MSD: Does it really make a noticeable difference?

[WhitePony]

Hi folks,

I'm looking for some feedback from people who were once running a Duraspark II system, and added an MSD 6 unit. With all else being equal, was there a noticeable performance/gas milage difference after the MSD install? I'm trying to decide if I want to just do a Duraspark II on my new engine, or if I should fork over the bucks for an MSD at the same time. I know that there is a big 'Coolness' factor in having an MSD, but I'm wondering if the difference is truely noticeable.

A bit about my engine build: I'm using a 200 out of a 79 Fairmont. The head is being ported/polished and milled down to 52cc chambers. I'm also working with a machinist to duplicate Mustang Geezer's 2V direct mount mod and will be mounting a Holley-Webber 5200. The Shortblock will have a Clay Smith Cams 264 *112 cam, a dual roller timing set, and all ARP bolts/studs. I will be finishing it off with a set of either Clifford or FSPP dual out headers and Flowmaster 40 series mufflers.

One other question. If I decide to go with an MSD, is there any real reason to get the MSD 6AL over the plain 6A? This is going to eventually be my wife's daily driver, and will never see a drag strip or any serious racing of any kind. In this configuration, is a rev limiter really necessary? I have an MSD unit in my boat with a rev limiter, where the possibility of over-reving is an every day worry. But I wonder if the extra 50 bucks for a limiter is really needed on a street engine like I'm building.

Kris

 

[CobraSix]

If you are still running points, the DS2 will make a huge difference (as will pertronix). I can't compare DS2 with GM module versus MSD, but I can tell you my DS2 with MSD runs smoother then my Pertronix did with the same coil and plugs. Power wise, I can't feel a difference, and mileage wise, I think I saw maybe 1.5-2MPG increase, but not really enough to make a definite arguement that it is MSD related or not, or jus driving habits. I tested it over a few tanks before and after the upgrade with no change to the carb at all.

WSA's post a few below has a good comparison of the GM module versus MSD.

But definitely do some ignition upgrade either pertronix 1 or DS2. You'll definitely notice that difference.

Slade

 

[Anonymous]

If I remember correctly, you were going with the automatic transmission. So with respect to the rev limiter, I would think that over-revving will be less of a concern with an auto vs a manual tranny. Now if you want the versatility of putting the box in a different vehicle at a later date that may see some racing, then maybe the rev limiter is more attractive.

I can't speak about the DS-II/MSD combo. I have MSD boxes on two cars, and initially installed them on points distributors. Idle & throttle respone were improved with both cars. The Corvette responded better to the MSD, probably due to it previously having more misfires at low rpm. Plug maintenance has also become a non-event. The Mustang developed a habit of going through points for some reason after the MSD install. They were not burning or pitting the points, but upon replacement, the car ran much better for a few weeks and then deteriorated rapidly. After tiring of replacing the points at very short intervals, I installed the Pertronix. Now both the cars are trouble free with regards to points and plugs. The Corvette still runs with a points setup triggering the MSD. It had the opposite problem of consuming points before the MSD installation. Now the same set of points have been in there for 9 years eventhough I regulary run it up to its 6500 rpm redline.
Doug

 

[WhitePony]

The 79 Fairmont engine came complete with the DS2 it was running with when removed. Problem is, ALL I have is the dizzy. I don't have the module or any of the cable harness. Soo... I definately won't be running points. The question is, whether I go look for the rest of the DS2 setup or just opt for an MSD.

I STILL haven't decided if I'm going with the C4 that came with the Fairmont engine or getting a T5. To do the C4 swap I need a complete shift assembly, a kickdown linkage, a pedel assembly and a C4 driveshaft with the proper yoke at a minimum. Looks like it would cost almost as much as it would to put in the T5. Even with the T5 though, I doubt if I'd really need a rev limiter. I just don't think I'll ever be reving high enough to damage the engine.

As for comparing, I really don't have anything to compare with. The engine was basically broken when we got the car and it hasn't had more than 10 miles put on it before it just stopped. At that point I decided to just let it rest in peace and build up a new engine.

Kris

 

[MustangSix]

Kris, the simplest way to wire up a DII is to use a GM 4-pin module. Simple, clean, and easy. It works extremely well.

 

[WhitePony]

Jack,

That sounds like a good starting point. I can always go in search of an MSD later. Anybody know the exact part # I need to be looking for in a 4 wire GM module?

 

[Anonymous]

Autozone part number F102.

Just do a search for like, a 78 Ford Granada six cyl.

 

[80Stang]

With my DSII I did not add just the MSD but a good coil and electronic fan at the same time, so can't tell how much did the MSD alone improve. But in my case I gained smoother idle, better throttle response & power and nice 7% gain in MPG. Well worth all the bucks invested.

 

[Anonymous]

I was running the stock duraspark setup for a couple years with accel 8 mm plugwires, accel U groove plugs and a MSD blaster 2 coil.

I switched to a MSD 6a and accel 8.8 plug wires. Definitely worth the money! Started easier (especially cold mornings) and i got rid of a miss in the 5500 rpm and up range.

As far as I'm concerned all you need for a automaitic is a 6a. If you run a stick shift then I would get a 6aL...kinda hard to miss a shift in a automatic...If you do you need a new shifter

Later,

Doug

 

[wsa111]

The MSD is a definate improvement, not only at idle but at the top end. I am using the MSD-6AL with the Duraspark II & the results are very positive.
Compared to the pertronix, the idle is smoother. When your combing the MSD with the Duraspark II using the magnetic triggering feature the results are most gradifying.
Go with MSD you will not be dissapointed. Also use the Duraspark II it is a level above the other systems.
Reference this previous post by me. William
http://fordsix.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=23673

 

[MustangSix]

The GM module is for anything from 74- to about 78. Ask for one for a 75 Vega.....

 

[wsa111]

Jack, what is the advanage of using the GM module rather than using the white wire from the MSD ignition as the trigger wire if it is a pertronix or a duraspark module???
If you have the Duraspark II why not use the direct magnetic hook-up??
Delete the duraspark module & go direct to the MSD, unless you want the retard feature, but that is available from MSD also?? William
I think you are using an inexpensive hookup using the duraspark II module with any distributor. Is that correct?

 

[66Sprint6]

I didnt think the limiter was needed until the tranny gave up while I had the gas floored. pinged it off the 6k limiter before I even knew what happened and then I shut her down. It is good for driveline failuer just as much as a missed shift.
Matt