Is a MSD6AL for me?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: Centreville, VA USA
Is a MSD6AL for me?
Folks,
You guys are the best people I know to ask this question. Here is my current setup: GM HO Crate Motor; Perform RPM Intake; Holley 650 DP; Mallory Unilite Distr.; Aftermarket coil (can't remember what...); ...
The car is running a little rich on heavy acceleration (I get a little black smoke upon WOT but it still pulls like a beast). It runs fine for everything else...
I am interested in heating up the spark a little and I am definitely interested in the rev. limiter to keep me from doing something stupid.
The engine shop that I used to install the motor recommends the MSD. As you guys can probably tell I am a newby to all this stuff. What do you all think? I have heard some comments about reliability. This is not a daily driver but I DO like to drive it... :yesnod:
THANKS for any advice. :cheers:
Tim M.
You guys are the best people I know to ask this question. Here is my current setup: GM HO Crate Motor; Perform RPM Intake; Holley 650 DP; Mallory Unilite Distr.; Aftermarket coil (can't remember what...); ...
The car is running a little rich on heavy acceleration (I get a little black smoke upon WOT but it still pulls like a beast). It runs fine for everything else...
I am interested in heating up the spark a little and I am definitely interested in the rev. limiter to keep me from doing something stupid.
The engine shop that I used to install the motor recommends the MSD. As you guys can probably tell I am a newby to all this stuff. What do you all think? I have heard some comments about reliability. This is not a daily driver but I DO like to drive it... :yesnod:
THANKS for any advice. :cheers:
Tim M.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Is a MSD6AL for me? (still-learning)
I have run a MDS-6AL for at least 10 years with a unilite distributor, timming computer, boost retart and adjust on the fly total timing. I have never had a problem and without the rev limiter would have blown the motor. Any high performance motor needs a rev limiter. Some really like Crane.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 1
From: Elkhorn WI
Re: Is a MSD6AL for me? (norvalwilhelm)
i am running a Accel ignition setup down to the distrib now....i am pulling that out and putting in a msd6al and all MSD to the distrib....cant wait..I know it will make a difference.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Re: Is a MSD6AL for me? (still-learning)
I vote for Crane I have the 6R model with unilite and MSD Blaster II coil. There is no reason to buy an anolog MSD unit. With a well tuned motor you don't really see any difference with a multi spark. I use mine for two stage rev limiting ability like Norval.
Also when you install any Multi Spark (Crane is easy) You do all of the connectors so you can eliminate the unit in 10 seconds if it dies when your out on the road. My Crane has never had a problem.
Also when you install any Multi Spark (Crane is easy) You do all of the connectors so you can eliminate the unit in 10 seconds if it dies when your out on the road. My Crane has never had a problem.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: Centreville, VA USA
Re: Is a MSD6AL for me? (gkull)
Gkull,
I went to my trusty friend http://www.summitracing.com and found the Hi-6 from crane:
The rev-limiter is more adjustable than the MSD and the price is comparable. $189 vs. $174. I also noted, and again forgive my ignorance, that the MSD is a multi spark system while this is the single spark. Both are simply put, spark amplifiers correct? Also, can you explain the two stage rev limiter vs. the single stage?
THANKS again. :cheers:
Tim M.
I went to my trusty friend http://www.summitracing.com and found the Hi-6 from crane:
This Crane HI-6 ignition, when used with a LX-92 coil, will put out twice the amount of spark as the leading competitor's ignition box. It has a built-in digital single stage rev limiter, and will work with points or module triggered ignitions.
THANKS again. :cheers:
Tim M.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Re: Is a MSD6AL for me? (still-learning)
The Cranes are multispark. Like the other manufacturers up to 20 sparks under 3000 rpm. It's just that Crane has more watts so the spark is larger. I also think that the coil is free now.
The Crane Hi-6 is a good model. I just wanted more bells and whistles is why I went 6R. The 2 stage simply means that you have two rev limits. Like for drag racing I can set one for power brake 1800 rpm launches and my upper rev limiter at 7500. Or I could set it for 3 gear 5000 rpm burn outs with my line lock front brakes. The 6r also has inputs for retarding the ignition because I was going to use 250 hp NO2
http://www.cranecams.com
[Modified by gkull, 10:19 AM 1/29/2002]
The Crane Hi-6 is a good model. I just wanted more bells and whistles is why I went 6R. The 2 stage simply means that you have two rev limits. Like for drag racing I can set one for power brake 1800 rpm launches and my upper rev limiter at 7500. Or I could set it for 3 gear 5000 rpm burn outs with my line lock front brakes. The 6r also has inputs for retarding the ignition because I was going to use 250 hp NO2
http://www.cranecams.com
[Modified by gkull, 10:19 AM 1/29/2002]
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: Centreville, VA USA
Re: Is a MSD6AL for me? (gkull)
Cool. That pretty much sells me. I think I probably just need the Hi-6 though... Reading through the tech stuff it seems to me that I would need to keep the old coil to be able to reverse it on the fly. Crane states that the LX-92 should only be used w/ an ignition box.
Where did you see them combined? In Summit the price is listed as $59.95 for the Coil and $189.95 for the Hi-6. Also, is there any wiring kit that I would need or am I am able to use the current wiring?
Gotta love the forum. :cheers:
Where did you see them combined? In Summit the price is listed as $59.95 for the Coil and $189.95 for the Hi-6. Also, is there any wiring kit that I would need or am I am able to use the current wiring?
Gotta love the forum. :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 1
From: Reno nevada
Re: Is a MSD6AL for me? (still-learning)
I have a December chevy high performance and it has an add about the free coil to go with the H6 ign box. George just has a nice setup with the Crane mounted in the passenger wiper area. So he only cut a one inch hole in the wiper firewall for the wires to run through. The Crane as he showed me has male and female waterproof connectors. Just unplug two connectors and plug the inputs together and the multispark ignition box is out of the loop.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: Centreville, VA USA
Re: Is a MSD6AL for me? (Lt1er)
Lt1er,
Do you remember where the ad was from? Also, if I mount it in the WW area does that mean the car can NEVER be driven in the rain? I typically leave it in the garage when it rains but I don't want a car that would have electrical problems if I got caught at the wrong time outside...
Do you remember where the ad was from? Also, if I mount it in the WW area does that mean the car can NEVER be driven in the rain? I typically leave it in the garage when it rains but I don't want a car that would have electrical problems if I got caught at the wrong time outside...
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Re: Is a MSD6AL for me? (still-learning)
Water is not a problem - I've driven hours in heavy rain. If a free deal is still in effect just ask Summit when ordering.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Re: Is a MSD6AL for me? (gkull)
I have a Crane HI6 in mine. I am using the MSD coil because that is what I was using. It has been working great for 4 years. i do have the Crane coil just never got around to mounting it.
Abby Normal
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,456
Likes: 92
From: Press "2" for English
Re: Is a MSD6AL for me? (still-learning)
one vote for jacob's here. i know someone had a jacob's issue on the forum but i can't say enough good things about it. i got a 'pro street' system for my car about three years ago and love it. it burns absolutely all of the gas (and, incedentally, all the oil) in the combustion chamber. i believe this because i have tripled the amount of time before my oil goes black as opposed to the stock ignition. now i auto-x this car ALOT and love this system. it has an adjustable rev limiter that doesn't deal with pills or anything clumsy like that and can be turned off if you so desire. not to mention that my plugs burn clean, clean at .08 gap with no detonation!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: Centreville, VA USA
Re: Is a MSD6AL for me? (clutchdust)
Sounds pretty obvious what I need to do!! :) Guess it is the Crane Hi-6 for me... I will install it myself and then get my engine guy to do a new tune-up w/ it in...
Thanks for all the info. :cheers:
Tim M.
Thanks for all the info. :cheers:
Tim M.
