DeTomaso Mailing List: March 2000, Message #182

Skip,

I wouldn't pretend to be an expert on MSD ignitions but I do have a exclusively 
MSD system (distributor, 6-AL ignition, Blaster SS coil, tach adapter) on my 
'72.  I gather (from the MSD website: www.msdignition.com) that the 8350 
distributor you mentioned is a direct replacement for the stock distributor.  I 
think it has a small internal electronic ignition that substitutes for the 
points in a stock distributor.  It shouldn't need any other electronics such as 
a 6A and I suspect it wouldn't require a tach adapter either (but you should 
check with MSD on that).  I would be more concerned about the size of the 
8350.  I have the small MSD billet distributor and it barely clears the Pantera 
firewall.  Anything bigger will probably hit something.  I suspect the 8350 is  
designed for more standard 351-C front engine cars (non-Pantera). 

If you need to repace your distributor, the small MSD billet distributor should 
work fine but it isn't cheap and is designed to work along with an MSD ignition 
module such as the 6A you mentioned or 6-AL which has a built in rev limiter.  
In that case you would definitely need a tach adapter (MSD-8920 for Panteras) 
to go with it.  Add in a high voltage coil and you're talking fairly serious 
bucks for the package.  You can get better prices than $280 for the 6A, 
however.  For instance, I just bought a 6-AL, which is more expensive than the 
6A, from Summit Racing for $170.  JEGS has similar prices.  If you know what 
you want you can order straight off of their web sites (with a credit card) and 
have the stuff in a few days.  I wouldn't rely on the sales guy for tech info - 
go to the mailing list or MSD. 

Hope this helps.

Dave Bell

 

On Sun Mar  5 22:21:05 2000, Cars5244@aol.com wrote:

> I need some more advise from the Pantera experts. I have no ignition so I am 
> requesting the best set-up for a street driven car. I looked at the 8350 
> ready-to-run MSD distributor but have questions about the need for a 6A in 
> order to use the tach? This unit is about $280.00 or so. Maybe I don't need 
> this expense or does the tach work with this unit without the 6A and 
> adaptor?. Or would this and a 6A and Blaster 2 be the best.  Thanks,
> 
> Skip
> 
>