thoughts on msd
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34
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From: US
thoughts on msd
anyone have any thoughts on how much the msd coil / cap / and rotor help out? i already have the msd box.... but was wondering how much the whole set up helps? or is it just a "name brand" thing ? just wondering if it would be worth my hard earned dimes. any response is appreciated. 
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,447
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From: Littleton, CO
Depends on what you are putting it on... Is it an improvement over the pre-75 points ingition, you bet. Better than a current system, if you are running a hot motor in the upper rpm range, you bet. Anything in between is not worth it. What is your application and performance needs?
Just my $.02's --Mike
Just my $.02's --Mike
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,436
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From: Montana
my oppinion is that Every vehicle should be running an MSD/crane/accel or some type of ignition. It will improve gas miliage and power, Its well worth it...I also gained throttle response. The best upgrades for modern vehicles IMO, are ingnition, headers and exhaust.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Milpitas, CA; Tyler, TX
Good, but possibly overpriced depending on the applicaion. For most mild builds, etc. I prefer the Pertronix Ignitor system for around $75 bucks. Uses your stock dizzy, etc. while retaining the full benefits of electronic ignition. Had it on my last car to replace the points and condenser, worked like a dream! Installed in, oh, about 20 minutes or so. Improved gas mileage and throttle response, picked up a slight bit of torque, and of course, reduced maintenance.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
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If your vehicle has electronic ignition stock then the only improvement you get with an aftermarket unit is for race applications and high RPM operation. The stock electronic system will usually outperform the aftermarket units up to about 5000RPM. The stock TFI system on a Ford works well if remote mounted on a heat sink. Mounting the electronics on the distributor was a poor idea. As far as wires etc you only need them if you are running wider spark plug gaps that cause more voltage to be applied to the plug. Modern engines have a good gap at around "0.045-0.055" that works well and is excellent for most applications. Higher secondary ignition system voltages can cause a variety of other problems. If you have an old points type distributor you will need to convert to a larger diameter distributor to avoid problems.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,436
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From: Montana
I have to disagree a little.....Im no expert but my 92 stock ignition didnt out perform anything. It was sluggish at best I dropped the 6A in and a coil and Its like night and day, crisp throttle response and better off the line too. IMO there is no way a stock electronic ignition can do what an aftermarket ignition can, MSD sparks twice up to 3000 rpm, and holds long spark for 20* crank rotation insuring a full burn in the chamber. I dont see my TFI competeing with that....but Its all where your priorities are I guess. just my just my $2......
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,557
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From: Concord, NC
I didn't notice that much of a difference on my truck, an EFI 302. Fuel economy went up a little with just the blaster TFI coil, and I noticed no difference after adding the 6A to that. Only reason I have the 6A is because I got it dirt cheap (40 bucks).
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Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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The only way you will get a performance increase with an aftermarket unit and a stock application is if there was something wrong with the OEM unit. Fixing the OEM ignition is MUCH cheaper than buying all the aftermarket stuff and easier too. OEM ignition parts can be tested for free at most parts stores and there are great diagnostic routines that nobody follows in the service manuals. Parts are available off the shelf anywhere also.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Duncan,OK
I'll have to side with Torque1st on this. I was running the MSD on my bronco could not tell any difference. I went back to the DII unit and had my local Dizzy Doctor setup my distributor. I got Motorsport wires, Blaster coil and Autolite plugs. This had made a vast improvement within the RPM range I run up to 6500.
Save your money keep it stock and get it right. Not only do the stock peices perform better they hold up better also. This seems to be an area where the KISS method works very well.
Pat
Save your money keep it stock and get it right. Not only do the stock peices perform better they hold up better also. This seems to be an area where the KISS method works very well.
Pat
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
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From: Long Island USA
The big thing about the MSD 6 is the multi-spark, which covers lots of little nagging idle/lope/mix problems (which should be fixed, but are hard to deal with for most people).
A word of caution about the MSD control box: Do NOT crank the engine without all the coil and other wiring in place! I blew one up brand-new out of the box, because I wanted to crank the motor without starting and just pulled the + from the coil like I always did with points - BANG, blown box.
art k.
A word of caution about the MSD control box: Do NOT crank the engine without all the coil and other wiring in place! I blew one up brand-new out of the box, because I wanted to crank the motor without starting and just pulled the + from the coil like I always did with points - BANG, blown box.
art k.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: pennsylvania
I had a 77 w/351 M + hot cam, Timing advance, & some head work done. Edlebrock 4bbl & intake and headers. My cam came in around 2500 rpms and the truck had 32" tires. There was a bit of off idle lag when I'd get right into it so I got the MSD off road 6 box & blaster coil. YES it helped alot, especially with the flat spot up to 2500. BUT! that box never lasted more than 6000miles. I sent it back twice at $ 100 a pop and when I sold the truck the MSD was dead AGAIN! Now I'm running a Jacobs ignition in a fuel injected 95 with no troubles, but the trucks are apples to oranges. Basiclly though I think If you're drag racing or somethin' the MSD is Good, but not reliable enough for everyday driver. Many others I know have had the EXACT same problems with the MSD.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 542
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From: Milpitas, CA; Tyler, TX
Like I said, the Pertronix seemed to be a good compromose to me. $75 bucks, easy install, and gives all the advantages of point-less ignition while still fitting in the stock dizzy. Also will handle some pretty high-power coils, too.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: western montana
I keep on reading about problems that people have with the dII and wonder why more don't switch to a hei system that has been proven over time as well. Most of the dII problems stem from the box and wiring. I've had problems with every DII system i've owned-(5 or so) and always carry a spare box as many others do as well. I now understand the system better thanks to torque1st and hope I have the bugs worked out- but still the simplicity of the hei is appealing and the ford wiring has gone bad on many units and I haven't found a new replacement wiring kit.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by roger dowty
I keep on reading about problems that people have with the dII and wonder why more don't switch to a hei system that has been proven over time as well. Most of the dII problems stem from the box and wiring. I've had problems with every DII system i've owned-(5 or so) and always carry a spare box as many others do as well. I now understand the system better thanks to torque1st and hope I have the bugs worked out- but still the simplicity of the hei is appealing and the ford wiring has gone bad on many units and I haven't found a new replacement wiring kit.