Let's talk ignition systems
 

A buddy of mine is thinking about doing away with his TBIV ignition system and going with an aftermarket setup. He's got a 400 CID SBC that should be around 450-500 hp. Neither of us have much experience with any of the aftermarket systems so a little advice about the pros and cons of some of the different brands would be great!

Why would you want to get rid of the TBIV ignition?

Its one of the most reliable ignitions systems made.
That is plenty for a small block unless you plan on spinning
7,000 rpms...

I dumped my TBIV's to go with MSD setups with the ignition boxes and rev limiters... got rid of thast ignorant module...
I got mine from CP Performance... I want to say complete kits with bracket for the 6M2 box is inthe neighborhood of $550.00. Hope that helps.

The pro for me was much easier starting, better fuel usage at idle - they wanted to load up easily before.

The only con I see, is that you have to keep them dry! Mine dont like water dripping on them from the hatch opening... mine have been great - no cons.

I'd keep the Thunderbolt IV. MSD is too unreliable. Been there and gone back!

He's happy with MSD now give it a while. I got 11 years of trouble free with my Mercury ignition. The best ignition I have seen yet is in Eddie Young's shop. It isn't cheap but it is all proven GM stuff, and well engineered. Call Eddie Young.

I'd run a H/P HEI simple, cheap, works great...

Yep. GM HEI.

X3:drink:

I was talked into purchasing this yesterday for my 540...not a SBC but I'm told it is the best of the best at the moment. They designed Crane's from the beginning and started marketing it with their own name after Crane took a dump.

I can let you know after this weekend how it does.

http://www.daytona-sensors.com/CD1.html

I went to MSD so that I could get my 383 to run properly. The TB-IV is a great ignition system, but when you start playing with big cams and the like, it doesn't adapt well. I would assume that a 450-500 HP SBC definitely puts you in the category for an upgrade.

Word of note... Stay with a standard oil-soaked ignition coil. I used a solid state coil from MSD, and it left me stranded.