How much does each one cost? Times 3 now...
My policy is to not buy the same thing that broke even once, especially not twice. But to each his own...

 

It broke after 15 years... just recently. The only reason I have a backup is because we went on the Power Tour this year, and it was cheap insurance at $70.00. Ever since May (when the unit went thermal on me) I've had the backup. What can I say... I like equipment that's proven.

Oh, and I looked into the MSD version for my car when it did... I found a lot of 5.0 owners that were complaining about the MSD distributor running for 1 - 3 months then dying. All of them loved the units for racing, but most kept the original distributor in the trunk as a backup.

 

I guess your luck was better than mine, it only lasted a couple of years...
As for the MSD dying, not sure what your 5.0 sources are. There is nothing to blow out in the distributer, being a magnetic sensor as opposed to actual electronics. Go the 5.0 section and you will see most use MSD and are not complaining as you say above. My original distributor, along with the blown unilite, has been in my junk box in my garage for about 10 years now, not worth the extra weight in my trunk.
We obviously have had different experiences, so let's just leave it at that. Unless you insist on more expression of differing opinions...
I still recommend pertronix for a stock setup like what markrazz may have. What kind of build up do you have IClutchl?

 

Your right, everyone has different experiences. I know that Mallory had a Huge problem with them burning out a few years ago. My only reason for not going to MSD is because of the chatter I was seeing on message boards concerning current production.


I'm currently running a 345hp Ford Racing crate engine with the B303 cam/600cfm Holley/3,000RPM Torque converter/C4 w heavy duty clutches/3:25 ratio in a 9"

Love it!

Oh, and unless his distributor is sloppy, Pertronix is the way to go. I think we both agree.... GET RID OF THE POINTS!

 

Pertronix Ignitor unit's run about 70 dollars. Then add the Flame-Thrower coil in for another 40, and you are good to go. A "ready to run" dist starts around 275, and can go as high as 350 dollars, so you do the math.

 

well i replaced the whole thing since the cap was needing replacement also ,ect..
i got the msd hei direct drop in go...so far very smooth and good..got a new one on ebay for around $270 delivered

 

Just being nosey, but why would you put Chebbie parts on a Ford??? Any of the aftermarket "ready to run" dist would do the same, if not better, job for the money. Just mu .02. I have an Ignitor in my stock dist right now, but am going to go ready to run when I upgrade. They are built way better than stock ANYTHING, and it will be my last dist for the life on this car.