[DeTomaso] distributor & coil recommendations

[Charles Engles]

Dear Ken,


               I run MSD ignition on both of my two Panteras.   I use the 
8577  non vacuum small cap distributor.   I have had no problems with it, 
but did develop some sort of corrosion on the contacts inside the 
distributor cap on the older distributor after about five years..   It seems 
that was due to some manufacturing problem with MSD from what I can tell 
from the MSD forum.

              I have actual records that one Pantera uses a Blaster 2.   I 
*think* the other one does, too.  I have had no MSD coil problems.

              Both Panteras use the MSD 6A box.   One new box was dead on 
arrival when installed.   Other than that, I have had no MSD ignition box 
problems.  Heck, I even welded on one Pantera without disconnecting the MSD 
system and the unit continues to work fine.

              Two Pantera MSD ignition systems with no problems.   Your 
mileage may vary.


                                  Warmest regards,  Chuck Engles




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ken Green" <kenn_green at yahoo.com>
To: <detomaso at realbig.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 07, 2009 5:44 PM
Subject: [DeTomaso] distributor & coil recommendations


As a few of you know, I picked up a much more completed project than I had. 
One of the things that looks a little weak is the ignition. It has a very 
shabby looking Mallory Uni-lite and that's about all. I have an MSD 6ALN 
capacitive bla bla bla ignition and wondered what the experience has been 
with the MSD distributors are coils?

Is something like the PN 8207 "BLASTER" coil ($30 street price) any better 
than the traditional coils? Is the PN 8285 "BLASTER" coil ($120, ouch) more 
reliable?

I assume for the street and weekend trips I want a vacuum advance, is the 
MSD 8477 billet dist a good choice, (small cap and vacuum advance)?

Does a vacuum advance really add much mileage cruising at 70???

The engine is "suppose to be" nearly new, well built, has solid lifters, 
head studs, roller rockers, 750 Holley, big pan etc. A previous owner from 
11 years (but only 1,000 miles ago) said it dyno'd over 400 HP and he seems 
credible (he owned and raced the Woodhouse Pantera and sold it to the Adlers 
about 4 years ago).

I want to have a reliable car I can mostly just enjoy, and spend my garage 
time on the rather sad 72 I've had for too long.

Ken
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