Normal circumstances, will replacing my Duraspark II ignition system with a MSD ignition system improve the efficiency of my 1992 vintage 5.8l.

 

Your '92 doesn't have a Duraspark ignition if it's all original, but even of it does the short answer is no the MSD alone won't make any difference to efficiency.... assuming the current system is working correctly.

 

MSD TFI distributors are garbage. Do NOT replace an OEM with one. I will fail in short order if it ever even works. They are not manufactured to tight enough tolerances for the ford ecm to like them in most cases.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm chasing a intermittent miss. and thinking a hotter spark will fix the issue. Just thinking but realize just find the prob. is the real test. I wish it was as easy as changing a tire. Again I know enough to be stupid. Poss PIP issue. Fuel pressure is very good. ,1500 rpm right when I'm in 4th and steady load notice the most interruptions. Eng temp normal. BY PASS EGR, MINIMAL INTERRUPTION. There this dreaded discussion. Bigger hammer but enjoy this ride to much.

 

92 Flareside, 5.8l 4x4 E40D. 167k, std cab. Jasper eng.

 

I was chasing a miss that ended up being due to an MSD distributor. To rule out the coil (MSD coil), I pulled the motorcraft one out of another 5.0 vehicle I have. It made it worse. I suspect the MSD coil is hotter so if you want a hotter spark you could try an MSD coil. I would replace the cap, rotor, wires and plugs if you haven't yet. Then possibly the module on the distributor if that doesn't solve your problem. I would recommend only using motorcraft parts if possible.

 

I had a 6AL on my 88 F150 for years and maybe 25k. Box kicked it, it would only run the truck upon cold starts...like a failing TFI. Removed it, no issues since and no power differences I could tell. I did keep their hotter coil.

Even Duraspark II is solid, just use a Motorcraft box if it does fail and drive on down the road.

 

Stick to the basics, and only replace with OEM FoMoCo/Motorcraft parts.

Plugs, cap/rotor, coil, maybe even new spark plug wires. Make sure they are routed correctly to prevent cross-fire.

 

My Spark Disappeared

 

May Suddenly Die.

 

Funny. Aside from being ground sensitive, I've had *zero* issues with any MSD product I've put on anything. And the grounding issues were usually because I was in a hurry and got lazy. That being said, I highly doubt that you're going to see any benefit from going to an aftermarket ignition system on an engine that is otherwise stock. The Ford TFI Ignition is fairly robust, and works pretty well, as long as you use quality parts.

 

After warm up, engine has a miss and am wondering if the magnetic pickup can cause this and yet not cause a ECL. 92 Flareside, 5.8l