotter spark and multiple discharge, you may not need the MSD unless your going to start adding more performance goodies.

 

[RockyPat]

It's ONE of the ways to go. Some people swear by them, others not so much. I have an older 6AL, the analog version and it's been in the car for 10 years. MSD's wiring is fine, do you mean a 50 year old car's wiring? The MSD pretty much stands alone and doesn't tax the original wiring.
If your ignition is working correctly and you don't NEED a hotter spark and multiple discharge, you may not need the MSD unless your going to start adding more performance goodies.

Okay thank you for the explanation. I mean my Charger's original wiring harnesses should probably be replaced. Sorry for the confusion. So the MSD is not really necessary for say a mild 440?

 

[RockyPat]

Okay thank you for the explanation. I mean my Charger's original wiring harnesses should probably be replaced. Sorry for the confusion. So the MSD is not really necessary for say a mild 440?

I will need to replace my ignition anyways I believe since it is old and probably not working correctly. I could rebuild it possibly. I am not good with ignition/wiring stuff, so I apologize if my posts do not make sense.

 

[JerseyJoe]

Okay thank you for the explanation. I mean my Charger's original wiring harnesses should probably be replaced. Sorry for the confusion. So the MSD is not really necessary for say a mild 440?

Personally, if I wasn't adding compression, a bigger cam, or anything else that might make it need to fire hotter than stock, I'd keep it simple. Electronic ignition is helpful especially if you're not into maintaining points, but to me mild=stock. Keeping it simple means longevity and driving almost anywhere.
If you question the original wiring that's a better place to put the cash.