late model dizzy and MSD box on carbed moter?

[Britt]

I have an 89 distributor and I know I cant use it without a computer. But I heard that I could get a MSD box and plug it into the dist. and It would work well. Is this true? All I have to do Is get a MSD box to use this dist. on a carbed moter?

Thanks,
Britt

 

[MrBobMarley]

There is also the issue of the dist. gear being changed out. I forget how it goes but I think you need to get the correct one to match the cam. Someone here can tell you exactly.

 

[Britt]

I think the only time you need to swap the gear is when you have a roller cam where a steel gear would be needed for extra strenth and wear.

Any one else? Is the box the only thing I need to run an 89 dist.?

 

[allcarfan]

Hmmmm....I dont think you can just plug in a late model dist to an MSD box and it work. Doesnt that dist have a large connector on it for the computer with about a half dozen wires on it?

 

[Britt]

Hmmmm....I dont think you can just plug in a late model dist to an MSD box and it work. Doesnt that dist have a large connector on it for the computer with about a half dozen wires on it?

Yes, It has a large connector. So, Is their any way to run this on a carbed moter without problems? Would I be better off with a stock 30 year old distributor? I heard you can get a 85 or 86 distributor and run a msd box and that works good.

 

[ratio411]

I run an early Duraspark in my stuff.
All the MSD needs is a trigger pulse.
That is supplied by the magnet system.
IMO magnets are far more reliable and maint. free compared to points, 'unilite' types, etc...
The late Duraspark stuff, though I don't know for sure, seems like too much hassle to use compared to one with 2 wires.
Dave

 

[LMan]

I think the only time you need to swap the gear is when you have a roller cam where a steel gear would be needed for extra strenth and wear.

Any one else? Is the box the only thing I need to run an 89 dist.?

The steel gear on the roller-motOr dist will eat up your iron cam. Swap it for a bronze or iron dist gear. Or you'll be back here shortly asking for engine-rebuiling advice