MSD vs Summit Ignition Box??
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,193
Likes: 387
From: Near Los Angeles
MSD vs Summit Ignition Box??
I had the old MSD analog 6A for 8 years. It died and I replaced one from Summit Racing. I chose this b/c according to the tech data it had more of everything than the MSD, output to coil, milajoules of spark, etc., etc.
But, on installation, the oomph ain't there! I thought the coil was old and updated to a new cd high output one. Still not the pep and bang of the MSD.
Am I missing something? I mean the tech guy at Summit was blown away that I had their hp model in my truck and it was a flop. He was like,"what? that thing is for racing." Well, if that is the case, then the racers with this thing are in trouble.
It's so exciting it makes me yawn.
Am I missing something here? HOw could an msd unit with less of everything provide better performance?
But, on installation, the oomph ain't there! I thought the coil was old and updated to a new cd high output one. Still not the pep and bang of the MSD.
Am I missing something? I mean the tech guy at Summit was blown away that I had their hp model in my truck and it was a flop. He was like,"what? that thing is for racing." Well, if that is the case, then the racers with this thing are in trouble.
It's so exciting it makes me yawn.
Am I missing something here? HOw could an msd unit with less of everything provide better performance?
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,955
Likes: 4,126
From: Angier, NC
I saw a post not long ago about the same thing.
Might of been over in the 73 to 79 area?
Don't remember what he did but want to say he sent the MSD box out to get fixed and they said it would be just as much as buying new.
Dave - - - -
Might of been over in the 73 to 79 area?
Don't remember what he did but want to say he sent the MSD box out to get fixed and they said it would be just as much as buying new.
Dave - - - -
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,193
Likes: 387
From: Near Los Angeles
Mine cut out twice, and that convinced me to get a refund. Despite having great numbers, ie., voltage to coil, spark energy, etc., it had no umph. My point is that even tough all the specs showed it to be superior to an MSD box, the seat of the pants test revealed it to be a step down from the MSD box.
I RETURNED IT WITH THE SUMMIT SUPPLIED LABEL AND IT GOT 'LOST' IN THE MAIL. THEY WON'T REFUND, THEY SAY, BECAUSE THEY NEVER GOT IT. But, I have called four times. Two summit reps said they had it; two said they didn't!
I RETURNED IT WITH THE SUMMIT SUPPLIED LABEL AND IT GOT 'LOST' IN THE MAIL. THEY WON'T REFUND, THEY SAY, BECAUSE THEY NEVER GOT IT. But, I have called four times. Two summit reps said they had it; two said they didn't!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,193
Likes: 387
From: Near Los Angeles
Right now I'm running a GM 4 pin. I selected the Summit box b/c I thought it would be a step up from the MSD I had in it. All the specs showed it to be higher output, but that didn't somehow translate into performance. I'm going back to the MSD.
I ran the msd with Taylor 8.2 street fire wires. The specs showed them to be better than the DUI live wires. They lasted about 3 years and then they started to interfere badly with my radio, even after installing the msd module to silence the the noise. I changed to MSD 8.5 wires. I ordered a set for a v8. After I cut them down I'll have enough left over for another set. But man, the msd wires were expensive. But they did quiet the noise.
I ran the msd with Taylor 8.2 street fire wires. The specs showed them to be better than the DUI live wires. They lasted about 3 years and then they started to interfere badly with my radio, even after installing the msd module to silence the the noise. I changed to MSD 8.5 wires. I ordered a set for a v8. After I cut them down I'll have enough left over for another set. But man, the msd wires were expensive. But they did quiet the noise.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 544
Likes: 6
From: Kalispell, MT
Do you have any pics, wiring diagrams, or suggestions for your current ds2/tfi/msd? I have been running a 4 pin and tfi coil...but have a line on a nib 6a box for $100 and want to see what gains can be had with switching out.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,193
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From: Near Los Angeles
You'll love the msd. I have the diagram, but it's on photobucket and I hate using them now. PM me with your email and I'll shoot it over to you. kevin.
*you know, I can't say enough about keeping a 4 pin fixed to my fender, along with some extra leads ... so easy to wire, so much better than walking or calling a tow truck.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 544
Likes: 6
From: Kalispell, MT
agreed. I spend a lot of time in the woods, off the beaten path. I keep a spare coil, 4 pin, and a duraspark II box as well. wired my 4 pin in with stock connectors so I can swap the DS box in seconds if need be. nothing wrong with having a second backup.
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