MSD Distributor for 350? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Sagesurfing · 02-27-2024, 10:22 PM

I have a Blueprint 350 5.7 in my 1972 K5.
It's always ran a bit rough. For years I hunted down a vacuum leak. Then I did an engine swap and it still had the same kind rougher around the edges issues.
The only thing I haven't changed yet is the distributor.
What I have in it is a GM HEI. If I swap it out, I'm leaning towards MSD.

Any recommendations for MSD Distributors? I don't want the kind where I have to also install an external ignition controller. I'm not too worried about cost, would like to keep it under $400, but also want to just have it run real nice (and maybe better fuel efficiency?)

So let me know which MSD's you've tried and what worked well!

**dmjlambert** · 02-27-2024, 10:52 PM

What is your wiring like that provides power to the HEI distributor?

**1970cstblazer** · 02-28-2024, 08:31 AM

The previous owner of my 1972 Cheyenne 402 replaced the OEM points distributor with an MSD pro-billet unit. It worked ok, until it didn't any more. It suffered sudden death while parked in my garage over last winter. The module failed. I located the correct points distributor, and replaced it. It had maybe 10k miles on it and 15 years.

The truck ran noticeably better with the original points unit. This is probably due to the timing calibrations, since I used only correct NOS parts to rebuild it.

**Dashman** · 03-06-2024, 10:42 AM

Here's a link to MSD's "Ready to Run" distributors:

https://www.holley.com/brands/msd/pr..._distributors/

My experience is with a pro billet distributor and an ignition control box with an external coil. The box sends 4 sparks below 3,000 rpm, and a longer stronger spark above that. It makes sure to get a complete power stroke. That set up went over 100,000 miles in a 6 year period. A few of those years were 25,000 miles per year with heavy interstate hauling. It was always turn key to start, and never left me anywhere.

I can't remember if I experienced a miss or I was inspecting the distributor between engine builds, but the shaft was loose. MSD had a service to install new bushings, drive gear, and any other wear items for a reasonable price. What I was told is that sometimes there is poor oiling to the drive gear. I would buy from MSD again. I believe that the GM HEI modules are susceptible to heat, and I had one with loose bushings also. So it happens.

02-27-2024, 10:22 PM	#1
Sagesurfing Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Sausalito, ca Posts: 14	MSD Distributor for 350? I have a Blueprint 350 5.7 in my 1972 K5. It's always ran a bit rough. For years I hunted down a vacuum leak. Then I did an engine swap and it still had the same kind rougher around the edges issues. The only thing I haven't changed yet is the distributor. What I have in it is a GM HEI. If I swap it out, I'm leaning towards MSD. Any recommendations for MSD Distributors? I don't want the kind where I have to also install an external ignition controller. I'm not too worried about cost, would like to keep it under $400, but also want to just have it run real nice (and maybe better fuel efficiency?) So let me know which MSD's you've tried and what worked well!

02-27-2024, 10:52 PM	#2
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,859	Re: MSD Distributor for 350? What is your wiring like that provides power to the HEI distributor?

02-28-2024, 08:31 AM	#3
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 1,822	Re: MSD Distributor for 350? The previous owner of my 1972 Cheyenne 402 replaced the OEM points distributor with an MSD pro-billet unit. It worked ok, until it didn't any more. It suffered sudden death while parked in my garage over last winter. The module failed. I located the correct points distributor, and replaced it. It had maybe 10k miles on it and 15 years. The truck ran noticeably better with the original points unit. This is probably due to the timing calibrations, since I used only correct NOS parts to rebuild it. __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, Medium Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, rear positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" HD wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration finally getting close to completion.. 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 45k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 62k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels

03-06-2024, 10:42 AM	#4
Dashman Active Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Santa Cruz, NM Posts: 114	Re: MSD Distributor for 350? Here's a link to MSD's "Ready to Run" distributors: https://www.holley.com/brands/msd/pr..._distributors/ My experience is with a pro billet distributor and an ignition control box with an external coil. The box sends 4 sparks below 3,000 rpm, and a longer stronger spark above that. It makes sure to get a complete power stroke. That set up went over 100,000 miles in a 6 year period. A few of those years were 25,000 miles per year with heavy interstate hauling. It was always turn key to start, and never left me anywhere. I can't remember if I experienced a miss or I was inspecting the distributor between engine builds, but the shaft was loose. MSD had a service to install new bushings, drive gear, and any other wear items for a reasonable price. What I was told is that sometimes there is poor oiling to the drive gear. I would buy from MSD again. I believe that the GM HEI modules are susceptible to heat, and I had one with loose bushings also. So it happens.



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