MSD box questions

[hotrodhomi]

I’m thinking about buying a MSD 6A or 6AL ignition box for my blazer. Has anyone used this with a Chevy HEI distributor? Did you see any benefits? I tried to do a search on the topic but “msd” was not enough characters.

[Rick Mills]

I'm using an MSD digital 6 in my '68. All the 6's are similar in that they have a capacitive discharge. Very reliable and efficient. The capacitive discharge allows a 'double spark' from any spark plug up to 3,000 RPM. After that the spark is a single fire without flaw way past what your engine will endure.
My engine was built to withstand 10,000 RPM <For short periods of corse> and I trust MSD ignitions.
While I'm using MSD's distributor I'm sure that their conectivity to HEI is superb.

Here is MSD's main page: http://www.msdignition.com/

[hotrodhomi]

Anyone have HEI with a MSD box that can tell me about the gains? Is it worth it if I don't buy a new MSD distributor?

[wolfthing2000]

My friend with a 383 build similar to mine is running the HEI with the 6A box and swears by it and noticed a big difference. The 6A is about 180 from Summit. Currently they have a sale for the 6AL ( rev limited) , with a set of wires and you get the blaster coil free. You wouldn't need that I guess with the HEI.
I have the entire MSD system and picked up on that deal. If you call Summit, they will set you up with wires of your application if you ask them I got the HEI dist style end and 90 spark plug ends ready made. They also sell the universal make your own on this deal also. Yes it is a little spendy ( 550 dollars or so ) for ignition compared to a plug and play HEI, but what the hey I have already spent over 10 times that and the truck still isn't on the road and not even painted.No windshield and on and on and on!!!!!

[Nelson]

Will it increase preformance, HP, torque...?
Just asking

[wolfthing2000]

Better ignition = better of everything you are wondering about. How much I don't know. They are probably some of the best ignitions.

[brak]

Originally Posted by wolfthing2000

... you get the blaster coil free. You wouldn't need that I guess with the HEI.

IMHO, get MSD's HEI conversion kit, it mounts in the top of the distributor replacing the HEI coil, allowing you to use an external coil. MSD high output coils
provide more power than the stock HEI module, and if you're going to upgrade to their Ignition box, shouldn't you use it the way it was designed to be used?

The Super HEI package (p/n 8500), which includes the HEI conversion kit, 6al ignition module, and blaster 2 coil can be picked up for 300 bucks from summit. it's only about $60 more than the ignition box alone, and way cheaper than replacing the distributor.


I installed this kit about 5 years ago in my 81 silverado. it was easy, and the difference was noticable in the fact that i gained a mile or two at the pump, the plugs seemed cleaner when changed, and the exhaust didn't smell as gassy (that might be in my head, or maybe i'd finally dialed in the carb correctly at that point).

[hotrodhomi]

That sounds like a good deal @ $300, but I was looking to get a used one from eBay or something. Sounds like I need that HEI kit too.

[brak]

Originally Posted by hotrodhomi

That sounds like a good deal @ $300, but I was looking to get a used one from eBay or something. Sounds like I need that HEI kit too.

You don't have to use it, it just makes sense in my opinion.

[BarryB]

Yes I had the 6A with a hei dis. I didn't feel any difference . Really all it does is helps you keep a hot spark at higher RPMs . if your not planning on drag racing. I wouldn't waste my money. MY 2 cents.

[Slammed70]

If your just running it on a stock engine....the only thing you might notice is easier starting.

As far as power goes, yes its there. But not enough to notice.

We were lucky enough to have a chassis dyno at the tech school I went to, and on occasion we got to use is to "learn" about bolt ons. I strapped my Camaro up to do a before and after with my 6AL. It was 1-2HP and 0.5TQ. Really all it did was smooth out the choppy areas of the power curve.

Granted the MSD gives you "bragging rights" when you pop your hood. My advice is to find one used and NOT waste your money on a new one.

Also....the rev-limiter on these arent that great either.

[bryanw1968]

I have the complete MSD setup. Pro billet distributor, 6AL box and blaster II coil. It is well worth the $$ in my opinion. It burns every bit of fuel you throw at it.

I did at one point have an HEI distributor with the 6AL box. I don't think you'll notice much of a perfromance difference unless you change out the stock HEI module. The stock module is only good to around 4000RPMs and then it starts falling off. MSD makes a raplacment module that fits inside your HEI distributor for pretty cheap I think. Now, this module is NOT the same as the 6AL or any other externally mounted spark control module. I will give you higher rev's but won't give you multiple spark discharge.

One more good thing about MSD. They're made in El Paso, Texas and if you ever break the module they'll fix it for like $30. I had to send mine in once because I hooked something up wrong and fried it.

[hotrodhomi]

I've been searching craigslist for a used one. I like the idea of the new coil pack mentioned above.

[BarryB]

Hey HOTRODHOMI, I wouldn't suggest buying a used MSD box. Reason being these things do go bad. ANd there is no real way to test until you have done bought it and your stuck with it.UNless you know and trust the person you are buying it from. If you buy a new one at least you have a warranty.IMO.

[bryanw1968]

Originally Posted by BarryB

Hey HOTRODHOMI, I wouldn't suggest buying a used MSD box. Reason being these things do go bad. ANd there is no real way to test until you have done bought it and your stuck with it.UNless you know and trust the person you are buying it from. If you buy a new one at least you have a warranty.IMO.

That's what I was talking about though. I did actually buy my box used but I broke it. Whether it's new or not and you were or were not the original purchaser of it MSD will fix the box for $30.00.

[john@thepier]

I installed the 6a kit into a 70 GMC 4x4 years ago I used a new hei distibutor, Including changing out the guts of the distibutor with the parts supplied, I also changed the coil to a super coil from accell and changed the spark plugs to a accell u grooved gaped at 60 thousands. It woke the truck up to a day and night difference. JOHN

[wolfthing2000]

Buy NOT ONE THING ELECTRONIC used!!! Trust me it never works out.

[bryanw1968]

That may generally be a good idea but I personally had a good experience buying the used MSD box. It doesn't matter WHAT is wrong with it. MSD will fix it for CHEAP regardless.

Good luck,
B

[wolfthing2000]

Since that is there policy, then I would say go for it then.

On another note, I plan on putting a spare distributor in the tool box of the truck, just in case something goes and I am in the middle of tim buck 2

[bryanw1968]

Originally Posted by wolfthing2000

Since that is there policy, then I would say go for it then.

On another note, I plan on putting a spare distributor in the tool box of the truck, just in case something goes and I am in the middle of tim buck 2

Man I carry all kinds of tools and extra stuff under the seat. At one point I had extrea belts AND radiator hoses

Let's face it, we're not driving something new and ultra reliable.