I'm building the 383 for my Z and though that I will be needing to upgrade the ignition system. There is nothing wrong with the stock system except that it is stock. I've been flipping through summit and there is plenty to pick from, but I'm not sure of what I'll need vs. what I want. All I want for sure is the MSD with the rev limiter(6A?) Anyway what do you all suggest?

 

This is my setup as follows:

MSD Pro Billet Distributor(your choice of mechanical or vaccum
advance, I chose mechanical.
MSD 6AL w/ rev limiter
MSD Blaster3 coil
Accel 300+ race wires/ BTW engine is a 355 carbureted.

Any questions post back.DUECE

 

That is the same setup I was thinking of before I posted this. Wow, its like the twilight zone.

 

if you are changing to a non computer controlled engine, the stock hei (non computercontrolled) is suffice unless you are putting out gobs of power and at high rpms. hei tend to fall off after 5500 rpms? i cant remember. hypertech makes a cap and coil replacement that extends the rpm range of a stock hei. the ignition boxes tend to be more of a gas saver if you will. more spark accuracy, easier starts, etc. not much of a power gain. a bigger better coil is always a good idea.

 

The ignition boxes do multiple sparks though, so they'll burn off more mixture that may not have been ignited by a single spark. I imagine they'll make more power if you tune it a little richer but so the box can still handle a full burn of it.

 

that's also what I'd say.

 

You mean you can tune it leaner to make more power.

 

No I don't.... Some cars you can make more power by leaning them out...but in my experience, I lose hp through leaning the mixture out. Hence, why a lot of guys with higher horsepower cars need to upgrade to larger injectors, and gain power when they do. Extra fuel. More fuel + more air = more power as long as the ignition system can burn it all and the air and fuel are increased in proportion....ie, the car already has upgraded intake equipment or a better intake manifold....