RANT: HEI/ MSD Streetfire vs Skipwhite... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

hillytim69 · 08-22-2009, 10:24 PM

just in case anyone is interested they are the same identical Chinese made unit. the MSD just has a different coil, drive gear and a MSD sticker on it. I bought one from Skipwhite on Ebay for $43 plus shipping and felt bad about my decision to run a china distributor so i up and ordered me a MSD Streetfire for $143 plus shipping and was gonna send Skipwhite the china one back. Then I compared them and they are the same, same casting marks, letters, chinese words on the wiring, same module etc. Can't get anything good quality anymore. All the big names are selling China crap with a huge markup. My B&M shifter is China made, Edelbrock aluminum valve covers, now this MSD. Its just disappointing, this is my first real project in about 15 years and i didn't realize the Chinese had taken over performance parts. I'm willing to bet my Skipwhite mini starter is also the same unit sold for 3 times as much by some name brand manufacturer. At least when you buy the Skipwhite one you know what you are getting, when you buy trusted brand names and get chinese knockoffs for brandname price, that is BS my friends.

**78 Big10 454** · 08-23-2009, 02:49 AM

The U.S. has sold its soul to the Devil...

dieselarmy13 · 08-23-2009, 02:58 AM

Bummer

rfmaster · 01-07-2013, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 78 Big10 454

The U.S. has sold its soul to the Devil...

Yes and No - only the frequent wallmart shoppers did. I try to make conscious decisions regarding what I purchase, but this has become increasingly more difficult. The SW starter is a china made and surprisingly has performed very well.

BIG V · 01-07-2013, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 78 Big10 454

The U.S. has sold its soul to the Devil...

The US makes it to hard to run a business without being taxed to the demise of the company. I hate the china built stuff but our taxes made it happen.

It's going to get worse before it gets better
Posted via Mobile Device

72bowtiestepper · 09-30-2013, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG V

The US makes it to hard to run a business without being taxed to the demise of the company. I hate the china built stuff but our taxes made it happen.

It's going to get worse before it gets better
Posted via Mobile Device

My new (2013) Classic Industries parts catalog (page 500) states :
MSD streetfire HEI distributor "Made in USA"
Is it possible that they had problems & brought back production to the USA ???

LONGHAIR · 08-23-2009, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hillytim69

All the big names are selling China crap with a huge markup. My B&M shifter is China made, Edelbrock aluminum valve covers, now this MSD. Its just disappointing.

If they are genuine Edelbrock and not some "knock-off" then they are made in USA....California, to be exact.

hillytim69 · 08-23-2009, 12:52 PM

Ok I thought I recalled seeing made in China on the Edelbrock box but its been a long while so could be wrong. But the B&M and MSD are both chinese for sure. Well the MSD is going back and I'll run the Skipwhite unit. I've been looking at other brands basic hei's and I 'm willing to bet they all use the same Chinese housing with some of their own parts like cap or coil added. Its hot rodding meets the Walmart age. The Skipwhite hei units are $42.50 plus shipping right now...

clinebarger · 08-23-2009, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LONGHAIR

If they are genuine Edelbrock and not some "knock-off" then they are made in USA....California, to be exact.

Their valve covers have been made in china & taiwan a long time. Cyilinder heads, intakes, carbs are made in the USA. MSD street fire is a cheaper line.
their pro billit stuff is USA made

83burban · 08-23-2009, 02:12 PM

Even though the t0p-line stuff is still made in USA its still BS to make the "bargain" products in China, since all they are doing is marking prices up and making it appear that it is quality.

Does anyone know if MSD makes their ignition boxes in China...mainly the "bargain" 6 series?

clinebarger · 08-23-2009, 03:04 PM

All my old 6 series boxes are usa but their aleast 10 years old. I dont agree with these companies going off shore but they ALL do it. They all have the Wallmart syndrome

Rob73-87 · 08-23-2009, 03:34 PM

That disappoints me too - the whole world produces their stuff in china and taiwan !!
Just read the summit catalogue "carefully" - then might see a lot of interesting parts - cheap or expensive - they are of THE SAME manufacturer...
...not always ... but more often

I prefer to m ix those parts:

Important things are purchased from name brands (carbs, rims, tyres, a.s.o.) and less important stuff (valve covers, pulleys...) "has to be " cheaper....

what cha think?

**old Rusty C10** · 08-23-2009, 03:32 PM

Im going to just add lets not make this the least bit political as the mods are watching!!

clinebarger · 08-23-2009, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old Rusty C10

Im going to just add lets not make this the least bit political as the mods are watching!!

maybe a political forum here whould be good.

jimbonice · 01-07-2013, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clinebarger

maybe a political forum here whould be good.

Bad idea imho. Starts nothing but fights.

INSIDIOUS '86 · 01-06-2013, 10:26 PM

Found this thread after I tuned up my engine today. Was going to ditch my china procomp distributor today since I can't get a stable fire at 3000rpm and above anymore. Sad to see msd even knows their distributor sucks.

Anyone know a good alternate that can be tuned for a performance engine with a healthy cam?
Posted via Mobile Device

Redcap · 01-07-2013, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86

Found this thread after I tuned up my engine today. Was going to ditch my china procomp distributor today since I can't get a stable fire at 3000rpm and above anymore. Sad to see msd even knows their distributor sucks.

Anyone know a good alternate that can be tuned for a performance engine with a healthy cam?
Posted via Mobile Device

http://www.davessmallbodyheis.com/

INSIDIOUS '86 · 01-07-2013, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redcap

http://www.davessmallbodyheis.com/

As cool as a small hei is thi big cap of an hei has an advantage in the fact that it has more space to dissipate ionized air
Posted via Mobile Device

Pyrotechnic · 01-07-2013, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86

Anyone know a good alternate that can be tuned for a performance engine with a healthy cam?
Posted via Mobile Device

Quote:

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86

As cool as a small hei is thi big cap of an hei has an advantage in the fact that it has more space to dissipate ionized air
Posted via Mobile Device

The MSD Pro-Billet HEI is about your only choice then. It has an advance mechanism based on the old GM points distributors, which is an excellent design that is completely tunable. The MSD Pro-Billet stuff is quality and worth every bit of the price, you won't regret the purchase.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-8365

Now before you keel over at the price, keep in mind that you are getting your big cap, plus an upgraded module and coil all in one shot. No china trash here.

The reason that any HEI sucks, be it original GM or Skip White is that the advance mechanism design is terrible and doesn't lend it self to easy adjustment. Not sure why they didn't keep the great advance mechanism from the points distributor.

Circle track guys run the HEI because they are cheap. All they do is install a lock out plate on the advance mechanism and run the timing fixed since a race car doesn't need the timing to vary. No magic to it.

Firebirdjones · 01-07-2013, 02:36 PM

I'm somewhat of a mixed bag.

I prefer the MSD Billet distributors and their digital 6 boxes. Run it on a couple cars. Never a hickup. For serious performance oriented stuff this is all I consider.

Not a big fan of the bulky HEI mainly because of it's size, even though it can be made into a decent performer, I only use the OEM version on one vehicle here, nothing aftermarket.

On some other cars here I prefer to stick with the OEM points distributors. Once rebuilt properly they perform fine, trouble free for years. Again, nothing aftermarket.

Pyrotechnic · 01-07-2013, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

I'm somewhat of a mixed bag.

I prefer the MSD Billet distributors and their digital 6 boxes. Run it on a couple cars. Never a hickup. For serious performance oriented stuff this is all I consider.

Not a big fan of the bulky HEI mainly because of it's size, even though it can be made into a decent performer, I only use the OEM version on one vehicle here, nothing aftermarket.

On some other cars here I prefer to stick with the OEM points distributors. Once rebuilt properly they perform fine, trouble free for years. Again, nothing aftermarket.

Agree with you 100% here. For the high performance stuff I like an MSD Pro-Billet small cap with a separate ignition box and coil.

The points distributors are great units though if you are on a budget and need a good distributor. Use the points to trigger to an MSD 6 box and it gets even better! Most people think points are terrible and are quick to ditch them.

Firebirdjones · 01-07-2013, 03:13 PM

Yeah alot of people that I think have issues with points are probably dealing with a worn out distributor (shaft bushings are a usual culprit) that cause innacurate dwell readings that need constant adjustment.

In reality, if the distributor is in good working order, you shouldn't have to touch them. I tend to check them about every 10-12,000 miles with a dwell meter and 99% of the time I don't have to adjust at all. I sometimes might remove them, file them and reinstall if I feel the need but that's about it. (A good set of solid points can be filed and re-used) Cheap points on the other hand, which most people would buy......

I have 3 cars here still running points that I drive frequently. My 70 formula still running the same points in it that I installed in 2006 on it's last tune up

Works perfectly. Other examples here that have went even longer.

Cheap, simple, and it works.

meatwagon83 · 01-07-2013, 02:16 AM

davis unified ignitions, good stuff

KQQL IT · 01-07-2013, 03:21 AM

What about these?

http://www.performancedistributors.com/
Posted via Mobile Device

meatwagon83 · 01-07-2013, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KQQL IT

What about these?

http://www.performancedistributors.com/
Posted via Mobile Device

these are the distributors i was talking about, probably the best hei out there

08-22-2009, 10:24 PM	#1
hillytim69 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: becker, mn Posts: 74	RANT: HEI/ MSD Streetfire vs Skipwhite... just in case anyone is interested they are the same identical Chinese made unit. the MSD just has a different coil, drive gear and a MSD sticker on it. I bought one from Skipwhite on Ebay for $43 plus shipping and felt bad about my decision to run a china distributor so i up and ordered me a MSD Streetfire for $143 plus shipping and was gonna send Skipwhite the china one back. Then I compared them and they are the same, same casting marks, letters, chinese words on the wiring, same module etc. Can't get anything good quality anymore. All the big names are selling China crap with a huge markup. My B&M shifter is China made, Edelbrock aluminum valve covers, now this MSD. Its just disappointing, this is my first real project in about 15 years and i didn't realize the Chinese had taken over performance parts. I'm willing to bet my Skipwhite mini starter is also the same unit sold for 3 times as much by some name brand manufacturer. At least when you buy the Skipwhite one you know what you are getting, when you buy trusted brand names and get chinese knockoffs for brandname price, that is BS my friends.

08-23-2009, 02:49 AM	#2
78 Big10 454 78 Big10 454 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Pismo Beach, CA Posts: 839	Re: RANT: HEI/ MSD Streetfire vs Skipwhite... The U.S. has sold its soul to the Devil... Last edited by 78 Big10 454; 08-23-2009 at 02:49 AM.

08-23-2009, 02:58 AM	#3
dieselarmy13 Phone's ringin Dude. Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 1,426	Re: RANT: HEI/ MSD Streetfire vs Skipwhite... Bummer __________________ I pitty the fool with only two headlights!! 2003 SILVERADO SS--THE NEW GIRL 1972 GMC--THE OLD GIRL Last edited by dieselarmy13; 08-23-2009 at 11:44 AM.

08-23-2009, 12:52 PM	#8
hillytim69 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: becker, mn Posts: 74	Re: RANT: HEI/ MSD Streetfire vs Skipwhite... Ok I thought I recalled seeing made in China on the Edelbrock box but its been a long while so could be wrong. But the B&M and MSD are both chinese for sure. Well the MSD is going back and I'll run the Skipwhite unit. I've been looking at other brands basic hei's and I 'm willing to bet they all use the same Chinese housing with some of their own parts like cap or coil added. Its hot rodding meets the Walmart age. The Skipwhite hei units are $42.50 plus shipping right now... Last edited by hillytim69; 08-23-2009 at 12:55 PM.

08-23-2009, 02:12 PM	#10
83burban Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: la Posts: 345	Re: RANT: HEI/ MSD Streetfire vs Skipwhite... Even though the t0p-line stuff is still made in USA its still BS to make the "bargain" products in China, since all they are doing is marking prices up and making it appear that it is quality. Does anyone know if MSD makes their ignition boxes in China...mainly the "bargain" 6 series?

08-23-2009, 03:04 PM	#11
clinebarger Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 6,370	Re: RANT: HEI/ MSD Streetfire vs Skipwhite... All my old 6 series boxes are usa but their aleast 10 years old. I dont agree with these companies going off shore but they ALL do it. They all have the Wallmart syndrome

08-23-2009, 03:34 PM	#12
Rob73-87 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Nuremberg, Germany Posts: 116	Re: RANT: HEI/ MSD Streetfire vs Skipwhite... That disappoints me too - the whole world produces their stuff in china and taiwan !! Just read the summit catalogue "carefully" - then might see a lot of interesting parts - cheap or expensive - they are of THE SAME manufacturer... ...not always ... but more often I prefer to m ix those parts: Important things are purchased from name brands (carbs, rims, tyres, a.s.o.) and less important stuff (valve covers, pulleys...) "has to be " cheaper.... what cha think? __________________ 1982 C-10 SWB (soon dropped, 383ci, but restored stock appearance) 1984 C-10 LWB, dropped, custom paint 1996 Plymouth Voyager (Daily Driver "The Mule") 2008 Caliber R/T (Daily Driver)

08-23-2009, 03:32 PM	#13
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,313	Re: RANT: HEI/ MSD Streetfire vs Skipwhite... Im going to just add lets not make this the least bit political as the mods are watching!! __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

01-06-2013, 10:26 PM	#16
INSIDIOUS '86 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: washington Posts: 4,178	Re: RANT: HEI/ MSD Streetfire vs Skipwhite... Found this thread after I tuned up my engine today. Was going to ditch my china procomp distributor today since I can't get a stable fire at 3000rpm and above anymore. Sad to see msd even knows their distributor sucks. Anyone know a good alternate that can be tuned for a performance engine with a healthy cam? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 377 sbc thumpr cam autogear m23 muncie 3:73 Detroit trutrac 3''spintech prostreet mufflers xpipe 1 3/4 headers build thread !http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577217 Iroc gauge threadhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554511

01-07-2013, 02:36 PM	#20
Firebirdjones Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Prescott, Arizona Posts: 2,396	Re: RANT: HEI/ MSD Streetfire vs Skipwhite... I'm somewhat of a mixed bag. I prefer the MSD Billet distributors and their digital 6 boxes. Run it on a couple cars. Never a hickup. For serious performance oriented stuff this is all I consider. Not a big fan of the bulky HEI mainly because of it's size, even though it can be made into a decent performer, I only use the OEM version on one vehicle here, nothing aftermarket. On some other cars here I prefer to stick with the OEM points distributors. Once rebuilt properly they perform fine, trouble free for years. Again, nothing aftermarket.

01-07-2013, 03:13 PM	#22
Firebirdjones Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Prescott, Arizona Posts: 2,396	Re: RANT: HEI/ MSD Streetfire vs Skipwhite... Yeah alot of people that I think have issues with points are probably dealing with a worn out distributor (shaft bushings are a usual culprit) that cause innacurate dwell readings that need constant adjustment. In reality, if the distributor is in good working order, you shouldn't have to touch them. I tend to check them about every 10-12,000 miles with a dwell meter and 99% of the time I don't have to adjust at all. I sometimes might remove them, file them and reinstall if I feel the need but that's about it. (A good set of solid points can be filed and re-used) Cheap points on the other hand, which most people would buy...... I have 3 cars here still running points that I drive frequently. My 70 formula still running the same points in it that I installed in 2006 on it's last tune up Works perfectly. Other examples here that have went even longer. Cheap, simple, and it works.

01-07-2013, 02:16 AM	#23
meatwagon83 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Preble county ohio Posts: 1,914	Re: RANT: HEI/ MSD Streetfire vs Skipwhite... davis unified ignitions, good stuff

01-07-2013, 03:21 AM	#24
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,264	Re: RANT: HEI/ MSD Streetfire vs Skipwhite... What about these? http://www.performancedistributors.com/ Posted via Mobile Device __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "



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