MSD Ignition components?

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Feb 11, 2005 | 08:31 AM

kwing

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MSD Ignition components?

I just rebuilt my 302 ('92 F-150, 2WD, E4OD) and I have an Accel Super Coil, 8.8mm wires and NGK plugs, stock cap and rotor. I get about 18-20 mpg on the highway right now. Is it worth upgrading to MSD ignition components for better mileage?? I have heard some claim that gas mileage improves greatly due to prolonged spark in the cylinders. Do I need better spark plugs (Iridium or platinum tip), or would it be better to upgrade the cap and rotor to match the other Accel components? I have heard that low resistance wires can cause burn out of the cap or rotor.

Thanks,

kwing

Feb 11, 2005 | 10:36 AM

EPNCSU2006

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From: Concord, NC

You won't gain much (if any) mileage from just adding an MSD box. If you get one, just run regular plugs like the NGK's you are running now. 18-20 is typical highway mileage for a 2WD 302.

Feb 11, 2005 | 11:40 AM

Randy_the_Hack

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From: Georgetown, KY

I talked with several plug manufacturers regarding Iridium plugs and the MSD multispark ignition box. You don't want to use Iridium plugs with this ignition box (or so they all said) 'cause the multispark system will burn 'em up pretty quick. MSD recommended a simple copper plug - I ended up going with a double platinum AutoLite plug, which seems to work fine. I have not yet inspected the plugs - I've had the MSD ignition components installed for about a month and I plan to pop one out and inspect things in the next couple of weeks.

FYI, I've seen a significant mileage improvement, as well as performance. But I did not only install an MSD multispark ignition box... so it is not possible to point to a single "silver bullet" in my case. Feel free to see the thread "Performance upgrade - post mortem" to see the full list of my mods.

YMMV (your mileage may vary)...

Randy

Feb 11, 2005 | 01:37 PM

kwing

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Yeah, maybe I should try a high performance cap and rotor first (Accel or other?). I'll shop around and see about price vs. performance gains.

Thanks,

kwing

Feb 11, 2005 | 02:16 PM

Torque1st

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Randy must have had serious problems somewhere in his previous setup. There really isn't any mileage or performance gain to be had with aftermarket ignition components alone. The gains come when a problem is fixed and then reported as an "improvement".

Feb 11, 2005 | 09:57 PM

Rancheroracer

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From: Rodeo, Ca.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwing

I don't think you'd notice anything worth the expense. Sounds like you already have a good ignition. Usually the only time ignition mods would help is when you have a weak ignition for some reason.

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