Engine lets talk ignition

whitey68 · Feb 2, 2013

the stock system does pretty well, but besides go the whole msd route what can we do to our systems to get the most out of them? is there a reason to trade out a stock coil for an accel, what about wires the motor craft wires seem to do a fair job, but what wires would be a good upgrade several company's were making new performance modules, is it worth it to buy one?just some questions for you guys that figured it out all ready.
thanksman
whitey

Bill Gordon · Feb 2, 2013

My combo includes a MSD 6AL with a digital rev limiter (stock limiter is a fuel limiter...not good with a supercharger), MSD dizzy, MSD coil and Ford Racing 9mm plug wires. It has run well for me.

2000xp8 · Feb 2, 2013

MSD igntion add ons are worthless on NA cars.
Do not mess with the stock coil, none are as reliable as the ford unit.
Literally these mods do nothing other than add headaches.
Spend your money elsewhere.

Use ford racing wires.

jrichker · Feb 2, 2013

The stock ignition is supposed to be good for up to 400 HP. That means for any engine with stock displacement and no NO2 or pressurized induction, the stock ignition will work fine. For this engine setup, anything else is pretty much a waste of money and time. Ford did a good job on the engineering for the ignition system to keep emissions and HP at their best level.

The best thing you can do for the ignition system is to replace items that wear out over time such as distributor cap, rotor, spark plug wires and spark plugs. Use top quality items and you'll get great results without causing pain in your wallet.

reldla1996 · Feb 2, 2013

The factory distributor is great for most of us, including me. I added a Crane Hi6 box years ago (with matching coil), and it definitely smoothed the idle somewhat (with the multiple spark). I've had zero issues with it. For plug wires, I too like the Ford racing wires.

xracer22 · Feb 4, 2013

I dont know everything but i do know that when i put an Msd coil on it didn't do anything other than look better than the stock one.

The ford racing wires didnt seem to do much either but they are a lot better quality than the stock or those piece of s#*t accel wires. Also alot cheaper than all the others and just as good IMO!!

However the MSD box did make a difference i thought. It seemed to rev up alot better and just seemed stronger overall although it didnt make it faster, at least that i noticed. With all that said you can normally find them pretty cheap at swap meets and the classifieds so i have always put them on my cars.

ratio411 · Feb 4, 2013

The stock Ford stuff is really good believe it or not.
MSD models most of it's ignitions after Ford technology anyway.
I never saw the point in replacing a Ford distributor with an MSD distributor that was just a copy anyway. ???

Ford igniton is already captive discharge, but some of the multi-spark boxes are interesting, to me anyway.
Just have to know what you are getting. A C/D box is just duplicating what you have, so if you go with a box, make sure it is multi-spark.
Then you look at the details from there, most only operate as multi-spark below 3k rpm. Some are as little as 3 sparks per rev, some as many as 14 sparks per rev. MSD boxes (the ones I have used) are only multi-spark to 3k, then go to single. There is one brand that is 14 sparks per, until 3k, then goes to 3 sparks per after that. I forgot the brand, but that is the one I would get if I were in the market for a box.

Most coils are no better than the Ford part unless you go to a "race" part, and then risk overheating the unit by driving it on the street.

ratio411 · Feb 4, 2013

xracer22 said:
...they are a lot better quality than the stock or those piece of s#*t accel wires.

I have been playing with cars for 30 years, and have had the chance to use a great many different parts by Accel, and I have yet to get a good Accel part! I have tried their coils, modules, plugs, wires, distributors, and every single one was crap. Quality is NOT job 1 for Accel.

Rick 91GT · Feb 5, 2013

Well the Ford Racing Wires are junk, they have way to much resistance per foot, and cheap outer jackets. Id recommend any wire made by Taylor, the Thundervolts are hard to beat.

As far as ignition it I my opinion the Crane Hi6 is much better then the MSD product as far as aftermarket ignitions goes. The only time I recommend upgrading to my customers is on a worn out stock system, or something with higher cylinder pressures what the extra strength is required, or other features are needed...etc timing retard, rev limit, 2 step

stangboy · Feb 5, 2013

Well, I'm looking at getting the MSD 6AL 2 box. I already have the MSD distributor and I'll get the coil just to match everything...and look good. i do have a question since we're on the subject of ignitions. What's the difference between the new MSD 6AL 2 and the Digital 6AL?

whitey68 · Feb 6, 2013

im thinking more along the lines of a hotter coil and maybe more dwell in the module for a longer burn and a set of wires that work,look and last great. im not looking to change out to an msd setup. i cant seem to find the info on a ford coil, the break down like the turns and ohm ratings, any one have the info?

90lxcoupe · Feb 6, 2013

Rick 91GT said:
Well the Ford Racing Wires are junk, they have way to much resistance per foot, and cheap outer jackets. Id recommend any wire made by Taylor, the Thundervolts are hard to beat.

Ive also heard really good things about the firecore 50s. Have you used them yet? I think im going to have a custom set done for my ls coil setup.

mikestang63 · Feb 6, 2013

2000xp8 said:
MSD igntion add ons are worthless on NA cars.
Do not mess with the stock coil, none are as reliable as the ford unit.
Literally these mods do nothing other than add headaches.
Spend your money elsewhere.

Use ford racing wires.

What he said. I personally have run the stock coil, cap, rotor, and FMS 9MM wires on n/a motors that put out will into the 300 + hp range with no problems. I've also seen more MSD boxes fail than I can remember. Ever wonder why so many are for sale.

Avoid ANYTHING Accell IMO. Total garbage.

88LX5.Oh · Feb 6, 2013

Yes avoid Accel. I had one of their Super Coils on my truck years ago.
Needless to say I went to an MSD coil after the contacts burnt up inside the Super Coil leaving my stranded.

Engine lets talk ignition

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