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What do the spark boxes do?

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Old Dec 11, 2002 | 05:35 PM
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Default What do the spark boxes do?

What EXACTLY does MSD's digital spark box do? Does it replace the points system, coil etc? THANKS
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Old Dec 12, 2002 | 08:48 PM
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Default Re: What do the spark boxes do? (garagedweller2)

anybody plz?
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Old Dec 13, 2002 | 12:20 AM
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Default Re: What do the spark boxes do? (garagedweller2)

Typical spark box (ie MSD 6) does not replace points nor coil. Box amplifies the voltage going into coil causing coils output to increase (eg higher energy at spark plugs). At low-to-mid rpm range, such boxes typically pulse the signal to coil via capacitive discharge circuits ... hence Multiple Spark Discharge. Learn lots more about them at msd site http://www.msdignition.com
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Old Dec 13, 2002 | 10:41 AM
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Default Re: What do the spark boxes do? (jackson)

thanks!, but how does the MSD specific distributor work?(no points?) Also, does HEI use points? :confused:
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Old Dec 13, 2002 | 03:09 PM
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Default Re: What do the spark boxes do? (garagedweller2)

Let see if I can do this:
The MSD and GM HEI distributors use the "Hall Effect" concept, see the link below for more.
The pickup coil in the distributor generates an alternate pulse that feeds into the MSD or HEI modules for amplification to become a "cleaned" on off signal as a switch to energize the ignition coil for each spark to the plugs.

The Pickup coil unit is an electronic switch that replaces the Point (Mechanical switch).

Hope this help!

Hall Effect: http://math.arsc.sunyit.edu/projects/vector/hall.html
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