MSD Ignition. Whats all needed.

[Zone_4_Lanlord]

So i want to install a MSD ignition box, I already have a MSD distributor. What else is needed, and what ignition box do i need. I really don't care about rev limiters, i just want the best performance. Help me out.

 

[laman1982]

it depends on what you want and your setup too ? but i have a 6al box dis.spark plugs and blaster coil and its bad *ss ! lol im pushing just under 400 hp . but heres a vid that might help you out .


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT2clNrxOuM

 

[pontiacgp]

I ran an msd box til it left me stranded one nite..every race car that uses them run with 2 in the car and they always have spares in the trailer so that tells me there is something about their dependability...I run a digital e-curve distributor and it's the best one I have found so far..

http://www.msdignition.com/Products/Dis ... butor.aspx

 

[tc1959]

So i want to install a MSD ignition box, I already have a MSD distributor. What else is needed, and what ignition box do i need. I really don't care about rev limiters, i just want the best performance. Help me out.

You will need a spare one.They are not reliable.

 

[Brick442]

I had used mine for about 3000 miles, then parked the car for 7 years in a dry climate controlled garage. When I took the car out of storage, it wouldn't start. I tested the box and it was dead. Not very reliable, IMO . . .

 

[Longroof79]

I also agree with these guys. The MSD box is unreliable. Perhaps for a race car they're okay, but for a daily driven car I wouldn't recommend one. I had an MSD 6A in my car several years ago. It ran fine with it, but after awhile I heard a whirling sound coming from under the hood. The noise was coming from the box. Well one day I was driving and the car starting stalling. It restarted and crapped out again. Finally..nothing. Fortunately I was only a mile or two from home.
I removed the MSD box and went back to using a stock type module. Since then I replaced the distributor with a high output coil and module. It's been running great ever since. That was 10-11 yrs ago.

Oh, and I had a new replacement that I decided I wasn't going to use. I ended up selling it instead.

 

[Phoenyx]

What kind of distributor do you have? Is it already set up for an MSD box, or does it have a module in it? If it has a module, just stick with that and forget the box. It will be better than stock, it'll give your engine all the spark it need, and will be a lot more reliable.

I put one in a street car a few years ago. Ran it for 2 years, summer and winter. Didn't have any problem with it. But for the cost and hassle of installing it, I can say it wasn't worth it. Yes I noticed a very slight mileage gain, and it ran smoother. But couldn't feel any real difference in power. Also, I have changed out many 20+ year old stock modules for cheap new factory replacements. And they gave the same effect as putting the 6-AL did.

But if you have one of those MSD distributors that's designed for a box. Then all you really need is to buy the box and a coil. But I would keep your stock distributor and some tools in your trunk if you go this route. Just in case it craps out.

 

[jrm81bu]

What kind of distributor do you have? Is it already set up for an MSD box, or does it have a module in it? If it has a module, just stick with that and forget the box.

I agree. If the engine doesn't "need" it don't use it. Stock HEI's are good distributors, especially when combined with a a good module and coil. As for reliability, I must have good luck(knocks on wood). Mine has been used for over 10 years with at least 4 years of daily driving and was used when I got it. I did have a problem with it getting hot and shutting down when it was mounted under the hood, but after moving it inside of the car, no more problems.

 

[Zone_4_Lanlord]

What kind of distributor do you have? Is it already set up for an MSD box, or does it have a module in it? If it has a module, just stick with that and forget the box. It will be better than stock, it'll give your engine all the spark it need, and will be a lot more reliable.

I put one in a street car a few years ago. Ran it for 2 years, summer and winter. Didn't have any problem with it. But for the cost and hassle of installing it, I can say it wasn't worth it. Yes I noticed a very slight mileage gain, and it ran smoother. But couldn't feel any real difference in power. Also, I have changed out many 20+ year old stock modules for cheap new factory replacements. And they gave the same effect as putting the 6-AL did.

But if you have one of those MSD distributors that's designed for a box. Then all you really need is to buy the box and a coil. But I would keep your stock distributor and some tools in your trunk if you go this route. Just in case it craps out.

If my distributor is designed for a box, what kind of coil would i need?

 

[Phoenyx]

Well let's assume you want to stick with MSD stuff. Here is the box most people run, it's nice because it has a rev limiter:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MSD-6420/

And here is a coil:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MSD-8202/