MSD Ignition....???

The car in question is my 86 Cutlass Supreme, 307 V8, automatic. Engine has about 50K miles on it (a remanufactured). Everything is stock.

The carbeurator has gone bad and needs replacing. Meanwhile, someone on another forum told me that older GM small blocks tend to respond fairly well to a boosted ignition, provided you give it premium plugs and wires. They mean a slight increase in throttle resonce and fuel mileage.

I've checked on some of the MSD offerings. I've considered the 6-series and also the "Stacker" series. The 6-series just flat out replaces the current ignition system and I don't know if it's compatible with the car's computer. The "Stacker" series simply adds onto the current factory ignition to boost it, and is definitely compatible with the computer. Both series offer an increase in spark time as well.

In any case, do you think that $150-300 is worth it on an otherwise unmodified engine? It seems to be a way to get a tweek in performance just a tad and get better mileage. All other more "cost-effective" modifications will tend to burn MORE gas (bigger carb/cam/intake/etc...) which I do NOT want on a car that already burns 15 mpg and turns out only 150 or so horses.

Any info will help!!!

Originally posted by 86Cutty
In any case, do you think that $150-300 is worth it on an otherwise unmodified engine? It seems to be a way to get a tweek in performance just a tad and get better mileage. All other more "cost-effective" modifications will tend to burn MORE gas (bigger carb/cam/intake/etc...) which I do NOT want on a car that already burns 15 mpg and turns out only 150 or so horses.


My personal opinion is that it is not worth the money. I have an MSD 6AL box (not the stacker) on my 350ci in my 91 Caprice. It is most likely compatible with your motor as well, but I did not notice much of an increse, and this motor does have considerable modifications. I doubt it would add anything to a bone-stock engine. I am not sure about fuel milage, but several b-body enthusiasts who have installed 6 series MSD boxes have actually noticed a slight decrese in 1/4 times.

Anyways, im straying from the subject. I would save the money, and not get the MSD box.

Alas, the plight of the 307, un-upgradeability.

I'm beginning to think that those who told me to forget about modifying the 307 were right. Often, upgrading something causes another headache since this engine has so many "checks and balances" that get thrown out of whack when it's modified.

I was hoping that a more powerful ignition system would give a slight perk, as it well may, but I don't think it's worth it now. You're not the only one to tell me what you just said.

I appreciate your input. You probably helped me save $$$. I think the only way to get more power out of a 307 is to yank it out and dump a 350 or 327 in the bay!

I agree with Rich about the MSD box. They are the best ignition you can get out there...yeah they are kinda expensive but you will be happy with it. They also last a long time as well.