Ignition box trouble

[72T]

The 72 T's original ignition box is apparently going bad. It is only sporadically sending power to the coil, and is not whislting its normal tone. An original replacement has been estimated at $1,500, with a plug in after market unit around $500. Any ideas on the best way to go?

[Christien]

Yep, MSD:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=MS-6200&catalog_description=MSD-6200%20CD%20System%2C%20914-6%20(1970-72)%2C%20Each

More power, better fuel consumption, less emissions. Just more advanced technology than the original Bosch, really. $200. Though it will require some electrical soldering to install. Nothing above the DIY level, though. I did mine myself.

[HarryD]

Or you can get you box rebuilt. No wiring changes, keeps originality.

Our host offers the service for $350 plus your core.

Where are you located? You may find a local vendor to do the rebuild as well. Ottos, Zims and several other shops offer the exchange service.

[pwd72s]

Harry's option is the better one, if you ask me...but then, there are followers of both theories. Is MSD "superior"? Some will say so, but consider how long your original unit has been performing...Can anybody here say their MSD has functioned well for 36 years?

[72T]

I'm in Central Florida. Thanks for the Pelican tip, I'd like to stay original, but my mechanic says he's seen trouble with these units over the years, and thinks I've been lucky to make it this far. On the flip side, it was running fine until I apparently fried it trying to jump the car with high power starter. Are these things known to be reliable originals or not?

[Christien]

Yes, VERY reliable. But after 3 1/2 decades any electrical component will wear out. A rebuild should breathe new life into it and restore it to near-new condition. I didn't realize rebuilds were so inexpensive. And if you're at all concerned about originality, that's the way to go. If you're really concerned about reliability, pick up a cheap permatune on ebay and keep it in the trunk - you can swap them out with a screwdriver in 10 minutes if the rebuilt Bosch craps out on you. Though I don't see that as being likely.

My suggestion of the MSD is because they're a cheap replacement that offers more power. Are they reliable? Sure, they're US-made, not Chinese. Look at any vintage race car and I'll bet you the cost of the box it'll have an MSD in there. Will they last as long as a Bosch? Probably not. But for $200, who cares. The HP gain alone is worth it. If I have to replace it every 10 years or so I'm fine with that.

[RWebb]

HP gain??

Steve W. has posted that he likes msd. more driveability, better running...
- with work, you can remove the red paint and polish the case silver to better match oem stuff

either way should be OK.

[Christien]

It's about 10-15 hp, isn't it? And yes, smoother acceleration across the power band.

[RWebb]

not aware of any hp gain from just an msd box!

could be 100 to 150 hp on the "butt-dyno"

[Christien]

I could be wrong (wouldn't be the first time!). I thought I remembered reading so here, or maybe in MSD literature. It sure feels it in my car, but I also had a very tired Bosch unit.