Question about MSD boxes

68converted

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#1

• Jan 29, 2006

• #1

I want to get an MSD box but which one. I have a modded 5.0 EFI, w/ no supercharger but plan on it down the road. I want to get something that can work with a custom chip, that I plan to get when the SC goes in. I was thinking that all I would need is the MSD-AL. Is that correct?

 

N8Miller

I need NOS....make it 2 of the big ones

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#2

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6a for an auto and 6al for a 5 speed. both will work w/ superchargers and chips.

 

Grn92LX

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#3

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N8Miller said:

6a for an auto and 6al for a 5 speed. both will work w/ superchargers and chips.

Click to expand...

Whatchu talkin about willis?

The only difference between the 6a and the 6al is the 6al has the rev limiter. An msd box is a waste of money at your level.

 

68converted

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#4

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N8Miller said:

6a for an auto and 6al for a 5 speed. both will work w/ superchargers and chips.

Click to expand...

It is an AOD, sorry to leave that info out. So 6A? I just don't want to limit what I need down the road. Is there a better box than MSD for the price.

 

8

86bluecobra

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#5

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why not get a digital 6 box it has 2 rev limiters and timing retard capabilities and 2nd rev limiter can be set up for consistant rpm launch at a track.

 

68converted

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#6

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Grn92LX said:

An msd box is a waste of money at your level.

Click to expand...

I am not sure what you mean by my "level"? Can you elaborate?

 

pb_paulie_b

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#7

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IMHO If you want MSD and there is a supercharger in your plans then get the MSD BTM. It will work without a supercharger and when you get one you will need the timing retard function...PB

 

Grn92LX

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#8

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68converted said:

I am not sure what you mean by my "level"? Can you elaborate?

Click to expand...

I meant your modification level. You have a n/a 5.0L, an msd would be a waste of money. You will see zero gain. Just trying to save you money. All my friends that I know that have had msd 6al boxes have had it die on them.

 

68converted

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#9

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Grn92LX said:

I meant your modification level. You have a n/a 5.0L, an msd would be a waste of money. You will see zero gain. Just trying to save you money. All my friends that I know that have had msd 6al boxes have had it die on them.

Click to expand...

Here are my mods: Stock bottom end, XE270HR cam, Edel. RPM2 intake, 24# injectors, 70mm TB, 73 MAF, Non-lockup and very built AOD, MSD coil and Dist. It seems like everyone I have talked to is using the MSD units. Virtually every custom shop builds the ignition around the MSD platform... what's the story there?
Edit- AFR 165's with tripple valve springs, hardened pushrods

 

pb_paulie_b

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#10

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It's really an opinion thing. Things get old and die. MSD boxes are no different. I've had the same 6al box for 6 years now with no problems??? Maybe I'm lucky.

 

T

TorontoJohn

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#11

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• #11

68converted said:

I want to get an MSD box but which one. I have a modded 5.0 EFI, w/ no supercharger but plan on it down the road. I want to get something that can work with a custom chip, that I plan to get when the SC goes in. I was thinking that all I would need is the MSD-AL. Is that correct?

Click to expand...

I have not shopped for an msd box since I bought mine 3 years ago, but I don't think the 6al is what you are looking for. I think you would want the 6btm. It has a knob for adjusting boost timeing which is good for superchargers.

 

68converted

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#12

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So for cost savings sake, could I just use the 6A box with the boost dial adapter. Should save me about $200 because I can pick up a 6A for about $75 (pulled out of my friends car after two months when he wrecked it). The Boost adapter from Summit runs about $120. Yeah?

 

pb_paulie_b

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#13

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Sounds like my way of think'in. Good plan

 

N8Miller

I need NOS....make it 2 of the big ones

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#14

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Grn92LX said:

All my friends that I know that have had msd 6al boxes have had it die on them.

Click to expand...

ill never admit to being your friend in public, but mine died on me last summer. If it wasnt for a hook up at the local auto parts store, iw ould have had to buy another one, instead, it was exhanged for a new one and labled as defective

 

HISSIN50

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#15

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• #15

Though on paper the stock ignition should be good to 350-400 BHP N/A, folks with far less HP have reported things like better idle quality after adding the box.

So while it wasnt necessary, some say it helps. I tore the MSD out of the 94 when I got it just for the sake of doing so, but I wouldnt hesitate to run one (or my preference, Crane) if I had extra money. Given the original poster's current mods and more importantly, future plans, I see no reason not to run a box. Just MHO.

 

Repostyle

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#16

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I have a 6a and my mods didn't need it, but I did actually see a gain in fuel mileage. So, if you're planning on getting a SC then I say get it, it will save you some money until then. Probably won't save enough to pay for itself, I noticed only about .5 mpg (hwy), but every little bit helps with todays fuel prices.

 

srothfuss

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#17

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My car doesn't have an MSD box, but they are all basically the same. Smoother idle and better gas mileage were my current goals. Later down the road, things might change....