msd ignition upgrade?
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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msd ignition upgrade?
I have an 82 F250 2 wd with a 302 auto. From what I see someone changed the intake manifold to an 84 aluminium mustang one and 600 cfm holley carb. and msd distributor. Now the rest of the ignition system is stock would I get better performance from the ignition system if I upgraded the coil to the msd blaster 2 and msd 6al ignition control box?
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Chicago area
The key word is "might" get better power & MPG with these changes. If the current coil you have now is old, then even a stock replacement may perform better.
How do the plugs look? If they have much carbon build up then a hotter spark could help. I know the stock Ford ignition on my van (1988 5.8L) burns clean with little carbon on the plugs.
The MSD 6A-L may also improve performance. I had one that I tried on my '88 van and it wouldn't work. I pluged it in using the special Ford addaptor and the van wouldn't start. I still have it. Not sure if it's a bad unit or I hooked it up wrong. I may try to get it to work this spring as I plan on doing some engine work then.
How do the plugs look? If they have much carbon build up then a hotter spark could help. I know the stock Ford ignition on my van (1988 5.8L) burns clean with little carbon on the plugs.
The MSD 6A-L may also improve performance. I had one that I tried on my '88 van and it wouldn't work. I pluged it in using the special Ford addaptor and the van wouldn't start. I still have it. Not sure if it's a bad unit or I hooked it up wrong. I may try to get it to work this spring as I plan on doing some engine work then.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,240
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From: Chino Hills
They really never do anything for MPG's, there more for hard starting and generaly driveability on stock motors.
Now if you have a high compression, or someother type of high performance build they will help. But this is a whole other story.
Now if you have a high compression, or someother type of high performance build they will help. But this is a whole other story.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Renton, WA
I have an 82 F250 2 wd with a 302 auto. From what I see someone changed the intake manifold to an 84 aluminium mustang one and 600 cfm holley carb. and msd distributor. Now the rest of the ignition system is stock would I get better performance from the ignition system if I upgraded the coil to the msd blaster 2 and msd 6al ignition control box?
A stronger coil can allow you to push the limits of the rest of your tune by taking full advantage of the stronger spark, this will give you better performance and mileage but not a coil alone. If you do decide to get a coil I would not recomend the MSD, they make some good stuff but the Pertronix Flamethrower E-core coils are better for similar or less money. Along with these I recomend the MSD caps and the Taylor Thundervolt 8.2 wires. This will give a very strong spark that will light off anything all the time. This in turn will allow you to run a bigger gap and leaner mixture making more power while using less fuel.
