well see if I need two my engine builder says one 1200 cfm may get me about where I need to be on e85 fuel but back to the question before we get shut down for being off topic what distributor brand and model would you recommend?
Yeah.. that's all fine and dandy for a bigger 427/434 stroker motor.. but roots style or not.. that carb size will be a turd(comparatively speaking of course) for the first 1,800rpm or so on a shorter stroked 363. Two smaller venturi 600cfm carbs will have a broader and fatter power band without giving anything away on the top end. As for the disty choice. If you want something that looks cleaner?.. Mallory makes the Unilites with a crab style cap. This is the one I'll likely end up with. However.. I've had some bad luck with their optical sensors in the past and have known many others who have also burned them out. I'll surely be calling to confirm that they have become a bit more robust in more recent years before I commit to using one. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/maa-3744501/overview/make/ford
in my experience with mallory distributors (i sold them for 3 years when working at super shops in the 90s and used them in several cars) even recently had to replace the optic pic up on one a few months back) they are not that good. they have not improved the unilite module. their magnetic distributors are much more reliable. the other problem with mallory is they use bushings on their shafts just like a factory distributor. i beileve msd uses bearings on their shafts. you will see msd stuff in all the serious race cars. their popularity makes them the easiest to get replacement parts for. most auto parts stores will have msd parts in stock. so i would get a the msd 6btm http://www.msdignition.com/Products...log/6462_-_MSD_6-BTM_Boost_Timing_Master.aspx and i would use either the 85 mustang gt stick shift dura spark distributor or a msd distributor. if the blower doesnt leave enough space for a big cap distributor like the dura spark or most of the msd distributors, the mallory flat cap type distributor will work, but try to get the magnetic trigger version. if you end up with the unilite mallory makes a filter that plugs into the distributor that is supposed to help protect it from failing.
Thanks for that, Bryant. Good to know. The only thing you lost me on was the.. "stickshift version of the DS"? I"ve always used whichever one I can get my hands on as they all work fine with the aftermarket stuff. A magnetic trigger is just a magnetic trigger. In fact.. the one dummied in place on my engine stand is from a Ford F-150 and has seen both Mallory and MSD boxes and coil combo's.
The MSD is a much higher quality distributor than a Mallory, or about anything else out there except a Moroso. Bearing supports, tighter tolerances, billet body, etc. My choice would be a Pro Billet distributor with your choice of boxes. I always raced in circles with full MSD ignition systems and usually ran 6AL or 6ALN boxes but not sure what a good box number would be for your combination. The folks at MSD would be glad to talk to you and make a recommendation. If you have a troublesome Unilite, put in a Pertronix kit and get rid of the Unilite stuff. SPark
While I could easily agree that the MSD stuff is pretty decent overall.. as with everything these days, they still have their issues on occasion too. Their biggest claim to fame.. and popularity is the much broader spectrum of racer type products compared to the others. As for this particular engine's requirement.. junrai will need to bite the bullet to get the most powerful box and matching coil he can find. Primarily because the cylinder pressures and use of copious amounts of e85 fuel(around 30% more volume than gas or race fuel) will mandate the need for much more spark energy. The more expensive box's allow the hottest coils and it all boils down to product placement in the end. The harsh reality is that once you make the decision to build a boosted 1,000+ horse engine.. figure on each supporting system to run another grand.. or so.. just to be able to keep up with the demand. No shortcuts are allowed. Which is where the old adage came from in the first place. "Speed cost's $$$$.. how fast you wanna' go?" ....... or insert similar.
the difference is that the 85 mustang gt stick shift is susposed to be the only roller cam geared duraspark. its got nothing to do with the electronics.
