[DeTomaso] Engine/distributor questions

[Joel Montero]

Mike, 

I used the MSD ready to run distributor in my car for four years or so
without any problem.  It basically replaces the mechanical points with
an optical trigger.  There is no need to install an external ignition
box although one can be used if desired.  It is a little bit of a
challenge to fit the MSD ready to run distributor under the stock engine
screen but other than that it was a direct bolt-in and a very good,
trouble-free unit.  

In my latest ignition upgrade, I went with a Crane electronic
distributor and external ignition box.
http://www.cranecams.com/?show=browseParts&lvl=4&prt=127&action=partSpec
&partNumber=1000-1605

This distributor, in addition to using an optical trigger in place of
mechanical points, allows you to set the mechanical and vacuum advance
electronically.  I opted for this distributor because of this
flexibility (there are literally hundreds of combinations of advance
curves you can dial in with a simple twist of a small switch located on
the exterior of the distributor housing) and the fact that the unit is
physically smaller than the MSD ready to run making the fit against the
firewall and under the engine screen much better.  I also added the
Crane external ignition box and one of their performance coils to
complete the system.  It's been on the car for 6 months or so without
issue.  

Joel

Joel Montero, CEO
Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team
jmontero at fcmat.org
707.775.2850
Barbara Smith, Administrative Assistant
661.636.4308

-----Original Message-----
From: detomaso-bounces at realbig.com [mailto:detomaso-bounces at realbig.com]
On Behalf Of MikeLDrew at aol.com
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2007 10:12 AM
To: detomaso at realbig.com; bergeron.s at wanadoo.fr
Subject: [DeTomaso] Engine/distributor questions

Hi guys, with a special ping for Dan Jones,

My buddy Stephane Bergeron in Paris, owner of pushbutton #1256, which
has 
been undergoing a slow-motion restoration complete with upgrades such as
a 
427-inch Windsor, big brakes, etc. etc. etc., finally got tired of
having a project 
but not a Pantera, so he took the expedient of purchasing a second
Pantera.

It's a 1979 Euro GTS, #9119, built on a GT5-S-style chassis.   

http://members.aol.com/mikeldrew/StephanePanteraGTS.zip

The previous owner had picked it up with a forklift and stuck it high up
on a 
mezzanine in a warehouse where it then sat for more than ten years.   So

Stephane now has to recommission it for the road.

The questions he/I have are:

1)   What kind of 351C is this car likely to have?   As a 1979 model I
would 
think that it was built with an Australian 351C, but I know not all
"Aussie" 
motors are equal.   Some are quite desirable, others are dogs.   How can
he 
tell what he has?   Aren't there some fitment issues with motors of this
period, 
i.e. non-standard distributors?   Thomas, didn't you have all sorts of
fun and 
games with this one?

2)   He wants to replace the stock dual-point ignition system.   The
default 
answer seems to be small-base MSD distributor, but the ones I have (and
have 
seen) have mechanical advance only.   Does anybody know if MSD is making
a 
small-base distributor with a vacuum advance setup?   Also, MSD makes a
'ready to 
run' distributor, which does what exactly?   Get rid of the need for an 
external MSD6AL box, integrating those electronics into the body of the
distributor 
itself?   What other ignition suggestions might you have?   Remember
that r
eliability is crucial, as you can't pop into your neighborhood Kragen's
to pick 
up spare parts in rural France!

Stephane isn't on the forum so please hit 'reply all' with your answers
so he 
can get them directly.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Mike


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