MSD ignition
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Elder User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 692
Likes: 1
From: Coon Rapids, MN
MSD ignition
I have been looking at ignition systems and decided on the MSD. I thought the 6AL might be good because of the added pretection of a rev limiter. But i got to looking at the modules and they only come in 3K 6K 7K and 8K. 3,000 is obviously to low and I would think by the time a stock V8 got to 6,000 there might be some damage already done to the engine which would make a rev limiter useless. So if im not mistaken, the added price of the rev limiter would be wasted? I am only concerned with driveline failure as I would never get even close to over reving my engine. So right now im leaning toward the 6A because its cheaper. I will probably do a complete tune up at the same time since I don't know when the last time my truck has had a tune up. New wires, new side-gapped plugs, cap, rotor, and add a blaster coil as long as im doing the MSD. I have one more question. I plan on advancing the timing just a bit and I have heard you should do this BEFORE you put the msd on because its just about impossible afterwards for whatever reason. Is there any truth to this? Thanks
New User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: portales USA
MSD ignition
I just got done with a lot of mods to my 5.0, one of them was not putting on a MSD ignition. After many conversations with the local Ford techs and a profesional engine builder, I put the money saved into other parts of my engine. The stock ignition system is a very good system that can handle up to 7,000 rpms with no hiccups. I did put on the MSD Blaster SS coil. If you do decide to get the MSD system and everything internal in your engine is stock the the MSD 6A is fine. Advancing your timing is fine, when it starts to ping under a load back it off 2 degrees and it will be fine.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
MSD ignition
I have a 300/6 in a 95 f-150 and i installed an MSD 6A with the blaster coil and am very happy with the results. I believe summit racing has the cheapest price, i've seen it at 133 bucks for the box. The MSD made a noticeable difference in acceleration and it made my engine run much smoother at higher rpm. As you probably know, the MSD makes multiple sparks up to 3,000 rpm, which burns the fuel better. Above 3,000 rpm there just isnt enough "time" for the msd to make more then one spark, so what it does is help charge the coil. At very high rpm, most stock coils have trouble delivering a large amount of power to the plugs. The power from the coil at 1500 rpm is more then the power at 5,000 rpm, simply because the coil has more time to charge. The MSD helps put more power to the spark plugs, which made my engine run smoother above 3,000 rpm. I am VERY happy with it because it takes like 30 min to an hour to install and is pretty cheap.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 692
Likes: 1
From: Coon Rapids, MN
MSD ignition
Thanks for the help, it looks like I will probably go with the msd-6a. I think a big plus for the msd is their multi spark discharge. That has got to do something for the combustion in an engine. I plan on adding the msd, advancing timing and finding some way of making an FIPK. It shouldn't be too hard to fabricate as long as I can find a piece to convert the double air hoses to just a single. I am also considering adding an electric fan but I will wait till early summer before I get into that project. I like the idea of freeing up HP without changing much internally and without going to those pulleys that affect charging and your pumps. I am mostly wanting to get my highway power back. Around town it is a very fast truck, faster than most. But as soon as I get above 55 its like a huge brick wall of air is taking over. It has always seemed that way but when your turning 2600rpm in OD it kinda makes up for it.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Dickinson, TX
MSD ignition
Big Question... I tried a Jacobs RV Ultrateam and had literally no improvement.
What's to say the MSD would be any better?
I'm still considering upgrading my '91 truck's ignition, but am concerned that I won't see any improvement with an MSD, Accel, Jacobs, etc unit and that it is really a waste of money and time to even pursue ignition upgrades on these trucks.
Thoughts?
-Mike
What's to say the MSD would be any better?
I'm still considering upgrading my '91 truck's ignition, but am concerned that I won't see any improvement with an MSD, Accel, Jacobs, etc unit and that it is really a waste of money and time to even pursue ignition upgrades on these trucks.
Thoughts?
-Mike
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
MSD ignition
All i can say is that with the MSD, i found a noticeable difference in my 300/6. I'm very happy with it and think it is worth the 133 bucks compared to some other mods. Watch out in making your own FIPK, i discovered that those flexable tubes are there for a reason, so you can get the top of the airbox off easier. W/O the flex, its hard to get it above the lip of the fender, just watch out for that, i'm sure there are ways around it, i've never really though of making my own FIPK cuz i have ram air but...just a thought...g/l.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 502
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From: atl
MSD ignition
hey gamehunter,
as far as the msd 6al goes, i think it is a wise investment. as far as the stock rev pills that come with it, you can get an adjustable dial from msd(like i did) that adjusts in 200 rpm increments from 3000 to 5200. there is also a thing called the shiftnoid? i think, but it can fine tune your rpm limit from very low rpm way up to 9 grand i think cant find it in my summit catalog, or id tell you part numbers, i will keep lookin. anyway, good luck and hope this doesnt reach you too late.
mike
as far as the msd 6al goes, i think it is a wise investment. as far as the stock rev pills that come with it, you can get an adjustable dial from msd(like i did) that adjusts in 200 rpm increments from 3000 to 5200. there is also a thing called the shiftnoid? i think, but it can fine tune your rpm limit from very low rpm way up to 9 grand i think cant find it in my summit catalog, or id tell you part numbers, i will keep lookin. anyway, good luck and hope this doesnt reach you too late.
mike
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Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 692
Likes: 1
From: Coon Rapids, MN
MSD ignition
I have never heard any bad info from people who run the msd's. A few people complain about the Jacobs systems that they don't improve anything. I guess I have never heard any bad coments on the MSD. Mike460, How much does one of those adjuster dials cost? I had never heard of them before. If I could set it to about 5000 I might consider going with the limiter for the added protection. I am going skiing for the better portion of next week, actually in 45 minutes, so I wont get anything done untill after I get back. Thanks for all the help.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Dickinson, TX
MSD ignition
How much does the MSD improve towing? I bought the Jacobs initially because they were the only ones with a system specifically tuned to towing needs... also had a cool hill module that increased spark energy up hills.
My concern is that the MSD unit is really a catch-all unit for any vehicle but specifically for racing vehicles. I.e., not as good improvement for towing as it could be. Maybe I'm wrong?
I want improvement from 1700RPM to about 3000, and I prefer 1700-2200 where the truck is already fairly weak. Will the MSD satisfy that need?
My concern is that the MSD unit is really a catch-all unit for any vehicle but specifically for racing vehicles. I.e., not as good improvement for towing as it could be. Maybe I'm wrong?
I want improvement from 1700RPM to about 3000, and I prefer 1700-2200 where the truck is already fairly weak. Will the MSD satisfy that need?
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
From: ct
MSD ignition
as stated earlier the stock ignition is very strong and reliable. installing a aftermarket ignition on a fairly stock engine will net you no performance gains. as far as rev limit goes i dont see anything wrong with revving the stock engine to 6000. the earlier mustangs 5.0 had a factory rev limit of 6250 rpm. i have an msd 6btm on my truck. i only bought it because it will automatically retard my timing as my boost pressure rises. this is to prevent detonation. but i noticed no performance gains from it at the track. and my setup is extensively modified. as fas as setting timing, you could set it no problem with the msd hooked up. it doesnt afect this at all.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
MSD ignition
The MSD is specifically made to improve power below 3,000 rpm by producing a multiple spark, as previously stated. I've said it before but i will say it again, that means from idle, all the way up to 3,000 rpm, this MSD will produce a multiple spark to improve combustion. Above 3,000 rpm, there isn't enough time for mult. sparks, so the MSD helps to charge the coil to give the spark plugs as much power as possible.