I've got an msd 6A ignition box to put on my 86 with EFI, TFI, 302. I've heard mixed things as to weather or not it will be benificial, and after looking through the directions it seems like there may be more hangups than it's worth. If it's just as simple as putting it on than fine, but then it's talking about tach filters and all this other stuff.

Would adding this to my TFI be benificial? I've heard both ways. The engine is stock and has just had a tuneup, and I have a MSD blaster coil on there.

Anyone have any problems with thier factory tach operation after installing? I don't want to butcher my wiring installing this, I still need to order thier TFI harness, but I'm not going to bother until I know I'm putting it on. Thanks!

 

In my opinion its not worth it on a stock engine. But if I had one I would put it in anyway.

 

An MSD ignition is the single best mod under 300 dollars that I have put on past vehicles. I don't currently have one on my Bronco but was thinking about it. What's the deal with MSD on TFI?
I've had MSD's on 5 other vehicles and loved them so I can't imagine it being a bad move to put one on the 302 efi/tfi.

 

Thanks for the replies. I heard that the TFI is a good setup and adding an msd dosn't improve anything. On the other hand it can't hurt. I'm just a little worried that it will be more hassle than anything. The instructions keep mentioning different things that might go wrong, and I don't want alot of hassle. I hope the tach and everything will still work ok. I guess I'll try it, worst case I'll take it off and sell it! Thanks.

 

I'm mostly worried about tach operation, without putting in a tach adapter, and the engine run on it mentions in the instructions. I don't have the diode it would have come with to fix this, I got it used.

Somebody must have put one in thier truck, any problems?

 

I think for the most part its mean potential problems, but then you can have problems with anything, just walk through the set up step by step and doit right the first time. MSD is a good product. DW

 

I posted this in another forum re MSD and aftermartket systems in general.
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I really haven't seen any improvement over stock units in dyno runs until you hit above 6000 rpm. In fact the aftermarket units (msd crane etc) were not even as good as the OEM DS and HEI units they were tested against. The big improvements I have seen quoted in "testimonials" were over stock systems that were defective so it is not a valid comparison.

The racers used MSD units because of all the custom accessories that helped them control their vehicles. Somewhere along the line joe blow decided that they must be "better" than OEM since the racers used them, -total BS! Even the racers use dual systems for backup because they are failure prone.

The OEM systems are very capable of firing an engine. If it took a $300-500 ignition module to provide spark in order to meet emissions and CAFE requirements the manufacturers would be using them. Fortunately the OEM systems do a very good job. Remember the OEM's would go crazy for a 0.1mpg increase or a 2HP increase with the reliability to maintain those gains over 50K-100K miles. I view the aftermarket ignition modules as snake oil just like oil and fuel "additives", Tornado units, or fuel line magnets. A total waste of money!

Then you add in the fact that OEM replacement modules are available at any parts store as well as free testing and immediate over the counter warranty replacements, -it does not make sense to pay twice as much or more for less.

 

That is a very good and very valid observation, and i would have to agree for the most part, all these high dollar billet distributors, and expesive coils or realy a wast of money on street motor. but we are talking about a MSD 6A ignition mod. which does not replace the factory system, it works in addition to it, when the stock system fires the MSD unit take that single fire and multilplys it but not by power, intead it fires the plug multiple times in a fraction of a second over a 20 degree duration of rotation, in a effort to compleatly burn all the fuel mixture, they realy work best in aplication where the motor is put under heavy loads on a regular basis like towing, ect. and when you do things like increasing the fuel and air mixture by adding chips and things. And this is where MSD name came from MULTIPLE SPARK DISCHARGE the technology is being used in newr high performance cars. and final coment since i have your attention, racers dont get technology from the manufactures, they get it from the racers. DW

 

If the MSD technology was that much better and would give you more complete burning (lower emissions) or more power the OEMs would be all over it. They do use multiple plugs on some engines with multiple coils. The OEMs are looking for any edge they can get to improve power, increase CAFE, or lower emissions. They reduce weight by going to thinner or stronger materials. More complete burning would mean smaller, less expensive, catalytic converters with smaller lighter housings. They even are looking at stainless steel for body panels, even tho it is more expensive and harder to work with. SS allows them to eliminate the corrosion allowance and therefore reduce thickness and weight. All of this to increase mileage while at the same time we want more doo-dads on our vehicles and demand higher HP and 4WD. The OEMs would use it if it was better or cost effective. A few more transistors in an electrical circuit is CHEAP compared to all of these other technologies.

Seems like snake oil to me...

 

Torque1st, to follow your logic, if OEM were to be "all over" the many performance and technological upgrades that are available, the aftermarket would not exist. OEM designs their vehicles with the median automotive end user in mind. As far as items like multiple spark discharge systems, they DO use them in performance applications. My wife's 2002 4.6L Mustang GT factory ignition system has coil-on-plug and multiple spark discharge built in to the design. They do not use it on all of their applications because it is NOT cost effective to use this technology in all applications.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I have a tendency to thoroughly and meticulously research every aftermarket component that I have even considered purchasing. Multiple Spark Discharge is proven (data available throughout the web) to provide a more thorough fuel burn at all RPM's. Although the system is designed to provide a single spark above 3000 RPM, the amplitude and duration of the spark is significanty greater than the stock system can produce. As far as results, I gained a noticeable improvement in acceleration, better fuel mileage, and my emissions results from one year (without) to the next (with) showed a significant reduction in hydrocarbon output at the tailpipe. I have since installed a significantly smaller, lighter, high flow converter.

I am an FTE member, and I support FTE by purchasing through the online store when you carry the products I am interested in.

BTW, Ford uses MSD technology in all of their racing applications, and Ford Racing recommends MSD components to complement their high performance engines and ignition systems. Got that right from their own tech support line when researching my upgrades. That is why I chose MSD over the other aftermarket ignition systems available.

Nickmobile, the hard data is available all over the web. Do the research and decide for yourself what is best for you. BTW, you can buy a Ford specific MSD adapter from many of the major aftermarket suppliers which allows you to plug in the MSD without cutting wires.

Good Luck.

 

I am sure that Ford uses MSD systems in some of their racing aps. They use it for the same reason that other Racing teams do, -more control of the vehicle and interfacing to other systems. It does not mean it is any better than std modules in daily drivers. If the systems were that much better at burning the fuel they would be using them in all vehicles. This is one area where the OEMs do spend money because of the direct benefits to them and it has no bearing on whether the aftermarket exists or not. This technology is cheap when applied at OEM quantity levels in engine designs. The aftermarket exists because people will buy the stuff that marketers push and they do not have to perform reliably in testing by the EPA and the OEMs.

Oh and one thing, -the spark plug gap and cylinder pressure determines firing voltage. The resistance of the spark plug and wire together with coil inductance determines current and duration. The spark fires when you turn OFF the coil. If the spark voltage is increased thru increasing the gap the spark can and will break down the insulation in other areas of the ignition system.

It is still snake oil...

 

WOW, I didn't realize this was such a heated subject!

I already have it, so I guess I'll just go ahead and put it in. If I don't like it or don't see any difference, I'm sure I can sell it without any trouble.

 

yep if you decide you don't want it let me know.
The MSD 6A carries the CARB E.O. D-40-33 number approved by the California Emissions board, and is 50 state leagle, meaning at the very least it wont hurt emisions or it wouldnt get a CARB number from
CA. But just because something is superior to OEM design dosent mean its feasible or practicle to put it on everything, BF Goodrich comp T/A's are with out a doubt far superior to standard pasenger tires, but you dont see OEM putting them on regular cars. DW
P.S. This is not a heated subject, just a freindly debate amoung FTE members, everyone lays there veiws on the line so you can decide what works for you. To each's own.

 

They can only make so many of those tires, and if they use them exclusively the price on the other tires go down to the point that they use them because they are cheap at the same time those T/A's go up due to demand. In this case it is really really cheap to make a MSD ignition, especially with a computer to control it in an OEM application. In fact with computer control it does not cost OEMs a cent. So it is not the same thing.

 

As I have said, you are entitled to your opinion. Just make sure people know that it is your opinion. OEM makes all of their decisions based on cost effectiveness. If they can meet emissions standards without expending more money, that is what they do. Their overall goal is to drive the building cost down, so that they can maintain the selling cost in a margin to best attract the median consumer. They reserve the high end performance mods for the high end performance vehicles where the consumer expects and is willing to pay for the higher cost.
In the time since my last post I have done a little more research, and have learned that the following vehicles (just what I found in a hour or so of looking) come with multiple spark discharge technology from the factory:

Ford Mustang
Cheverolet Corvette
Dodge Viper
Ford Lightning
Cheverolet Camaro
2004 Ford F Series Pickups
All 2004 Dodge products equipped with Hemi Engine

I could probably find more, but I have spent enough time on this. Do your own research, draw your own conclusions, and then spend your money the way you wish. That is the beauty of living in America.

Good Luck.