After running MSD for decades I switched to Duraspark and wish I had done it sooner. Cheap, easy and dependable. I got my distributor from DUI curved to my cam/gear set/application. IMHO unless you are doing high RPMs there's no need for MSD.

 

No, no High RPMs. Cruising around town, heading to work, grabbing groceries, being seen. Maybe a few spirited launches on some back streets, but no track time. And no spinning up over 6k.
DUI/ Performance Distributors are the same people aren't they?

 

Yes, same people.

 

Are you running the original Duraspark module or a box to power it instead?

 

I’ve run an MSD billet distributor and 6al box for a decade without any troubles, but when the time comes, I’ll be switching to a duraspark and get the vacuum advance back.

 

Duraspark is a great distributor. I ran one for decades with good success until, ! the core rebuilds were getting worse and 2. started shifting above 7K. There are alot of very good reasons to run one. Replacement parts are still available at most auto parts stores. They are reliable durable and easy to tune or lock down. Honestly, I really can't tell a difference between the Duraspark/Ford module and the MSD setup I have now, other than I needed a MSD cap at the track once and was out of luck. On the other hand, I used to go through a Duraspark about every other year for 1 reason or another. I think there are some companies that have started reproducing them..

 

Get a new Spectra Duraspark from Rockauto for a 1985 Mustang 5.0, 5 speed 4V. It's exactly what you want. Mechanical and vacuum advance Duraspark with a Melonized gear for billet roller cams, about $50. I have the same Spectra from AutoZone, I must say it's a very nice distributor. You won't be disappointed.

I'm running a Duraspark on Spectra Duraspark on my GT40P that's in my Mustang. Cheap, easy and works very well. It starts much easier, seems to run smoother over all. Later on if you want you can trigger the MSD with the Duraspark distributor. Same guts as the MSD, that's what they use, Duraspark pick up.

 

Get a new Spectra Duraspark from Rockauto for a 1985 Mustang 5.0, 5 speed 4V. It's exactly what you want. Mechanical and vacuum advance Duraspark with a Melonized gear for billet roller cams, about $50. I have the same Spectra from AutoZone, I must say it's a very nice distributor. You won't be disappointed.

I'm running a Duraspark on Spectra Duraspark on my GT40P that's in my Mustang. Cheap, easy and works very well. It starts much easier, seems to run smoother over all. Later on if you want you can trigger the MSD with the Duraspark distributor. Same guts as the MSD, that's what they use, Duraspark pick up.

Why the manual trans vs the auto trans? I'm running an auto for what it's worth.

 

I got a "new" remanufactured Duraspark distributor from Dan at the Mustang Barn, recurved for $200. I ran for years without a recurved distributor and for a grocery getter/cruiser it was fine.

 

More Information for SPECTRA PREMIUM FD30

 

I should mention. I do have a distributor recurving guy here locally.

 

Mat

Matching the advance curves to the cam and drivetrain are much more important than how the spark is generated. A stone-stock point-gap distributor, carefully tuned, can match an MSD or other system.

This is Dan Gurney's Riverside pole-position Ford 427, capable of 200 mph. Note the completely stock dual-point distributor and coil. So, you have to ask yourself, how fast are you going to Dairy Queen?

 

My choice is DurasparkII Distributor triggering a Mopar Ignition Box. Dependable. Good to 8,000 rpm. Compact and sealed.

 

Would that be the same 85 Mustang GT 5.0 w/Manual trans distributor as noted above.
MOPAR???? Now I'm getting way confused. Don't think I've read that one on the net yet.

 

I too am a fan of the duraspark distributor and use it with a MSD box.

 

That's the route I'm going to go.

 

I mean, I'm a sucker for some soft serve.... So you never know.

 

I used a Duraspark with MSD-6AL for 18 years. The Duraspark always worked, no issues.
After the third MSD-6AL left me stranded I ripped it all out and put in the Duraspark box.

 

In case you want to explore triggering other ignition boxes....