Club Cobra GasN Exhaust  

Go Back   Club Cobra > Cobra Talk Areas > ALL COBRA TALK

MMG Superformance
Nevada Classics
MMG Superformance
Main Menu
Module Jump:
Nevada Classics
Nevada Classics
Advertise at CC
Banner Ad Rates
MMG Superformance
MMG Superformance
March 2024
S M T W T F S
          1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31            
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 06-13-2010, 09:12 AM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: May 2009
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 135
Not Ranked     
Default MSD vs Mallory Distributor

Okay, so in an attempt to replace the distributor bushing on my MSD 8594, the stud snapped off. Since I am chasing a weird running problem that I suspect is either carb or ignition related, let's try a new distributor.

Attached are pictures of my 1200 MSD unit. Corrosion! How? This car never sees wet weather or winters. I was also unable to set the timing at idle, had to set it at 3000 RPM at full advance and it takes a few seconds to settle down at idle. Also the timing jumped around (38-40 degrees) is that normal?

So here is my question. Does the Mallory suffer from these corrosion issues too? How about the funny timing thing at idle and full advance?

Any draw backs to either one or are they pretty much equivalent?

BTW: the Mallory guys say it will plug right into my MSD box, so that should not be an issue.
Attached Images
   
Reply With Quote
  #2 (permalink)  
Old 06-13-2010, 01:00 PM
Rick Parker's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: California, Ca
Cobra Make, Engine: NAF 289 Slabside Early Comp Car with 289 Webers and all the goodies. Cancelling the efforts of several Priuses
Posts: 6,592
Not Ranked     
Default

The Mallory unit uses an optical light trigger mechanism that has its own set of "Bugs".
The design technology (magnetic flux triggered impulse) used in the MSD is mirrored from Fords Duraspark application. In fact the module is a duplicate other than the base plate. For the most part it's troublefree. To my knowlege all the OEM's use this same basic type technology in lieu of optical for their ignition sytems, if the optical were more reliable I'm sure they would be using that, so would Nascar.
__________________
Rick

As you slide down the Banister of Life, may the splinters never be pointing the wrong way
Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old 06-13-2010, 01:10 PM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: May 2009
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 135
Not Ranked     
Default

this one does not seem to have the optical.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MAA-3255311/
Reply With Quote
  #4 (permalink)  
Old 06-13-2010, 01:48 PM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: montecito, ca.
Cobra Make, Engine: era 428 ford
Posts: 2
Not Ranked     
Default

Had same problem with my MSD these caps have their own atmosphere inside because of ionization that builds moisture. What i did was drill two small holes @ 1/8 " on the upper back side of distributor about 1" apart to vent it. Years ago distributors were vented, some of the newer ones are not. Worked for me!
Reply With Quote
  #5 (permalink)  
Old 06-13-2010, 02:41 PM
DAVID GAGNARD's Avatar
Senior Club Cobra Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: MARKSVILLE,LA.,,
Posts: 3,235
Not Ranked     
Default

Quote:
This car never sees wet weather or winters. I was also unable to set the timing at idle, had to set it at 3000 RPM at full advance and it takes a few seconds to settle down at idle. Also the timing jumped around (38-40 degrees) is that normal?
While outside weather does have some effect on your ignition system, the inside corrosion is caused by a sealed cap.... Everything is outside temp, you start the car a drive around, things heat up, pretty hot under the hood, you come home and shut it off, things cool off, condensation occurs, and that's where the corrosion is coming from, drilling holes in the cap will help........

My timing doesn't really jump around, but does take a few seconds to come back to the idle timing setting once idle rpm is reached, my guess is corrosion will do this also as the weights have to move over rusted metal........

Why MSD doesn't spray the bare metal parts with some type of shelack/sealer before assembly is beyound me........I've seen other factory distributors such as the Duraspark unit that have all bare metal parts coated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

David
__________________
DAVID GAGNARD
Reply With Quote
  #6 (permalink)  
Old 06-13-2010, 02:59 PM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,078
Not Ranked     
Default

Same Unilite in since '97. Replaced one module, three caps and rotors-ZERO corrosion. 6-AL behind it.
__________________
Chas.
Reply With Quote
  #7 (permalink)  
Old 06-13-2010, 04:36 PM
Zoom This's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 709
Not Ranked     
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ERA Chas View Post
Same Unilite in since '97. Replaced one module, three caps and rotors-ZERO corrosion. 6-AL behind it.
Are you saying that the Mallory Unilite distributor can just plug in to the MSD 6AL box and away you go??

Bill
Reply With Quote
  #8 (permalink)  
Old 06-13-2010, 05:06 PM
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,078
Not Ranked     
Default

With a ballast resister-yes.
__________________
Chas.
Reply With Quote
  #9 (permalink)  
Old 06-16-2010, 05:16 AM
DougD's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Des Moines, IA
Cobra Make, Engine: Sold my beloved Shelby CSX 4068, Gessford 427 Ford
Posts: 756
Not Ranked     
Default

If I was to do it again, I'd get a $70 rebuilt Duraspark for a 1976 Ford Pickup with a 360 or 390 at AutoZone or someplace similar. Plug it into a 6AL MSD box and go!
__________________
CSX4068, '69 Bronco, '70 BOSS 302, '87 Mustang GT, '08 Roush Trak Pak
Reply With Quote
  #10 (permalink)  
Old 06-16-2010, 05:20 AM
Ron61's Avatar
Senior Club Cobra Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Shasta Lake, CA
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 26,552
Not Ranked     
Post

I use
ed a Mallory magnetic type distributor in my car for years and never had a single problem with it. I have a MSD distributor in the 69 and have to watch the terminals for corrosion and also a weakening of the spring contact with the top terminal.

Ron
__________________
Ron 61
Ronnie Widener


View my Miscellaneous Gallery
Reply With Quote
  #11 (permalink)  
Old 06-16-2010, 06:32 AM
Snakebit's Avatar
Club Cobra Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Salem,, NJ
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA 289 FIA #2100 Rio Red Wimbledon White Stripes 302 stroked to 331 Webers Richmond Road Race 5 speed
Posts: 779
Not Ranked     
Default

I use the Mallory 32 series distributor that incorporates a magnetic pick up. 3255311
__________________
Snakebit
Reply With Quote
  #12 (permalink)  
Old 06-16-2010, 10:20 AM
bobcowan's Avatar
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Cobra Make, Engine: Backdraft, supercharged Coyote
Posts: 2,430
Not Ranked     
Default

I use a Mallory Unilite. I'v been using them on various cars for many years. Generally speaking, the module is pretty durable, and lasts a long time. But, this car is differant. I guess it's because I race it pretty regularly. But I'v had the module fail more than once. I routinly replace the module every year. And I carry a spare in the trunk.

I have not been able find much of a differance between the optical and magnetic trigger. There doesn't seem to be an advantage to either one. Mallory sells both.

I have had one cap go bad; the center carbon post went to another dimension. That's the same problem with MSD.

I have never seen any corrosion inside the distributer. Although it's generally pretty dry in CO, I have driven in driving rain and light snow. This is not a trailer queen.

The big differance to the Mallory is that the advance mechanisms are below the trigger plate. Makes it a hassle to change the timing curve. But it makes it real easyt to change the module. I like that, because I set the curve once and then leave it alone. But I change the module at least once a year. SOme people prefer the MSD for exactly the same reason.
Reply With Quote
  #13 (permalink)  
Old 06-16-2010, 11:36 AM
DAVID GAGNARD's Avatar
Senior Club Cobra Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: MARKSVILLE,LA.,,
Posts: 3,235
Not Ranked     
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DougD View Post
If I was to do it again, I'd get a $70 rebuilt Duraspark for a 1976 Ford Pickup with a 360 or 390 at AutoZone or someplace similar. Plug it into a 6AL MSD box and go!
ME TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In fact, I'm thinking about doing exactly that now, and keeping the MSD as a spare............

David
__________________
DAVID GAGNARD
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:46 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
The representations expressed are the representations and opinions of the clubcobra.com forum members and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and viewpoints of the site owners, moderators, Shelby American, any other replica manufacturer, Ford Motor Company. This website has been planned and developed by clubcobra.com and its forum members and should not be construed as being endorsed by Ford Motor Company, or Shelby American or any other manufacturer unless expressly noted by that entity. "Cobra" and the Cobra logo are registered trademarks for Ford Motor Co., Inc. clubcobra.com forum members agree not to post any copyrighted material unless the copyrighted material is owned by you. Although we do not and cannot review the messages posted and are not responsible for the content of any of these messages, we reserve the right to delete any message for any reason whatsoever. You remain solely responsible for the content of your messages, and you agree to indemnify and hold us harmless with respect to any claim based upon transmission of your message(s). Thank you for visiting clubcobra.com. For full policy documentation refer to the following link: CC Policy
Links monetized by VigLink