Hey guys. been a bit for me here but, been working pretty hard lately much to my disliking. Anyway, been looking into some ignitition upgrades in my 76 L-48. I Don't think I need to spend the $450.0 to $500.00 on a complete MSD system but, want a better, more efficient burn and a bit better performance out of my ignition system. I was looking seriously at the accel set up of the 59107 GM HEI Distributor and the 140003 Super Coil. ((current set-up is Edelbrock Performer intake stock Rottinchester 4 barrel, ceramic coated headers, 2 1/2 inch exhaust to magnaflows.)) Only talked to two other people that use this system around here on their 350's (non-vettes). They both said it was a good less expensive upgrade but, not the street rod set up. Not worried about the street thing really though.
I'm just looking to see what the minds here think about this set up. Thanks for the input.
fedexbicman762009-03-26 18:01:26

I don't really think you need to really upgrade the HEI beyond having it serviced and the advance curve optimized. The HEI is an excellent ignition, though it's set up more for emissions than performance, but all were during that time period. A good shop can take that distributor and wake it up. If you want to do more or change to another make, go ahead, but you really won't be gaining much beyond lightening your wallet and some bragging rights.

The Edelbrock Performer is a good choice and the Q-jet is an excellent carburetor. It may need a rebuild or be set up by someone who knows them, but again, you won't be gaining much, if anything by changing it as well.

You have the basics well covered...any more would take a new cam, head reworking, etc. Change the distributor, the carb, etc., and you still won't see much difference to an L48. You can make the engine run smoother and more crisply, but little more without a cam and head upgrade.

I agree.  Until you have very high compression or RPMs, the stock distributor is fine.  An advance curve and possibly adjustable vacuum advance should be plenty.  You don't have a lot of compression ratio, so other upgrades will not do much until you change the heads, then the cam.

Larry

I will tell you that changing to the MSD Streetfire for $125 what a great thing for mine.  I now have a 300hp 350 crate in her, with an L-82 Aluminum intake and side pipes and the MSD is trouble free.  I had so much trouble with the stock system, even after changing the coil, electronic thingie (technical term), shaft, cap, wires, etc, that the changeover and it's allowing for worry free operation was worth it for me.

Thanks for all the advice and insight guys. I wasn''t looking for a big increase in performance really and I don't plan on changing the heads or cam anytime soon. Had the carb rebuilt a couple years ago and it made a big difference. I want to get a better hotter spark to more completely burn the fuel in the cylinders and get a better more crisp burn I guess. Love the techincal term there dnv.

Hey Guys, for what it's worth, I went ahead and bought the MSD Street Fire Ignition Box. Will install it this weekend. From everyone's advise and from that of a trusted mechanic here locally, he told me that the msd would clean up any starting and idle issues as well as doing a better job of burning the fuel in the cyliders more completely. Thanks again!