MSD 8595

[Skeeter65]

What is an MSD 8595 and MSD wires worth and is it worth using over a factory FE distibutor with points or a Pertronix conversion?
I ask this because I just saw one listed for $400 for the Distributor and Wires. Seller says it's only got 6 hours on it. I believe it may have been in a marine application based on the user's profession and the 6 Hours reference.

[GerryP]

For 75 bucks you can get a new Ford Duraspark distributor.  It has the same magnetic pickup as the MSD.  You can run it through an aftermarket box, like a 6AL or whatever, or use the Ford factory box.  The downside is that it still has the Ford advance mechanism, meaning you have to take the top of the distributor apart to alter the centrifugal advance curve and limit.  The MSD uses the GM configuration, so once you remove the rotor, you have access to the advance mechanism.

[Yellow Truck]

I spent a lot of money on an MSD 8595 that ran for a total of 20 minutes over several months, never running more than 12 minutes, and I sent it back to MSD who gave me the MOST insane feedback I've ever heard. First it was bad, then they couldn't repair it because the shaft had been drilled for a gear, then then they couldn't replace the drive shaft because they didn't have any (in the entire world!), then they couldn't replace it with a new one because they didn't have any new ones, and finally they sent it back saying it was fine.

It ran for 12 minutes then failed the same way. I never even got my money back. Worked out to about $1,800 an hour running time.

Save your money, buy the Ford piece.

[Stangman]

I have the MSD and have about 1300-1500 street miles 80 1/8 mile passes and 80 1/4 mile passes and Im on my second pickup. The last time I drove it before I put it away for the winter I had an extended cranking that I didnt like so I will be getting another one for backup.

[Skeeter65]

Thanks for all the feedback.

[Skeeter65]

I have the MSD and have about 1300-1500 street miles 80 1/8 mile passes and 80 1/4 mile passes and Im on my second pickup. The last time I drove it before I put it away for the winter I had an extended cranking that I didnt like so I will be getting another one for backup.

Stangman, I can send you the FN marketplace listing if you are interested in buying it. Let me know.

[Stangman]

Sure thanks

[Skeeter65]

Sure thanks

Looks like the listing is in pending status.

[Joey120373]

Where’s a good place to buy a new Ford unit? Is there a part number?

[Yellow Truck]

I got mine from Faron Rhoads - totalperfentofpa@aol.com - I understand he buys Chinese made knock-offs and rebuilds them (and recurves them) before he ships. Mine has worked a treat, and the MSD is long gone at several times the cost.

Faron is well known in FE circles.

[fryedaddy]

i think a good tight connection and good wiring is key to a long life on these msd boxes.

[GerryP]

Where’s a good place to buy a new Ford unit? Is there a part number?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,1974,f-100,6.4l+390cid+v8,1120071,ignition,distributor,7108

The Cardone new one.  Sixty six bucks ain't bad for a magnetic pickup distributor brand new with a cap.  You can also look at the later ones like for a '76 truck with the larger cap.  The body is the same, more or less, but with that big cap.

[blykins]

Jim (rockhouse66 on here and other forums) also builds/recurves distributors.   He could probably supply you with a new Duraspark.

[Falcon67]

For a regular street or street/strip build, a set up Duraspark will work perfect.  I run all MSD and MSD pickups in a modified Duraspark.  Haven't had any issues.  Note - it's quite possible to have the same issues with a stock replacement pickup coil in a Duraspark as it my be to have with an MSD.  Everything is made elsewhere and the quality is just not there.  MSD was really good before it became part of Holley.  Now, I hear more and more things that are "unsettling".

[cjshaker]

Where’s a good place to buy a new Ford unit? Is there a part number?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,1974,f-100,6.4l+390cid+v8,1120071,ignition,distributor,7108

The Cardone new one.  Sixty six bucks ain't bad for a magnetic pickup distributor brand new with a cap.  You can also look at the later ones like for a '76 truck with the larger cap.  The body is the same, more or less, but with that big cap.

Probably the best option. Just a side note; if it has the cheap cap with aluminum conductors, ditch the cap and get one with brass conductors. Those aluminum ones are junk.