OK, I think I've got my ducks sort of lined up: I've got a 1977 Euro 308 whose ignition really needs updating. I'm planning on installing two MSD 6A ignition units along with two MSD Blaster 2 coils. As I understand it, there is no need for a balast resistor. I plan to mount the two units in the trunk to shield them from engine heat, while the coils should mount on the firewall. Any issues with connecting the tach? I presume I can connect it to either MSD unit. Should I get the tach adapter from MSD? Their tech help has a sort of vague... "if you have issues, buy it". Am I on the right track? Thanks!
i would use a Crane or Pertronix unit. they can be installed and are almost invisible, no need to hide stuff in a already hot trunk area. some buyers will not consider the car if its modified in such a way that it can not be easily removed, or if it is not" invisible".
You definitely need the tach adapter. The tach in these Ferrari's reads off the negative inductive signal and the signal from the MSD is not inductive. The MSd tach adapter is essentially a miniature ignition coil which provides the inductive signal. Will you continue to use the points to trigger the MSD boxes, or are you looking for something to replace the points as well?
One more thing, if you get the blaster coils, make sure you get the epoxy filled version which I believe they call the high vibration version. Because the 308 mounts the coils horizontally, this style is necessary.
The car is a Euro model (dry sump) so only one distributor. Two sets of points and a two-level rotor. Don't think I've ever seen a replacement distributor. So, my plan is to continue to use the points, unless there is a way to replace them. My coils are mounted vertically against the firewall (right in back of the driver), though the epoxy filled ones probably make sense anyway. Good info on the tach. Might as well order everything up front. I'm not terribly concerned about looks - the car is not a pristine model - more of a "beater". So, as long as I get the two units mounted nice and neat, I think I should be OK. Its got a Konig spoiler in front and a Konig wing in back, so we're not talking 98 point concours. I'll investigate the Crane and Pertronix units.
I too was tired of the point rubbing block wearing out, points pitting, expensive parts, difficulty AND frequency of adjustment and lack of availability, so i went with the Norwood conversion. Here is what they do: Take two distributors, disassemble and save the best parts. Machine the o.d. of one distributor, (just a taste), so an 8 cylinder $16.00 dollar Napa chevy distributor cap will fit. Modify the advance curve to come in a bit earlier, so it can take 10 degrees initial. Install a CHRYSLER magnetic pick up. Install a modified Ford rotor. Have the Tach modified to responde to one 8 cyl signal. Install an MSD-6AL system with a blaster coil. The "L" on the end of the MSD-6A means that they have replaceable chips to set a soft rev limiter - I chose an 8k limiter and it works, even with all of the enthusiasm at the track. It looks llike a Euro single dizzy set up except for the red coil and the unit in the trunk. Bulletproof Inexpensive to maintain. Set it and forget it. One of the major maintenance, (RELIABILITY & COST), bugaboos of the 308 handled. I'm Happy, chris
