Why MSD? Why not Mallory?

[bobcowan]

Originally Posted by afret

This Mallory has the Duraspark pickup like what Ford used to put in their cars. Should be pretty durable and easy to find replacements if it ever goes bad. I've used to run a Unilite long ago. Had no problems with it but it tends to be pretty voltage sensitive and is expensive to replace.

But is there any reason the magnetic is better than optical? Mallory makes both. Why would you choose one over the other? Is the magnetic less voltage sensative? Will the pick up last longer?

[undy]

Originally Posted by bobcowan

But is there any reason the magnetic is better than optical? Mallory makes both. Why would you choose one over the other? Is the magnetic less voltage sensative? Will the pick up last longer?

My experience with optical systems is the optical lens get coated with an spark/ozone by-product. This is due to sparking between the cap terminals and rotor within the cap containing the optical system. Over a period of time the lens gets cloudy enough to cause the car to start missing due to it not passing enough light. Things may have improved by design but I still stay clear of such optical systems. Magnetic all the way with me.