Corvette Magazine Ignition Suggestion
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
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Corvette Magazine Ignition Suggestion
I read on corvette magazine that a simple ignition system amplifier, they suggest the Accel 300+, could improve alot with a late model C4. It says better performance including power and fuel mileage. Would this be worth investing in?
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2002...formance-6.asp
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2002...formance-6.asp
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
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From: Orlando FL
A lot of claims, not alot of information. Does it take the place of the ICM or what is the connection configuration. On the opti system the ICM takes a 5 volt pulse from the PCM and amplifies it to about a 40 volt pulse to drive the coil. A bigger pulse means more voltage out from the coil. I dont know about you but the last thing I want to do is to put more voltage into my $600 opti. 
Having said that, it said all corvettes up to 1996. Well I assume a CD system means capactive discharge ignition system which to me means BFO (before opti). If you have a conventional distriptor cap, then its easy to change if it burns up. 
How do you see this?
Having said that, it said all corvettes up to 1996. Well I assume a CD system means capactive discharge ignition system which to me means BFO (before opti). If you have a conventional distriptor cap, then its easy to change if it burns up. How do you see this?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,137
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From: Howard PA
I'm going to bump this to the top because I have an MSD 6A sitting around calling to me. I'm an electronics technician by trade so the hook up isn't the problem. I do get concerned when I think about that opti and the way the cap must have the posts to wire outlets arranged inside. They almost certainly have to cross paths somewhere inside.
An MSD coupled with a high output coil would seem to me that some cross firing would occur. Am I wrong? I mean those things can really put out a wallop of a spark. I like the idea of multiple spark at low rpm more than the higher output. Problem is with that is I believe a lessor coil would burn up in short order.
I'd like to hear from some folks who have installed any kind of CD Multiple Spark box on their LT1 or LT4 also.
An MSD coupled with a high output coil would seem to me that some cross firing would occur. Am I wrong? I mean those things can really put out a wallop of a spark. I like the idea of multiple spark at low rpm more than the higher output. Problem is with that is I believe a lessor coil would burn up in short order.
I'd like to hear from some folks who have installed any kind of CD Multiple Spark box on their LT1 or LT4 also.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
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From: Manassas VA
I have a MSD 6AL on mine. I have unplugged and plugged it in at the track, and on the street. To be honest, I cant tell one bit of difference with it or without it. Idle seems the same and time slips seem the same. I like it for the rev limiter though. It seems to make more sense to limit revs by cutting ignition with the MSD rather then cutting fuel with the factory rev limiter.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Orlando FL
Sorry to show my 
face, but by the picture I can't tell what this item is. Is it a coil, doesn't look like it by the pix. So I'm an electrical guy to, the description says amplifier. Maybe I am a little out of the racing loop but give me a little info on what a MSD 6AL is. Make me smart, greatly appricated. 
face, but by the picture I can't tell what this item is. Is it a coil, doesn't look like it by the pix. So I'm an electrical guy to, the description says amplifier. Maybe I am a little out of the racing loop but give me a little info on what a MSD 6AL is. Make me smart, greatly appricated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 5
From: Howard PA
Originally Posted by pcolt94
Sorry to show my face, but by the picture I can't tell what this item is. Is it a coil, doesn't look like it by the pix. So I'm an electrical guy to, the description says amplifier. Maybe I am a little out of the racing loop but give me a little info on what a MSD 6AL is. Make me smart, greatly appricated.
face, but by the picture I can't tell what this item is. Is it a coil, doesn't look like it by the pix. So I'm an electrical guy to, the description says amplifier. Maybe I am a little out of the racing loop but give me a little info on what a MSD 6AL is. Make me smart, greatly appricated. 6AL is the same only with a built in rev limiter adjustable with little "pills" as they're called.
Higher tech digital MSD CD boxes either use rotory switches for rev limiters or adjustable through PC software. Some even provide two or three step switches for activating things like nitrous, air shifters, lights or whatever you want to activate at whatever RPM.
The one in the picture is a self contained HEI setup. No go on an LT1 opti system that's where the confusion is coming from.
Last edited by ALLT4; May 23, 2006 at 12:23 PM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 336
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From: State of Confusion
Originally Posted by pcolt94
Sorry to show my face, but by the picture I can't tell what this item is. Is it a coil, doesn't look like it by the pix. So I'm an electrical guy to, the description says amplifier. Maybe I am a little out of the racing loop but give me a little info on what a MSD 6AL is. Make me smart, greatly appricated.
face, but by the picture I can't tell what this item is. Is it a coil, doesn't look like it by the pix. So I'm an electrical guy to, the description says amplifier. Maybe I am a little out of the racing loop but give me a little info on what a MSD 6AL is. Make me smart, greatly appricated. 
