High priced aftermarket "Performance" distributors vs lower $$$ ones

[DocMel]

High priced aftermarket "Performance" mag p/u distributors vs the lower $$$ ones :  By this I mean I'd like to see your opinions on the $300-$400 priced distributors out there, (MSD, Mallory, Crane and some others)  vs the lower priced ones, such as Jegs, Summit, Mopar, Accel, Mr Gasket)

Please keep the subject to the distributors themselves, not the various "multiple discharge boxes" (or the like)  that might be available to run with them:  Here is where I am going....

I am under the general impression that of all the various mag p/u distributors out there, that the bottom line is that they all perform pretty much the same, except for in the higher and sustained rpm ranges

I am asking because of the recent failures I have seen on a few websites of the higher priced distributors out there:  I am one of them and have one of the higher priced ones and will replace the internal module.  The module costs about $80, but frankly, if I hadn't already spent $400 for the entire distributor, I'd probably just get a cheaper distributor, ($150-200), like a Mopar unit, or a Jegs, Summit, Mr Gasket, Accel or the like)

So:

Really, for the average driver that likes to get on it every now and then, what is the real performance, and more importantly, the real reliability gains,  from a $170 or so unit (as already mentioned), or a $300-$400 uni?
 




 Franklyers of
 

[cudabob496]

I'd stick with MSD

[Topcat]

I hear alot here over the years they are having problems with their MSD.

That is why I went with FBO CD Ignition.
www.4secondsflat.com

[dfrazz]

I have heard. and recently purchased, a Firecore RTR distributor, coil and wires for my Charger.

[Denison636]

I know that Mallory in the past use to burn the pick up eye out a lot.

[brads70]

I just use a stock rebuild from my local jobber and the FBO limiter plate and a MSD 6AL box. Works just fine for me? 
Moparal suggested this when I was looking to buy for my new engine. 

[Racer57]

For the street, stick with stock style electronic distributor using an Orange or Chrome box. Cheap and as dependable as anything else out there for cruising around with a stock engine.

[Chryco Psycho]

The advantage this way is carrying a spare ECU or most parts stores will have one to get you home at least , I use the chrome box though

[DocMel]

Crycho   That a good point....  Can get home as the parts are available at most any parts store

[HP2]

In one of my vehicles, I swapped through several different ignition systems in the search for a magic bullet. This was a strip only vehicle around 425 hp running low 13s @115 mph.  The three combinations I had were a MP distributor, chrome box and Jacobs coil, a complete MSD system, and a complete Crane system. Aside from the lack of vacuum advance that was lacking on the MSD and Crane distributors, which I had disconnected on the MP unit anyway, I saw no significant difference or advantage between the three.

On a street car that may do the occasional cruise at a sustained rpm, there may be some minor advantage to having a vacuum canister to advance timing some, but it also is another variable to tune in to the overall package. I personally don't see any big advantage to paying double the price for a high zoot distributor on an average build.

With that said, I think, but have not validated, that the MSD E curve distributors may be a worthwhile investment if you have a fairly radical street combo that is on the ragged edge of detonation. The ability to customize the advance curve with these can be more easily and precisely done that the old mechanical units that require cutting or brazing to change the advance curve. Will they actually perform better, perhaps not necessarily, but I think they can get you there easier and faster.

[DocMel]

I beleive HP2 nailed it.   

[mrjlr]

What do you think about a true HEI system like the one from classichei.com
He's a  forum member over at FABO.....trailbeast is his name there.

I'm seriously considering this mod. ...$260 including distributor.

Jeff

[Denison636]

If your close to Ofallon MO I got a complete system for you to try out. I got all new stuff just switched to msd due to it was best for the dyno on set up.