Msd 6al Digital Sucks!?

[Boss 351]

Now I got your attention. I installed a new 6AL Digital the other day and I just went for a drive. I feel like I lost some power and there's a slight hesitation when you blip the throttle. I bypass the MSD box and the engine runs fine again.

It's installed 100% correctly, but I didn't change the gap on the plugs and I'm running FRPP sparkplug wires. I'm about to have a $200 paper-weight? I'm done with MSD if this isn't something stupid I did...

I had a 6AL (bought used) and it died - car felt like it ran on 5-7 cylinders. Granted I placed it near the supercharger so it got pretty warm. The new one is installed away from the heat but still in the engine bay.

 

[Noobz347]

I've never understood why folks swapped from the long, fat spark they get from the OEM ignition system, to the short duration, skinny spark of a multi-spark ignition system that only works to 3000 rpm. Particularly in a blown setup.

 

[Boss 351]

It seems like a good idea... Just wondering why it would cause the engine to miss or hesitate like that? It's brand spanking new...

Edit: I guess it's a heat issue... Just started it up after i let the engine cool down and it runs ok now... If they're that sensitive, why didn't they warn people to not install it in the engine bay. Also why does it work for some people?

 

[Bullitt347]

Also why does it work for some people?

Because we are special

 

[wythors]

I've never understood why folks swapped from long, fat spark they get from the OEM ignition system, to the short duration, skinny spark of a multi-spark ignition system that only works to 3000 rpm. Particularly in a blown setup.

Because it comes with a cool sticker.

 

[Noobz347]

Because it comes with a cool sticker.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

 

[CarMichael Angelo]

I've always had MSD products on my cars. I presently have one on the current car. Have you called MSD to talk about potential issues your box may have? New doesn't always mean that there isn't something wrong w/ it.

and Noobz347 ? Where do you get that it only works to 3000 RPM? Just be sure you never accidently touch any coil attached to that box while it is spurting those skinny, multi sparks, unless you want to know what it feels like to be dead.

 

[Noobz347]

I've always had MSD products on my cars. I presently have one on the current car. Have you called MSD to talk about potential issues your box may have? New doesn't always mean that there isn't something wrong w/ it.

and Noobz347 ? Where do you get that it only works to 3000 RPM? Just be sure you never accidently touch any coil attached to that box while it is spurting those skinny, multi sparks, unless you want to know what it feels like to be dead.

The multi-spark only hits at 3000 and below. The only one I'm aware of that multi-sparks after 3000 rpm is the Pertronics. For a blown app... I'll take the OEM ignition system all day long. Maybe slap a BAP in there to raise coil voltage and keep it saturated.

 

[CarMichael Angelo]

The multi-spark only hits at 3000 and below. The only one I'm aware of that multi-sparks after 3000 rpm is the Pertronics. For a blown app... I'll take the OEM ignition system all day long. Maybe slap a BAP in there to raise coil voltage and keep it saturated.

No Junior,...the MSD 6 series ignition only delivers multi sparks up to 3000 RPM because after that, there isn't enough time to keep doing it. Past 3000 RPM, the MSD converts from multi strike to one big assed lightning bolt up to redline. If you cant see the benefit to having the plugs hit many times at RPM's below 3k as far as throttle response, overcoming vehicle load, and helping to fire a big intake charge from a WOT transition, then have your old school, "back in my day", stock is good enough mentality, pre-ignited spark plugs.

http://www.msdignition.com/uploadedFiles/MSDIgnitioncom/Support/frm29233_tb_top_ten.pdf

 

[tannerc91gt]

go ahead and call MSD, they'll be happy to charge you another $88 to fix the box if you ship it to them.
find large trash can, place said MSD box in trash can, fixed

 

[Boss 351]

So it seems to be working fine now? I just went for a 1.5 hour drive in 40+ temps outside... Not sure what went wrong? I'm moving the ground directly to the battery just in case though lol

 

[CarMichael Angelo]

It's under warranty right? You said it's new, I assume that you just got it.

If so, they will not charge you jack for warranty service.

Be nice if you could get an opinion w/o some "skewed" interpretations based on peoples' bad experiences from buying defective used equipment.

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

I run all MSD stuff, distributor and a 6A. My box is mounted in the back passenger side corner behind the strut tower. I've never had any heat issues with it.

 

[Noobz347]

No Junior,...the MSD 6 series ignition only delivers multi sparks up to 3000 RPM because after that, there isn't enough time to keep doing it. Past 3000 RPM, the MSD converts from multi strike to one big assed lightning bolt up to redline. If you cant see the benefit to having the plugs hit many times at RPM's below 3k as far as throttle response, overcoming vehicle load, and helping to fire a big intake charge from a WOT transition, then have your old school, "back in my day", stock is good enough mentality, pre-ignited spark plugs.

http://www.msdignition.com/uploadedFiles/MSDIgnitioncom/Support/frm29233_tb_top_ten.pdf

You funny man... 1 tiny high intensity spark is better than a really long, large one? Is that what you're telling me? Not enough time? Really? Hmmmm.

I guess those Pertronics guys have it all wrong then. They've only found time for a dual spark out to 7000 rpm. Having that dual spark LONG before boost an any centri hits must be awesomesauce!

I'm gonna run out and get me an MSD box... and a set of platinum plugs too. The smaller and tighter I get that the spark, the better I'll light it all off.

Oh wait... tried that, laughed about it for a little bit, then forgot about it.

 

[CarMichael Angelo]

You funny man... 1 tiny high intensity spark is better than a really long, large one? Is that what you're telling me? Not enough time? Really? Hmmmm.

I guess those Pertronics guys have it all wrong then. They've only found time for a dual spark out to 7000 rpm. Having that dual spark LONG before boost an any centri hits must be awesomesauce!

I'm gonna run out and get me an MSD box... and a set of platinum plugs too. The smaller and tighter I get that the spark, the better I'll light it all off.

Oh wait... tried that, laughed about it for a little bit, then forgot about it.

Per who? I finally figured it out. You are actually a lobbyist for certain smaller "start ups" that are kicking back promotional fees for you to hawk their junk against the likes of older, established companies by spreading false information, and out right lies while posing as a website moderator.


I knew something was fishy when you all of a sudden moved out of a cardboard box into a "smallish" 550k condo complete w/ a manservant.

If Pertronix had it all figured out, they'd be ranked better than last, in the category of aftermarket ignition manufacturers, behind MSD, Mallory, Accell & Crane.

 

[Noobz347]

Per who? I finally figured it out. You are actually a lobbyist for certain smaller "start ups" that are kicking back promotional fees for you to hawk their junk against the likes of older, established companies by spreading false information, and out right lies while posing as a website moderator.


I knew something was fishy when you all of a sudden moved out of a cardboard box into a "smallish" 550k condo complete w/ a manservant.

If Pertronix had it all figured out, they'd be ranked better than last, in the category of aftermarket ignition manufacturers, behind MSD, Mallory, Accell & Crane.

While the likes MSD and their ilk, prey on the rice... er, "TUNER" owners out there for their magic box and 40 RWHP!

 

[srtthis]

Per who? I finally figured it out. You are actually a lobbyist for certain smaller "start ups" that are kicking back promotional fees for you to hawk their junk against the likes of older, established companies by spreading false information, and out right lies while posing as a website moderator.


I knew something was fishy when you all of a sudden moved out of a cardboard box into a "smallish" 550k condo complete w/ a manservant.

If Pertronix had it all figured out, they'd be ranked better than last, in the category of aftermarket ignition manufacturers, behind MSD, Mallory, Accell & Crane.

if you go in the pits of ANY and i mean ANY race other then some high dollar F1 IRL and indy cars youll find MSD! cant say the same of any of them other 4

 

[95Vert383AOD]

My MSD 6AL is Mounted where the battery used to go. Ive had it for at least 7 years. No Problems. Nothing wrong with a multi spark up to 3000rpm. That's where my street car spends most of its time. The only thing wrong with my box is that the paint has started peeling. They should really look into powder coating these units.

 

[srtthis]

My MSD 6AL is Mounted where the battery used to go. Ive had it for at least 7 years. No Problems. Nothing wrong with a multi spark up to 3000rpm. That's where my street car spends most of its time. The only thing wrong with my box is that the paint has started peeling. They should really look into powder coating these units.

the 6AL2 i believe is powder coated. atleast it felt thicker then paint

 

[Rick 91GT]

Now swap those ty high resistance Ford Racing wires out for a nice set of Taylors and you'll be set.

The Crane Hi 6 is very nice