question 'bout MSD stuff

[Asa]

i've got all the stuff for the DSII swap
but i haven't done it because i'm debating over whether i should add an MSD box to the mix
i know what MSD can do for a stock type ignition, but does it give anything to the DSII? is it's computer better than the DSII?

i'm not sure what i'm asking here.... hopefully someone can see the question and answer it though

 

[Anonymous]

i think what it does is give more sparks per revolution (or something like that...for example if the DSII gives 1-2 sparks per cylinder per revolution the msd will give 3-5, or something like that...from what i understand anyways...plus u can also get the option on some modules for a rev limiter...hope i answered somewhat correctly.

 

[MustangSix]

The MSD provides multiple sparks per firing event up to about 3000 rpm on a six. The sparks are also much more powerful.

Whether or not it's better is dependent on if your engine. The Duraspark system is a pretty good one and any improevement might not be noticeable in the Butt-O-Meter, though you may see a slight improvement in fuel economy (or maybe not).

You do, however, get a rather nice sticker with the unit.....

 

[Asa]

ok
i think i'll wait till i get it just for the future upgradablity

 

[Lazy JW]

The DS2 is an excellent stock ignition, but it only gives one spark per power stroke. The MSD6A is a capacitor discharge unit that has the ability to deliver multiple sparks per power stroke. CD ignition can do this because it has a very fast voltage rise/discharge rate and can recycle fast enough to deliver several sparks during 20 degrees of crankshaft rotation. The theory being that if the first spark doesn't light the fire then maybe the second or third one will, and it's better late than never. A CD ignition differs from a standard ignition in that the CD unit has a gizmo (amplifier)that charges a capacitor (or multiple capacitors) up to maybe 300 volts and then discharges (hence the term, "Capacitor Discharge") the 300 volts stored in the capacitor through the primary windings of the coil whereas a normal ignition only gets 12 volts or less. This gives a real kick to the coil and is very similar to the way that a radar unit builds up a charge in its Pulse Forming Network (PFN) to fire the magnetron that generates the electromagnetic pulse for the transmitter. Anyway, the CD unit is about the only system that I would ever consider for use as an upgrade from any stock ignition. I mean, if you're not going to run a stock ignition, why not go for the best? A CD ignition is at its best when running lean mixtures, which is what it was developed for in the first place. Lean mixtures are much more difficult to ignite than rich mixtures (that's why we use a choke on carbs, to make it easier to ignite the mixture when it's cold) so that is why it's possible to get better fuel mileage with the MSD system. I am considering going to an MSD6A and leaning out the carb on my truck to try to get better fuel economy. Maybe next year.
Joe

 

[CobraSix]

The MSD and DS2 is a very nice combination. The only reason not to add it and go with the GM module is if money is the issue.

Slade

 

[Anonymous]

I went with Pertonix and 40KV coil first...really made an improvement. Then a couple of months later added an MSD-6A and MSD wires...wow.
Starts first time every time, idles better, runs better, all around improvement in performance.

For your money, I don't think you can go wrong with a electronic ignitor of some sort and MSD ignition. Just my .02 worth.

I would recommend you install the MSD in a way that it can be removed from the loop easily if you ever need to troubleshoot any ignition system problems. I mean use electrical quick doscoinnects, etc, so the sytem can be isolated rather than soldering it in.

Cheers,
Steve-O

 

[Asa]

i was planning on getting the harness that MSD offers, i hate doing electrical crap and that looks like it would eliminate alot of headache for me

and i know where Annapolis is... i wander up there every couple months to poke around and see if there's anything cool going on

 

[Anonymous]

A sJoe mentioned the MSD fires multiple times and delivers more energy. A stock 12 v system will feed the coil 12 to 14 volts. The coil steps the voltage up to 12,000 to 15,000 volts. The MSD supplies the voltage to the coil at 30 to 40 volts which gets stepped up to 30,000 to 40,000 volts. The capacitors also have the ability to store a charge and help boost the amount of energy sent to the coil.

I ran an MSD on a stock ignition for years and then replaced the points with the Pertronix. The MSD with a stock points setup yielded a smoother idle and better pickup. Probably due to less misfires on my cars. I have found the MSD useful in reducing maintenance on the spark plugs. The additional energy has kept the plugs from fouling in cars that ran rich or burned a little oil. Granted it is not correcting the root cause of the fouling, but it made the fouling a non-issue.
Doug

 

[CobraSix]

I used quick disconnects as well...mainly for security...

Slade

 

[Anonymous]

and i know where Annapolis is... i wander up there every couple months to poke around and see if there's anything cool going on

Drop me a line if you get in the area...we can talk Mustangs over a cold beverage of your choice...I'll provide the genuine Cuban Cigars...

r/
Steve-O
410-293-6070 w

 

[Lazy JW]

A sJoe mentioned the MSD fires multiple times and delivers more energy. A stock 12 v system will feed the coil 12 to 14 volts. The coil steps the voltage up to 12,000 to 15,000 volts. The MSD supplies the voltage to the coil at 30 to 40 volts which gets stepped up to 30,000 to 40,000 volts. The capacitors also have the ability to store a charge and help boost the amount of energy sent to the coil.

I ran an MSD on a stock ignition for years and then replaced the points with the Pertronix. The MSD with a stock points setup yielded a smoother idle and better pickup. Probably due to less misfires on my cars. I have found the MSD useful in reducing maintenance on the spark plugs. The additional energy has kept the plugs from fouling in cars that ran rich or burned a little oil. Granted it is not correcting the root cause of the fouling, but it made the fouling a non-issue.
Doug

This is one of the most often overlooked advantages of the MSD ignition, the fact that it can be readily triggered by the stock breaker points. In my mind, this gives an enormous reliability factor, because even if the MSD dies out in the boonies you can just switch back to the points to get home. And when used to trigger the MSD the points are carrying such a low current that they last almost forever, just have to check the timing once in a while to compensate for rubbing block wear. Also, the MSD has a well known ability to fire relatively badly fouled plugs.
Joe

 

[Anonymous]

I still run an MSD triggered by a single set of points on the dual point distributor on my '61 Vette. Prior to the MSD the points would start to lose performance after just a few thousand miles. The points were not burned or pitted, but replacing them always made a difference. Now as Joe mentioned, there is no deterioration in the points with the MSD. I have had the same set for years. The car also runs rich due to the dual 4 bbl setup. Until I hunt down an assortment of metering rods, springs and jets for the old WCFB carbs, the engine will continue to run rich. In the meantime, the MSD keeps the plugs from fouling.
Doug

 

[Anonymous]

Yep, everything said about MSD is true, one more thing though on the points to get more life and less rubbing pad wear you can increase the gap, I forgot how much but talk to MSD techline and they will tell you.

 

[CobraSix]

Okay maryland guys...I'll be in Baltimore Dec 7-10 if you guys want to get together and shot the shiite?

Slade

 

[Anonymous]

Okay maryland guys...I'll be in Baltimore Dec 7-10 if you guys want to get together and shot the shiite?

Slade

It will be cold...but, If you can get to Annapolis area (about 20 minutes from Baltimore), I know a great pub downtown with great food and your choice of beverages.

As I said, I'll spring for the Cuban cigars. Cohiba okay?

Steve-O
410-293-6070 w