MSD6A......What plugs?
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From: Warner Robins, GA
MSD6A......What plugs?
I did a search of the entire site...didn't really find the answer I'm looking for. My MSD6A ignition amplifier will be here in a couple days. Does anybody have any experience, good or bad, on what spark plugs work best with it? I've heard everything from the stock Ford plugs all the way up to those $5 a piece Bosch super-dupers. Only consistent information I've gotten is to stay away from Splitfires. In case it matters, my truck is a 93 F-150 w/302 and E40D. Thanks.
REX
REX
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From: USA
MSD6A......What plugs?
I've heard of people asking MSD pretty much the same question and being told to put a bigger gapping in the plugs (which ever they are running). But myself, I'm currently asking them if I can run the Bosch Platinum +4s and because of my preference I'm hoping they'll say its the same or better but if I must I'll switch. Oh yeah, so my idea would be to go ahead and just ask MSD what they would recommend. I'll let you know if I hear anything sooner. Goodluck.
James
James
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From: Warner Robins, GA
MSD6A......What plugs?
Thanks guys...I appreciate the input. I went ahead and downloaded the MSD6A installation instructions from the MSD web site. In it they devote a paragraph to saying they didn't recommend any particular plug over the other, due to all the various types and applications. I didn't ask them directly via the web site...I figured I'd just get the "company line" again. The one reliable source at my local parts store says it's going to be tough to find a better plug for a Ford than the Ford original plug. And considering the price, it's a pretty good starting point.
What gap should I start out with? Start with the max and work down? How will I know if the gap is too open, or could be opened up some more? Just use raw performance as my guide? I'm still working on that one. Thanks again.
REX
What gap should I start out with? Start with the max and work down? How will I know if the gap is too open, or could be opened up some more? Just use raw performance as my guide? I'm still working on that one. Thanks again.
REX
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From: USA
MSD6A......What plugs?
Gosh, I have no idea what the gapping would be for your engine. Mine is a 2.3L so its definately different from the gapping you're going to want. If MSD can't help you with the gapping, I'd ask a parts store what the factory gapping is and then what it should be with the ignition setup on it. I know this hasn't really helped but hopefully you'll find out soon enough. 
Goodluck.
James
Goodluck.James
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From: Warner Robins, GA
MSD6A......What plugs?
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 15-Apr-02 AT 05:22 PM (EST)]If I recall the instructions correctly, they said as much as .010 over, but it was kind of "trial-n-error" to see exactly what worked best for my rig. While it's not that big of a deal to experiment and re-gap the plugs, it's just that my spare time is really limited and I'd rather not do it any more times than I have too. MSD makes some great stuff (so I'm told) but the vagueness in this area bothers me a little.
REX
REX
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From: USA
MSD6A......What plugs?
Yeah, I've read a lot on here about MSD and talked to a lot of people around here that have tried MSD too. So far out of about 50 or so people I've only heard of one person having problems with the MSD setup. But yeah, trial and error with gapping plugs is a pain in the butt I think too. Personally I think I'd probably go ahead and gap them at 0.005 over for say the first week and then go for a full 0.010 the next week. I honestly don't know if you will see that big of a difference anywhere other than maybe the mpg. Others might know more from their experiences though. Umm...might take a look under the Aftermarket Forum and see what kind of info there is there. I know that a lot of people have talked about MSD products there, just don't remember who had what or anything. I do wish you best of luck and hope all works out for you though. Have a great day and keep us up to date if you don't mind.
James
Have a great day and keep us up to date if you don't mind.James
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From: Durham
MSD6A......What plugs?
You'll be safe at .050 to start with. If you're like most of us, that's where they'll stay until it's time to change plugs again. If you play at the local drag strip, then you could really get into changing plugs and regapping to see the effects.
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Thread Starter
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From: Warner Robins, GA
MSD6A......What plugs?
>You'll be safe at .050 to start with. If you're like most
>of us, that's where they'll stay until it's time to change
>plugs again. If you play at the local drag strip, then you
>could really get into changing plugs and regapping to see
>the effects.
Oops! I correct myself. I just pulled the installation instructions back out and it says up to 10.5:1 compression (that would be me and my stock engine) to start at .050 to .060 and adjust in .005 increments to obtain best performance...whatever that is.
I still want to know what the symptoms of an over/under gapped plug will be. How do you know which way to take it?
And unless I hear something different from you folks, I'm going to start out with Ford original spark plugs.
I'll be sure to post my findings as I tackle this task. Looks like this is an area we could use a little more info on.
REX
>of us, that's where they'll stay until it's time to change
>plugs again. If you play at the local drag strip, then you
>could really get into changing plugs and regapping to see
>the effects.
Oops! I correct myself. I just pulled the installation instructions back out and it says up to 10.5:1 compression (that would be me and my stock engine) to start at .050 to .060 and adjust in .005 increments to obtain best performance...whatever that is.
I still want to know what the symptoms of an over/under gapped plug will be. How do you know which way to take it?
And unless I hear something different from you folks, I'm going to start out with Ford original spark plugs.
I'll be sure to post my findings as I tackle this task. Looks like this is an area we could use a little more info on.
REX
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From: Elon, NC
MSD6A......What plugs?
I couldn't find the NGK's locally so I went with the Motorcraft plug with my MSD setup. My compression is right about 11:1 and I've gapped the plugs at .60 with no noticable problems. I'm like you though, I'd love to know the optimum setting. My $.02 worth...
Ron
Ron
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MSD6A......What plugs?
I recently bought a MSD6a also. I called msd tech about platinum plugs right before it came. There are certain types of platinums that the tech rep that I talked to said could have problems. He didn't name brand names either to cover his butt or?? He said that some of the platinum plug's ceramic insulators extend down into the plug itself. On some company's plugs, the insulator is glued on. The glue can delaminate from the electrode under the extreme heat of the multi-firing. This sounded like the bosch plug that he was describing to me, but I'm not sure. The tech rep also recommended going to one or two heat range lower with the plug. I think this is also in the intructions and writings. So far my msd is working good with platinum plugs.
Tony
Tony
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From: Porterfield
MSD6A......What plugs?
I was alway told that with higher compression you run a tighter gap. Is this true??I have a msd6al on my pulling truck and run the bosch platinum plus 4 plugs with no problems. I'm using the plus 4 plugs for clearance problems. with a regular plug I'd have to index the plugs to keep them from hitting the pistons in my motors with the 14.5 to 1 comp. I run.
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From: Fort Smith
MSD6A......What plugs?
Thomasr -
What other mods are you going to do, or have done? I recently put an MSD4 on my 302 in my Explorer. I also have an Eaton M90 supercharger, 80mm mass air, 24lb injectors, etc. The MSD4 is designed for distributorless ignition. I still run the Motorcraft platinum plugs, but raised the gap .01. My stock gap was .052 to .056. I raised it to .063, and it runs great. If all you are doing is the MSD6, then you should be fine at either stock gap, or raised .002. You will be running a stronger spark, but still the same amount of fuel and air mixture.
Hope this helps...
What other mods are you going to do, or have done? I recently put an MSD4 on my 302 in my Explorer. I also have an Eaton M90 supercharger, 80mm mass air, 24lb injectors, etc. The MSD4 is designed for distributorless ignition. I still run the Motorcraft platinum plugs, but raised the gap .01. My stock gap was .052 to .056. I raised it to .063, and it runs great. If all you are doing is the MSD6, then you should be fine at either stock gap, or raised .002. You will be running a stronger spark, but still the same amount of fuel and air mixture.
Hope this helps...
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Elon, NC
MSD6A......What plugs?
"with a regular plug I'd have to index the plugs to keep them from hitting the pistons in my motors with the 14.5 to 1 comp. I run"
GOOD LAWWWWWWWWD!!!!
And all this time I thought my 11:1 was something.......
Attaboy!!
Ron
GOOD LAWWWWWWWWD!!!!
And all this time I thought my 11:1 was something.......
Attaboy!!
Ron
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From: Durham
MSD6A......What plugs?
14.5:1
Where do you buy yur racin' fuel? That thang can't run on 93 can it??? I heard you could put moth ***** in the tank and gain some octane???
BTW, we run 11:1 in our race car and run a race plug (side gapped and stubby) with an .018 gap.
Where do you buy yur racin' fuel? That thang can't run on 93 can it??? I heard you could put moth ***** in the tank and gain some octane???
BTW, we run 11:1 in our race car and run a race plug (side gapped and stubby) with an .018 gap.