MSD Ignition kit vs. Beer and Fireworks?

[MustangPaul]

Hello all--

In a continuing effort to add to the "drive-ability" of my 66, I'm thinking of adding in a MSD Ingition control module. I have a MSD coil, MSD Ignition system (to replace the stock points) and some nicer 7 mm wires. I am running the stock distributor with a brand new vac advance.

My questions to you:

1. How hard is this box to install?
2. Does it do anything for a daily driver?
3. Is it worth the $200?
4. Would I be better served getting a new MSD distributor?
5. Or, should I save the $200 and buy a case of beer and a *****load of fireworks?

Lemme hear what you think.

--P

 

[Fostang]

msd box good I really like the difference it makes on carbed cars

Easy to install 8 wires.

Distriburator nah no need unless your spinning to 7K and up.

 

[steel1212]

how about this

buy the kit, then go over to your buddies house with the bear and fireworks!!

 

[MustangPaul]

What difference does it make with carbed cars?

--Paul

 

[Fostang]

It ran so much better. For just being an ignition upgrade I was chirping gears way easier and it felt more torquier off idle.

When I checked my plugs they were perfectly burning not white like before but brown.

I did no other changes other than this.

 

[MustangPaul]

Fos--Wow! That big a difference? Hmm. Where did you mount yours? I've heard that they heat up and need lots air to cool them down.

Did you have to pull anything out or is it really an 8 wire install?

--Paul

 

[D.Hearne]

I'd go for the beer and fireworks. The setup on my 89 Ranger of a stock points dist fitted with a Pertronix II, small to large cap adapter, Ford Racing 9mm wires, Mallory Promaster coil performes every bit as well as a friend's $400 MSD setup on his 5.0 Stang. Even on the coldest Louisiana days , you just pump the pedal once or twice and it fires first time, every time, baby it a couple minutes ( no choke here LOL) and it'll idle fine.

 

[SadbutTrue]

i'd get the msd box. Its actually cheap as far as boxes go, and its proven. No need for a distributor. Is the MSD ignition kit cheaper than the Pertronix? I know most people get the Pertronix, and its pretty cheap, and like the MSD box... its proven. I also have an Accel coil and while we were putting the stuff in last night we disconnected the coil from the distributor and watched the coil make little lightning bolts. Was good fun.

 

[5.0n66]

keep provisions in your trunk for rewiring it to bypass the MSD box. mine fried and I ended up using paperclips and masking tape to get it home

 

[Snail50]

I had an MSD 6A in my last 5.0. SIMPLE install; just plug and play. Of course it would be different on a classic Mustang, but I don't imagine it could be too difficult. I never dynoed mine, but the car felt smoother throughout the RPM range, and it seemed to improve my gas mileage somewhat.

$200 worth of beer and fireworks will be burned/p!ssed away in a few hours; speed parts (usually) last longer.

 

[Fostang]

I mounted mine on the driverside fender apron? Where the stock overfill tank was.

I had a pertronix already on mine and felt a great improvement with the box none the less.

 

[Ronstang]

I'm with D. Hearne. If the engine is basically stock then the MSD is nothing but wasted $$$ and time. It might do some good on highly modified engines but even there a good stock system is adequate if it is in good tune.

 

[MustangPaul]

Anyone notice any increase in the mileage?

Hmm . . . My 66 fires right up with no problems. (D. Hearne, you are right. No need for a choke in Hammond!) I was interested in the mileage increase and such.

Thanks!

--Paul

 

[Grt_Ape]

I mounted my MSD 6AL on the driver's side apron as mentioned above. She starts easier, burns cleaner, and averages 22-24 MPG on a c-code 289. Drive train is basically stock at this point though, for comparison.

Funny thing was...I got better mileage commuting 40 miles each way in my Mustang than in my long since gotten rid of Nissan 4-banger pickup.

Chris

 

[Fostang]

I mounted my MSD 6AL on the driver's side apron as mentioned above. She starts easier, burns cleaner, and averages 22-24 MPG on a c-code 289. Drive train is basically stock at this point though, for comparison.

Funny thing was...I got better mileage commuting 40 miles each way in my Mustang than in my long since gotten rid of Nissan 4-banger pickup.

Chris

Hey where in central Ca are you?

I'm in stockton and see that you have a FR R&P I'd like to get some info and talk to you about it if it is at all possible.


GET THE BOX.

 

[BullittStangV8]

Old thread, but its relevent to my swap. Would i need to upgrade my ignition from my 289 when going to the 5.0? I have a new destributer (stock style), and a new coil (flamethrower). I know the drive gear is different in the 5.0, but besides changing that, would i really need to upgrade anything? (i would like the msd 6box though, for its revlimiter)
Mike

 

[Ronstang]

The only thing that will need to be upgraded is the drive gear as you have stated and they are available from FRPP. Any ignition upgrades will be elective rather than mandatory. Just remember that the 5.0 HO firing order is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 and route the plug wires accordingly.

 

[washMO66]

I mounted mine on the driverside fender apron? Where the stock overfill tank was.


Same here, haven't touched it since I put it in. Well Except to change the rev limiter chip. Works good last a long time.