msd ignition upgrade
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Joined: Dec 2009
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Do you have the part #, or are all 6AL's the same. I was thinking this might be of benifit because I've read the posts about guys ugrading the wires, cap and rotor so they can run the MSD coil and open up the plug gap and then advance the timing. If that helps then I would think that a spark with a longer duration would do the same thing.
Did you have to do anything "fancy" to wire it in.
Did you have to do anything "fancy" to wire it in.
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I think there all the same , just follow the wiring diagram that comes with it , not hard , i use the 6AL because it has the soft touch rev limiter , plus you can use timing controlers with them to , and easy tach hook up ....i use the MSD cap , rotor , wires & the blaster coil ....I don't know if you need the box on a stock truck , but the other stuff will make sure you have a good spark , i like autolite copper plugs to .....
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I've got a good set of ford racing 8mm wires, but the coil wire is stock(truck came that way), and I will run the msd cap rotor and coil; and it looks like the cheap motocraft spark plugs are the best.
Has anyone ever used the Pulstar spark plugs? They are exspensive but it looks like they have mini capacitors in them and really bump up the spark. I've never tried them and they aren't cheap, but they look interesting. Here is the link: The world's most powerful spark plug from Enerpulse
What do you think?
Has anyone ever used the Pulstar spark plugs? They are exspensive but it looks like they have mini capacitors in them and really bump up the spark. I've never tried them and they aren't cheap, but they look interesting. Here is the link: The world's most powerful spark plug from Enerpulse
What do you think?
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If there was anything to be gained by swapping spark plugs Ford would be using them from the factory.
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Postmaster
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I would just stay with the motorcraft plugs , them and the ford racing wires will work fine ....Lew
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Yeah, they're too expensive for me! Just putting out some info. I still think if they do what they say, it would be a good thing. After all, does Ford install MSD ignitions stock? What about Twisted Wedge heads? They're not factory, are they no good? Just saying.
A lot of guys use quality aftermarket parts on their truck or cars that the factory didn't. It's not a knock on the factory, but they put out a product that has to fit everyone as best they can and still be profitable to make and sell, but when you get down to the end user, a lot of time they have individual needs or wants that the factory can't/won't provide. I personally don't buy the argument that if it's not put on by the factory, it's no good.
There is always room for inprovement from new technology in my opinion.
A lot of guys use quality aftermarket parts on their truck or cars that the factory didn't. It's not a knock on the factory, but they put out a product that has to fit everyone as best they can and still be profitable to make and sell, but when you get down to the end user, a lot of time they have individual needs or wants that the factory can't/won't provide. I personally don't buy the argument that if it's not put on by the factory, it's no good.
There is always room for inprovement from new technology in my opinion.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Los Angeles, CA
I use an MSD 6A on my 302. It has provided some mpg and hp improvement.
It is a few bucks cheaper to buy a 6A model. It does everything the 6AL does without the rev limiter. Your truck's pcm already has a rev limiter built in.
It is a few bucks cheaper to buy a 6A model. It does everything the 6AL does without the rev limiter. Your truck's pcm already has a rev limiter built in.
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My truck's rev limiter is in the heads and cam! LOL, sorry couldn't resist that one. Thanks for the info though, I'm doing upgrades, a few at a time. I can't afford to do it all at once. I have a spare 95' 5.8L block that came out of the truck when I got it(bad valve). I'm aiming for a stroker 351W as time and money permit. Going to have to ditch the EFI for that one though. My truck is a SD EFI, so I'm sure it won't like a stroker like I want to build. If a mass air would be stroker friendly I might consider it, but I've always liked a good old 4barrel on top of an alumium high rise!
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Beatrice, NE
I plan on installing an MSD type ignition on my truck this spring. The multi-strike provides a more complete burn during combustion, which should improve idle quality, fuel efficiency, throttle response and low RPM power. Jacobs ignitions make a very high quality system that has been proven to make a difference on stock vehicles. Summit now has their own private label MSD type box that is pretty reasonably priced. For the price, I plan on trying the Summit unit myself.
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Joined: Sep 2001
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I have had the MSD coil, cap/rotor etc, and do not consider it an upgrade. I have all Motorcraft ignition parts now and it runs just as good if not better.
I have also seen the MSD etc coils fail more often than stock ones.
Adding the box to a stock or almost stock engine will not gain you anything either. I prefer to stay away from those things anyway.
I second the comment about using stock Motorcraft plugs, I dont think there is a better plug to use.
I will also say that the Ford Racing wires do not fit well at all. They are 10 miles too long and are bulky so they don't allow a clean install. They also do not come with the provision for the coil wire retaining clip. The same is true of the MSD coil.
If you want a better coil, I would go with the Mallory one from Summit. The specs are not much different, so I don't think you will see any gain from a coil.
I have also seen the MSD etc coils fail more often than stock ones.
Adding the box to a stock or almost stock engine will not gain you anything either. I prefer to stay away from those things anyway.
I second the comment about using stock Motorcraft plugs, I dont think there is a better plug to use.
I will also say that the Ford Racing wires do not fit well at all. They are 10 miles too long and are bulky so they don't allow a clean install. They also do not come with the provision for the coil wire retaining clip. The same is true of the MSD coil.
If you want a better coil, I would go with the Mallory one from Summit. The specs are not much different, so I don't think you will see any gain from a coil.