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#1 |
PITbut
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: monroe washington
Posts: 3,052
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MSD worth it???
I have a 454. I have an HEI distributor. Some people were talking about getting a MSD 6al and coil and that will make the truck run better, or more spark. that a good setup to have or what..
I dont want to be buying something that really wont benefit me any. My engine builder stated that the more ignition i can run through that motor, the longer it will last and better it will run. Thoughts??? |
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#2 | |
PITbut
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: monroe washington
Posts: 3,052
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Re: MSD worth it???
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Vacaville, CA
Posts: 2,746
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Re: MSD worth it???
For a street engine its more eye candy than anything else, a stock HEI in good condition will run your engine just as well.
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#4 |
The Engine Whisperer
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 770
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Re: MSD worth it???
if you do end up wanting to run a box, dont get a msd 6al look at mallory boxes, they're cheaper and work better... or better yet look at the summit boxes (mallory makes them) and they're even cheaper than the mallory boxes.
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#5 | |
PITbut
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: monroe washington
Posts: 3,052
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Re: MSD worth it???
Quote:
The engine is kinda built.. Big cam... I just figured that MSD had to put out more spark then a standard HEI dist.. More constant... IDK... |
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#6 |
Packrat
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Central Iowa
Posts: 459
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Re: MSD worth it???
I had really good success with a MSD 6A on another make of vehicle...
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gone: --'07 Tahoe LTZ 4WD --'68 Firebird 400 Convertible gone: --'72 Chevy K20 |
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#7 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 2,188
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Re: MSD worth it???
Quote:
I probably wouldnt pick up a brand new MSD ignition system if everything you have is working fine. The biggest improvement you will see is at start up and idle. If I were you, I would buy an MSD 6a box (same as the 6al but without the rev limiter which is unneccesary on a N/A street car) used on ebay and install it with your current setup. The truck will start faster and idle smoother with less rpm variance at idle if you currently have some. Some people have experienced slight gains in fuel mileage with them, but it wasnt noticeable for me. The multiple spark discharge isnt going to feel any different until you get to 4500 RPM or so. My motor revved faster up top and seemed to pull a little harder. Unfortunately, I cant give you an accurate before/after quarter mile time so I cant confirm this. My motor was too rich when I installed it and I went from fouling plugs flogging on it at the drag strip to checking the plugs and finding a much better situation without changing jetting in the carb (I was still learning a lot at the time). The used units are dirt cheap, and if it craps out you can send it to MSD and for 30-40 bucks they will refurbish it and you will still be out less money than buying a new one.
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RIP EastSideLowLife '72 C20 SWB convert. 5 lug, LS1/4l60e |
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#8 | |
PITbut
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: monroe washington
Posts: 3,052
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Re: MSD worth it???
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#9 |
Always wrenching!!
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 301
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Re: MSD worth it???
up until i changed both my ride to LSx engines I always ran the MSD dist., blaster coil, and 6AL box. MSD is great stuff. You cant go wrong.
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71 C-10 5.3L/4L60E 72 Camaro LS6/4L60E 06 Duramax 19 RZR XP4 turbo Dynamix 56 Belair 5.3/4L60E swap in progress |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Santa Maria, Ca.
Posts: 1,423
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Re: MSD worth it???
I bought the 6A unit just because I think it looks good on the fender. I really can't tell any differance in the way the truck runs. I'm going to a Edlebrock TBI and I hope it will work with it.
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69 Chevy 4x4 383 Power ![]() |
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#11 |
Gone to greener pastures
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: Gateway to the Delta
Posts: 7,354
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Re: MSD worth it???
I'm running a 6A with an MSD coil and dizze, and MSD wires, and Accel shorty plugs. (header clearance)
I don't have any complaints, but on the other hand, I have 5 fingers. Wait, wrong line. On the other hand I haven't noticed any appreciable gains in performance, other than starting. With the MSD system, if my engine cranks more than 2 revolutions before starting, I wonder, "What's wrong?" A couple of side notes: I'm running a 355/TH350, with 4.11 gears. I don't normally twist my engine real hard. I have been know, though, when I have to merge with freeway traffic to manually shift to 2nd gear and nail it. I come out of 2nd at about 70-75 MPH and a bit over 5000 Rpm. I've never had a miss. The reason I went to MSD was the truck had an Accel dizzie in it when I bought it. It was a total POS. I don't know if it just that particular dizzie, or what; because I ran an Accel in my big block flat bottom and never had any problems. So I'm not bad mouthing Accel. Sorry for rambling so long guys, but I wanted to contribute my .02 and make sure I sort of had everything clear.
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'69 Chevy 1/2 T LWB Stepper: Daily Beater '72 GMC 3/4 T Fleet: Another Daily Beater '72 Plymouth Gran Coupe: ? "Ah women. They make the highs higher and the lows more frequent." Friedrich Nietzsche "Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day." Harry S. Truman GUN CONTROL: Never having to say, "I missed you." Always fire two warning shots into your attacker's chest area before putting a bullet between his eyes. Paraphrased from Louis Awerbuck |
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#12 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: St.Petersburg,Fl
Posts: 1,267
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Re: MSD worth it???
I run a MSD 6AL with a Pro-Billet dist and blaster2 coil.This setup works great,but I have a 10.5 to 1 comp.and a mechanical roller cam with approx 580 lift in a 406 small block.I had a $150 Mallory HEI Dist in it before this motor and it worked great.I personally would take the Mallory,drop it in and go.I went to the MSD only after putting the roller cam in it.You just need more ignition with this much cam.My truck ran 12.40 at 113mph with my old 406
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#13 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Monroe, WA
Posts: 3,815
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Re: MSD worth it???
Search is your friend; I wrote a post on this
![]() The stock HEI runs out of steam at about 5200 RPM; aftermarket HEI will deliver up to 6500 or so. Unless you're making >= 1.2 HP/CID and/or turning regularly over 5500 RPM, the stock setup is fine. A CD box can make starting easier, and may deliver *slightly* better fuel economy. |
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#14 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Rapid City, SD
Posts: 2,281
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Re: MSD worth it???
MSD 6AL & Coil for $100.00... Buy it,...
MSD ignition is the 2nd best improvement you can do to a trucks performance, Rearend gears are the best improvement... Most aftermarket performance ignition "boxes" out there are good, I believe MSD to be the best. Go to your nearest Drag Strip, You will see MSD on most of the cars there. MSD is my choice, maybe a Jacobs next... Back in my performance parts selling days, I've sold them all (MSD, Jacobs, Mallory, Accel, Firepower, Vertex, etc..). When it comes to manufacturers MSD is the best to deal with, either as a seller or customer. At Mallory unless your a big seller your nobody. You will always find 4 friends that can help you with a MSD system, Mallory you'll either be lucky to find 1 or 2 or none at all... Any box you buy will be and improvement,... MSD would be what I'd buy anyway... And to find this for $100.00, I'd be ATMing cash out today. If your running an Hei already you don't really need the Coil, you can hook up the 6al to your hei, you would need to buy a MSD part# 8850,8860 & 8861 (maybe $30-$40 total) or you could run a MSD part# 8401 which is a coil cover with a coil tower in it then remove the stock coil and run the external (MSD) coil,... there are a couple options to can use, but getting a 6al is a perfect start.... link: check out page 16 & 17, plus there are other options as well http://www.msdignition.com/pdf/6%20series/6series.pdf also check out: http://www.msdignition.com/
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My Trucks: 1967 Chevrolet Short Wide Box 327 TH350 9" w/3.90 gears paint will be White - Current Project 1967 Chevrolet Custom LWB 283 TH400 3.73 Posi, no-AC, no-PS, no-PB, bench-seat, small-window - mostly orig driver 1967 Chevrolet CST LWB originally a 327 TH400 3.73 Posi AC PS PB, had Buddy Buckets, Small Window - parts truck 1967 Chevrolet CST LWB, 283 MT 3.73 had Buddy Buckets, Panoramic Window - parts truck 2001 Chevrolet 3500 2WD Crew Cab Dually 8.1L Allison White Last edited by 67 cst swb; 06-14-2008 at 10:24 AM. |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Idaho
Posts: 84
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Re: MSD worth it???
Yah what he said.
MSD for $100 is worth it no matter how you look at it. The most comon missconseption is that MSD boxes help on the top end. Well yes that may be true due to the fact that you can run more cam, timing, and carb, because it keeps it clean on the low end. Look at their web site or get instructions. MSD can only fire multi spark to about 3000 rpm. What that means is you are burning all your fuel during "regular" driving, faster starts, smoother idol etc. If you have a hard time getting your setup right with air fuel mix for both idol and performance then this will for sure help. I run one on my v drive boat with a BBC and like it, would not go back. If nothing else, if you dont like it you can make money on ebay. Just my .02.5 |
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#16 |
72 Chevelle Club
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Newton , Iowa
Posts: 2,052
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Re: MSD worth it???
I'm runnin ' the pro billet HEI with the ultimate kit that has the rev limiter under the cap on my small block and it works great.
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I Have The Right To Remain Silent,But Lack The Ability 1972 Chevelle ... Mine 2006 Trailblazer... Hers 2002 Buick century ... Kids 2002 K1500 Z-71 EXT CAB ... Daily Driver 2005 Rockwood Roo ... For Camping 1974 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 84'' stroker |
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#17 | |
PITbut
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: monroe washington
Posts: 3,052
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Re: MSD worth it???
Quote:
I like the easy start, and the cleaner running.. thats all i need to hear about that really... When i get back off vacation, i will be setting my motor in... I will drop you a line sir. |
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#18 | |
PITbut
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: monroe washington
Posts: 3,052
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Re: MSD worth it???
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#19 | |
Packrat
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Central Iowa
Posts: 459
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Re: MSD worth it???
Quote:
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gone: --'07 Tahoe LTZ 4WD --'68 Firebird 400 Convertible gone: --'72 Chevy K20 |
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#20 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Monroe, WA
Posts: 3,815
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Re: MSD worth it???
Quote:
My point exactly - it's another one of those racing parts that really has no place on a street car unless it's a racing car prowling the street ![]() |
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#21 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Monroe, WA
Posts: 3,815
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Re: MSD worth it???
Quote:
Last edited by Billla; 06-14-2008 at 01:40 PM. |
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#22 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 2,188
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Re: MSD worth it???
Quote:
Lucky bastard... ![]()
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RIP EastSideLowLife '72 C20 SWB convert. 5 lug, LS1/4l60e |
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#23 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Rapid City, SD
Posts: 2,281
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Re: MSD worth it???
post #5.. see above
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My Trucks: 1967 Chevrolet Short Wide Box 327 TH350 9" w/3.90 gears paint will be White - Current Project 1967 Chevrolet Custom LWB 283 TH400 3.73 Posi, no-AC, no-PS, no-PB, bench-seat, small-window - mostly orig driver 1967 Chevrolet CST LWB originally a 327 TH400 3.73 Posi AC PS PB, had Buddy Buckets, Small Window - parts truck 1967 Chevrolet CST LWB, 283 MT 3.73 had Buddy Buckets, Panoramic Window - parts truck 2001 Chevrolet 3500 2WD Crew Cab Dually 8.1L Allison White Last edited by 67 cst swb; 06-14-2008 at 03:19 PM. |
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#24 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Rapid City, SD
Posts: 2,281
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Re: MSD worth it???
Quote:
http://www.msdignition.com/1ignitions.htm Easier start up - cleaner burning - rev limiter (tell me you've never heard of someone floating valves on the street, plus you put a small chip in there when someone else is "borrowing" your ride) Plus, I'm not saying put a 7AL with a 3-step rev limiter and a high speed timimg retard in it.... "just a 6AL he can get for $100.00..."
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My Trucks: 1967 Chevrolet Short Wide Box 327 TH350 9" w/3.90 gears paint will be White - Current Project 1967 Chevrolet Custom LWB 283 TH400 3.73 Posi, no-AC, no-PS, no-PB, bench-seat, small-window - mostly orig driver 1967 Chevrolet CST LWB originally a 327 TH400 3.73 Posi AC PS PB, had Buddy Buckets, Small Window - parts truck 1967 Chevrolet CST LWB, 283 MT 3.73 had Buddy Buckets, Panoramic Window - parts truck 2001 Chevrolet 3500 2WD Crew Cab Dually 8.1L Allison White Last edited by 67 cst swb; 06-14-2008 at 03:28 PM. |
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#25 |
PITbut
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: monroe washington
Posts: 3,052
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Re: MSD worth it???
hehehehe... I havent tapped him for anything yet.. He is going to come over and check what i have done before i start the motor up... He was the designer behind the engine... well, rough design...
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