RTz

Sorry for the confusion. A possible choice would be to use a later model HEI dizzy with the 7 pin ignition module (ala, 85 vette). Then use Megasquirt (or possibly MegaJolt) to run the timing for you. You'd have essentially total control at that point. MS even offers multiple timing maps (activated for use with NOS, for example). Unfortunately, HEI is a bit RPM limited. The better coils will extend that range but don't plan on a 7K motor with that set-up. This would be the best bang for the buck, IMO. However, If it were me, I'd be looking into DIS. Its only a bit more work with tangible pay-offs. Again MS or MJ controlling an EDIS system would likely be the most cost effective. Of note though... there is rumor that EDIS8 is RPM limited as well. Spend a little time on the MS forum and you'll see some info on EDIS8 limitations... see if they fit your goals. Then of course the dollars go up from there. P.S. A secondary benefit of DIS in the case of an SBC is the ability to retain the stock hood latch...

Mike, I'm taking you to mean utilizing a stock distributor and upgrading parts? You're pretty limited in 'control' in that case. I'm not really sure what to tell you exactly. I've had experience with both Pertronics ignitor and the Crane conversion. Both were HUGE improvements over points. A couple things though... they were both on very mild motors and it would be hard NOT to improve on points. I have had pretty decent success with the stock Datsun electronic ignitions as well. Buy a decent coil (not MSD) and good quality wires (Magnecor is used nearly exclusively around here). Then re-curve your distributor. Datsuns LOVE advance (poor chamber appears to be the culprit). You could easily spend $2-300 going this route. Admittedly, I'm a little out of touch with what the market offeres in terms of dizzy related bits. They just don't excite me these days. I'm a little more experinced with DIS at this time. As for spending close to $1000... there is NO way I'd spend that much on a distributor type ignition... you can have a pretty fair, if not damn good, DIS system for that.

Most any electronic igniton will perform better than points.

Mike, It appears that MANY have produced some serious numbers with MSD's products. I won't argue with MSD's success. I have also personally witnessed several MSD failures... stock replacement and otherwise. Hence, MSD products aren't allowed in my shop Electromotive is probably my biggest competitor (I'm a Wolf3D distributor). Even still, you'd be much more likely to find Electromotive on my car than MSD. If you're just looking for DIS, look into their products. On the other hand, If you want the full-meal-deal ie, a complete engine mangement system, then Wolf is my first choice. SDS is good stuff as well. It does limit growth to some degree and its similarly priced with Wolf. MS is very versatile and inexpensive, but does require patience.

MSD's reliabilty is not always what it ought to be. May I suggest researching a bit more before becoming addicted to one brand?

I assume you're looking for a DIS system (Distributor-less Ignition System). If so, there are a number of ways to do this. The easiest (but not necessarily cheapest) is through Electomotive. They have stand-alone DIS's. Another way is using Megasquirt or MegaJolt to run a Ford EDIS system. There are also a number of other stand-alone EFI stytems that will run coil packs including SDS, Motec, and Wolf3D (my personal favorite). Here is a shot of 6 coils ran by a Wolf system I recently installed on a ZX...

I like it as well. I punched it up a little... use it if you like.

The only opinion you need is mine I think you'd be VERY happy with an R200 with EITHER a Quaife or a clutch-pack. I occasionally hear some disappointment over the Quaife but car set-up is everything.... and its not always clear, when these people run into problems, if its a set-up issue or even a driver issue. Most of the time people are ecstatic over Quaife. I would love to try one myself. The problem is it needs to be on a car that I am familiar with (or have sufficient time to get familiar with), try out set-ups, and also adjust my driving style if needed before I could put my 'stamp' on one. On the other hand, clutch packs are proven. In the end you may find that its an issue of trade-offs... one not necessarily better than the other... just different. Whichever you choose, you'll more than likely be a satisfied costumer.

Mark, I was going to add this to my post before you responded so I'll just insert it here... FWIW, regarding clutch-pack LSD’s, I re-cut ramp angles, add clutches, and re-shim. I do this becuase I’m quite particular about how my diff functions. I feel its time well spent. More to the point... A VLSD falls even further short in all the areas that I take the time to ‘improve’ on a clutch-pack.

Mark, Ouch... thats gonna leave a bruise OK seriously, everyone has their preferences. If we all drove the same, it would be no fun. In my (reasonable) experience, there is no one that could convince me to install a VLSD in my car. Period. No offense. It very well may work for you. I believe you. I also believe it will NOT work for me.

Thats 'cause I PM'd him My car is a '73, originally an automatic, converted to a dogleg 5-speed, Dual SU's, and electronic ignition. The only other mod is ST springs. Otherwise, the car is stock and original. The rust it does have is minimal and not structural. I'm not saying the car is perfect, but I do think its a great foundation for a radical car. $3000 OBO. Pic...

Larry, All I can say is drive a car that has one. I've driven a number of them (Z32 Turbo and NA, J30's and Q45). They (VSLD's) just don't impress me much. They take way too long to begin their lock-up and when they do its 'soft'. They're built for production cars... not race cars, IMO. Sorry, I don't have facts, necessarily.

Mike, VLSD's are hideous at 'limiting slip'. Great for a grocery getter but not demanding applications. They may be hell-for-stout but If it won't put power where its needed, its moot.

If it were me, I'd start with fuel delivery. Almost ANY system would be better than downdraft Webers. Buy the best you can afford, preferably something you can grow with.

Guess you'll have to fly out to Oregon and drive mine home... its almost rust free and largely straight...

Tony, Entertaining reading My questions were targeted more towards EMP than EMI/RMI... should have made that more clear. If we're talking electronic 'noise' then yes... please... lets talk, its not one of my stronger points (nor MS's). The fascination with EMP stumps me, however.

Never pursue a career in sales Best of Luck.

You know you're going to get asked this so, I may as well be the one... where does this interest come from? I mean no disrespect, I'm just trying to understand why this is so important? What are the 'other' reasons you cite besides nuke's? Do you have a method of testing your success's or failures? If your reasons are good enough, maybe you can convert a few of us Really, no disrespect intended.

To Braap... he needs it

Funny you guy's mention it. We're looking for sponsorship... you guy's up for it?

Nearly so. Nope... gravel on the side only... look again.

Now I remember... that didn't go so well!

That sequence still splits my sides

Dave, Have we met?