Hey all...

Usually I would search for something like this, but I don't know where the search button is on the new forum setup...

Anywho, I've got a 010 350 with flat tops and 416 heads. I run 91 octane through it, and it's got a XE-256. The ignition system is totally stock at this point.

I've ordered a Crane Vac Advance and recurve kit to begin fine tuning the ignition curve on this thing, and I was wondering whether it would be very advantageous to purchase an MSD or Accell high-output coil.

I know that in a high-rpm setup a hot coil is pretty essential, but this thing is a daily driver and rarely sees action above 5500 rpms. However, I'm using regular thickness head gaskets and I know my compression is through the roof. Would a super hot coil, excellent wires and maybe an increased plug gap (.045-.050) with indexed plugs net any substantial gains?

I've heard that no, unless you see over 6k rpm, a big coil won't help you much. A module might though. But I'm not an ignition guy, so i'll see if anyone else knows more...

Your compression ratio is not that high. But if you want to invest in a better than stock coil for your HEI, I recommend the MSD HEI coil. When using this coil be sure to get the MSD steel center post for the distributor cap too.
The stock carbon post will overheat and melt the cap around it.
MSD makes a matching hi perf HEI ignition module also. Combine the MSD coil with their module and you have all the ignition power you'll ever need.
MSD now has two high output HEI modules. One is a 7.5 amp unit.
More than enough and designed for full time continious duty.
The other one is a take no prisioners "Extreme" 20amp racing unit.
Don't recomend this one for daily street duty.

The pn of the 7.5 amp (street, strip) module {the one you want} is
MSD# 83645.

I'm not crazy about the Accel stuff. Can't go wrong with the MSD stuff thou.