I am considering putting an MSD 6A or 6AL on my 81, does anyone have any experience with this? Was also thinking of eliminating the computer at that time, have changed carb to a Holley 650, and exhaust to headers with sidepipes (No Cats), removed smog pump. Most of the sensors are inop. Do I need an MSD Distributor or will my HEI do the job? Any help with additional components needed, ect. would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Guitarpicker 

You can put the MDS in the 81, but you may have a problem.  Acutally, you may already have the problem.  Timing advance is controled by the computer in the car.   So is the fuel mixture.  If many of the sensors are disconnected, you probably do not have correct timing or fuel control.  It's likely you are running rich with retarted timing.

You can fix both of these.  Either return the car to correct operation, or replace the distributor with a vacuum advance unit, and replace the carb with a non computer carb.  An 80 carb will do fine.  So will many others.  The MSD will work well with the vacuum adv distributor.

With the plans to replace the carb anyway, that takes care of that issue.  Why not use the MSD distributor that is a drop in for the HEI dist you have now.  It is a complete unit all inside the distributor.  You don't need the separate box.  It's in there.   I have one of these units in my car.  Works very well.

Thanks Ken, I think I will go with the MSD Dist., I have already changed the carb to a Holley which I really like. Hopefully this will solve my problems, can't wait to get that baby on order now!

Thanks Again & Have A Great Weekend!

Guitarpicker