So I got the Rochester Quad rebuilt around a year ago. One of the guys at the shop suggested i switch to a non-computer controlled carb. I looked at an Edelbrock 1406, but i heard that if i swapped them, i would always have a check engine light on due to the carb not being hooked up to the comp. Is that right?

Also, i looked at getting an MSD ignition control system with the MSD HEI distributor, but my main mechanic was saying that due to the computer controlled carb and dist. it wouldnt work very well if at all on my car.
Has anyone here used a MSD system with the comp controlled carb? or am i SOL without switching to a 1406 or something similar.

I really would love to do the whole MSD setup. Already noticed a performance boost with just the plug wires and want the rest of the deal i just don't have the money to buy a new carb, as well as the MSD stuff.

 

More or less. Computer control is all or nothing. If you replace the carb you lose computer control of timing too, which means a new distributor. You also lose control of the TCC in an automatic.

An Edelbrock 1406 is a solid downgrade from a Quadrajet anyway.

An MSD would work just fine, but it won't offer you any benefit on your current engine.

 

Don't listen to him. You already have the best street performance carb ever built.
Good thing.

The primary weaknesses of the factory computer system were the ignition control module and the coil. I ran an Accel 7-pin module and Super Coil for 11 years without a hiccup. I'd still be running them if I hadn't swapped to an LS1 engine.

 

I know the Roch Quad is a great carb when its tuned right. I had gotten into arguments with co workers over that plenty of times haha. Im happy i kept it. How would the MSD not help at all with my engine?
So i guess the question now is whether or not there is anything i can do to my carb or distributor to improve performance? i know this is not the right section for that, but i might as well ask

 

All that the ignition system does, is start the fire in the cyl.

So think about that for a minute... you got a fireplace? Ever had one? or a campfire, trash fire in your fields, etc.? Did the brand of match you lit it with, have much to do with how much heat the fire made?

Same deal here. If your stock stuff works, replacing it will accomplish exactly NOTHING. (people's "I put one on and the blah blah blah is better more blah blah" notwithstanding .... see this article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance for a description of the phenomenon that causes this behavior) If your stock stuff DOESN'T work, then just replacing it with stock stuff that DOES work will make it work jsut as good as $$$$aftermarket ignition boxes$$$$ will, at a fraction of the cost. Keep your money in your pocket.