Wow. I did NOT see all of that coming.
My original comment was to merely point out that HEI is to GM, what Duraspark is to Ford. When the Original Poster used the term "Ford HEI," it just struck me funny, as those are not terms typically used together.
There's no discounting the performance factor for MSD ignition systems, either. Sure, they're HEI-derived but are really more of an HEI/Duraspark blend, having an externally mounted ignition control module (6AL, et al). The Pertronix is kind of the opposite, putting the control module inside the distributor (to replace the points), but still using the external coil. Most of the others are similar as well, taking this or that from these or those. It's all about your preference for your car. The bottom line for those products, however, is that they're a sum of all their parts. MSD is MSD, and not really "HEI" anymore. DUI, Pertronix, et al, are no different, being aftermarket performance parts and all.
For my own purposes, I never intentionally cross-pollinate pieces and parts from one to the other. I prefer my cars to stay true to their heritage and still with factory parts/options whenever I can. Have you ever gone to a parts store looking for a particular item, and the guy at the counter asks what car it's for? PITA. Of course, they're usually really interested when you tell them your HEI system is for a Mustang, but I know quite a few that are brand loyal and will talk a little smack for mix-matching various things. For instance, yesterday I had to explain why I needed a distributor cap and rotor from a '79 F-150 I-6 for my '80 Jeep CJ-7 when he had parts aplenty for the Jeep (I upgraded the ignition from the stock AMC coil and dizzy to a Ford TFI Super Coil set-up - while still using the factory Duraspark system that came from AMC). The guy got my parts and even made the comment, "Well, at least these will get you some Ford Blue under that hood." Whatever, Dude - it's a Jeep... it's a GM engine, running a Ford ignition system, with a GM carb (Carter BBD), a Tremec transmission, and Dana transfer case and axles. AMC Jeep literally used everybody else's stuff from the factory.
As far as being "gaudy," I'm thinking mine could fall into that category. Pop the hood and you're greeted by lots of Edelbrock chrome bolt-ons and performance parts, but that's what everybody did back in the day - mine is/was intended all along to celebrate that era.
