351w/ carb/ MSD- loss of power/ dies!! Help!!

[kevins2]

I've had two MSD coil failures, different symptoms each time. The first time, very rough idle and backfired when starting out - ran fine at rpm under load. Idle got progressively worse until it wouldn't idle at all. Replaced coil - problem solved. Second time, it just died and that was it. Easy roadside repair. So, even if your current problem isn't the coil, I recommend having a spare coil in the trunk since they do fail.

[Robert McLinden]

I too have lost two MSD coils. Both failure modes were similar. Breaking up at higher rpm (>3000). Progressively gets worse until it quits. Now when I get the same symptoms I just replace the coil first. Always carry a spare. A lot of O'Riely parts places carry the coils.