Havent been on here in a while but I have a dilemma and would like some advice. I recently had my FE390 rebuilt in my 65 Marauder. I added a electronic ignition conversion kit and the car still doesnt seem to start right up. I was told that the coil isnt strong enough. I drive my car on the weekends and strickly cruise. I do not beat on it at all. I want my car to start right up with no worries. I was looking into a semi inexpensive version of a complete ignition and came across the MSD Street Fire system. Price is 329.00 comes with MSD box, blaster II coil, wires and a Procomp Distributor. I hear that the Procomp distributors are cheap tho. My mechanic pieces together a true MSD system but the cost is about 650.00. A few questions... Has anyone here ran a MSD Streetfire Kit? Has anyone ran a Procomp series 8000 distributor? Is it worth replacing the entire system for my needs? Any help is greatly appreciated
If your car doesn't "start right up", the problem is not that you're not running an MSD ignition. If you think the coil is suspect, get the correct one. I've used points, a Pertronix conversion, and MSD in the same car, same motor, and for the money, I like the Pertronix. _________________________________________________
The reason it wont start right up is because todays fuel evaporates. Install a switch activated electric fuel pump back by the tank. I have run a Pertronix for years. See how well it starts after it has been running within a hour or so.
My buddy told me that I if I put the MSD system in my car, it would basically fire up everytime because the ignition is completely upgraded. I just dont want my car to be in and out of the shop so much. I get the motor done and now it doesnt start everytime. Driving me crazy.
Motor fires worse afters its hot. Simply getting in and out real quick for store or dinners is where the problem lies.
What about the ignition timing? It can make a difference. I'd try it at least 3 degrees either direction before spending any $$.
Not enough info here to really help us diagnose your troubles. When you say it "doesn't start right up", is that happening first thing in the morning, or everytime you try to start it? Do you drive this car frequently, or only on weekends? Every weekend or once a month? When you had the engine rebuilt, was it a stock rebuild or did you pump it up a bit(cam, compression)? What is the compression? Has the carb been cleaned and rebuilt? Is it set up per the manufacturers instructions? New fuel filters? So those are the first things I would look at; Make sure the sparkplug gap is right, check timing, Set carb up correctly. Also, if you think the ignition isn't up to the job, do you have a friend who you could borrow a known good coil from to try it out? Make sure coil is wired up correctly. Good luck.
sometimes we all try to outhink Detroit----not a good idea. You said you added electronic conversion---why? If the old motor "started right up" then its doubtful its anything in the ignition. Go back to the stock setup and check the timing. It might start right up. cooger
Seems like an easy fix.... Lengthy cranking is almost always retarded timing. Simply advance the timing, or power time it. Just that simple. Anyone can throw money at a problem, and eventualy you will either run out of money and someone will get a deal on a car, or you will fix the problem and have a bunch of new parts..... If your coil is bad, it would break up at higher rpm, that is when the most load is on the coil. It wouldnt be able to rapidly cycle. With out seeing it, I say timing. Here is another question.... When you shut the car off, is there white smoke or vapor coming out of the carb? if not.... Good! if so, your needle and seat arent good, and the vapor or white smoke is gas leaking into your cylinder which is causing a flooded effect. FYI
When you changed it over,do you still have dropped voltage to the coil?Don't know whose kit you used,but see if it will run on 12v rather then through the resistor.
To answer one of your questions:I have a MSD Streetfire,HEI distributor.Have in my truck 4yrs with no problems
Go back to the basics and make sure everything is in tune. Then when and If, and I doubt that you need to replace stuff, give GMC bubba a shout. You dont have a drag car where you need some crazy ignition stuff, just a quality OEM setup will work fine. I had an old FE distributor in my 352 and had a hard time finding quality points locally. All the ones from advanced auto would not let me get the correct dwell. I found a rebuilt dizzy with a petronix in it locally for cheap. My truck had 18k put on it last year and did fine starting everyday for me or my wife.
more information is needed to define the problem such as: does it blow black smoke when it starts. could be float issues does it crank hard and a little slow. could be starter voltage draw or too far advanced on timing.. do you have to pump the throttle to get it to start.. excelerator pump ..carb issue
Like the others have said , a MSD wont fix your situation! It will only lighten your wallet. We need to find the exact problem and fix that part . Lets start with making what we know exactly correct. There could be some crud and build up in the distributor and after a few thousand miles that can be fixed by a simple clean and adjust etc. I doubt a problem with the distributor and pertronixs other than it could very well have a incorrect ignition coil. Measure the resistance of the coils primary from neg to positive should be approx 1-2 ohms , no more and no less. If the coil is correct at this value ,then does it have a external resitor , if so remove it as it isnt needed with the ignitor unit. I can service your distributor and check your coil etc , clean and return if you wish. Our basic clean and service with testing is $ 48 plus shipping. At least we would then know that part is ok. Next i would move on to timing ? Wheres the timing set at ? And then we can move on to the fuel system etc...... Just make it a step by step evaluation , without spending a ton of cash for no reason.....glad to help in any way we can.........
Thanks for the help. I drive my car on the weekends. the electronic kit was installed with the motor. It has a easy time starting when cold. The issue lies while the motor is hot.
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