MSD 6AL Ignition...is it worth it?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
MSD 6AL Ignition...is it worth it?
I am considering doing the following to my 93 Coupe:
MSD 6AL Ignition
MSD Coil
MSD Spark Plug Wires
Hooker Headers (Ceramic Coated)
R&M Wire Dividers (looks nicer than the factory wire retainers)
Spark Plugs (most likely AC Delco platinums)
Is getting the MSD 6AL and Coil worth while? Or is it just a more expensive air foil? I found Summit Racing has great prices on all these parts. A heck of a lot better than Ecklers. Summit has all of these parts totaling around $400 less than Eckers, if anyone else is looking to do something similar. I just found why I have some stuttering when I hit the throttle when the engine is warm. The dealership never put the driver side wires into the looms. My 7(I think?) wire hit against the exhaust manifold and shorted. Damn them! I have never done a tune up on my Vette myself. Any pointers from anyone? It is an LT-1. The driver side doesn't look too bad, the passenger rear looks like a bear. I have the sidewinder ratchet that I want to play with and it looks like that might help a lot! Also, how hard is it to replace the exhaust manifold on the Vette? I have done this type of work before on my 92 Rustang GT. Any tips would be great. Thanks in advance.
:seeya
MSD 6AL Ignition
MSD Coil
MSD Spark Plug Wires
Hooker Headers (Ceramic Coated)
R&M Wire Dividers (looks nicer than the factory wire retainers)
Spark Plugs (most likely AC Delco platinums)
Is getting the MSD 6AL and Coil worth while? Or is it just a more expensive air foil? I found Summit Racing has great prices on all these parts. A heck of a lot better than Ecklers. Summit has all of these parts totaling around $400 less than Eckers, if anyone else is looking to do something similar. I just found why I have some stuttering when I hit the throttle when the engine is warm. The dealership never put the driver side wires into the looms. My 7(I think?) wire hit against the exhaust manifold and shorted. Damn them! I have never done a tune up on my Vette myself. Any pointers from anyone? It is an LT-1. The driver side doesn't look too bad, the passenger rear looks like a bear. I have the sidewinder ratchet that I want to play with and it looks like that might help a lot! Also, how hard is it to replace the exhaust manifold on the Vette? I have done this type of work before on my 92 Rustang GT. Any tips would be great. Thanks in advance.
:seeya
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,204
Likes: 6
From: St Marys PA
Re: MSD 6AL Ignition...is it worth it? (Whitvette)
If your ignition system is up to par, there is really no need, If your running nitrous/SC/Turbo then I would upgrade. NA the stock system will do just fine. :cheers:
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
Re: MSD 6AL Ignition...is it worth it? (ski_dwn_it)
Thanks. Yeah, I am just keeping it NA. I have over 150,000 miles on my LT1. If I were to put NOS/SC/Turbo on it, I know I would drop the motor in no time. :yesnod:
Guess I will use that money to dress up under the hood a little then. :D
:seeya
Guess I will use that money to dress up under the hood a little then. :D
:seeya
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,292
Likes: 2
Re: MSD 6AL Ignition...is it worth it? (Whitvette)
Sorry to confuse you, but I had Mallory Hyfire 4c on my C3, and it started easier and ran better (I think). I sold the C3 and put the ignition on to a Chevy 305 motor I have in a Jaguar and the difference in this case was very noticeable (better). Also on this ignition you get two rev limiters, one for driving, one as a valet/thief/spouse rev limiter :D :D
I will eventually put one on the C4, but, I have cams and 1.6 rr and stuff to buy first. :lol:
I will eventually put one on the C4, but, I have cams and 1.6 rr and stuff to buy first. :lol:
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
Re: MSD 6AL Ignition...is it worth it? (britvette)
I'm not planning on doing cam or roller rockers on my 93. I wanted to increase my fuel economy some. I know I need to replace the 2 O2 sensors. I am not getting codes, but I know they are reading lean. My fuel economy has been dropping steadily. I am now averaging 16 mpg, where I was at 20 mpg. I have one plug wire that shorts at times and it has 75,000 miles since the last tune up. The fuel filter is new and I had the injectors cleaned not too long ago (maybe 20,000 miles ago, about 9 months for me.). Any other areas I should look at would be great. I thought the MSD might help the car burn better. Thanks in advance.
Neil
Neil
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,184
Likes: 3
From: Santa Maria, CA
Re: MSD 6AL Ignition...is it worth it? (Whitvette)
Somewhere in there 93 or 94 ??? OBD-II came about and if you have the latter, it will have detailed info on what the computer is seeing. If you can get a scanner, it should reveal a little more. Your SES dash light is not on, so no hard codes. Maybe a soft one stored in there. Running lean and poor fuel economy........wouldn't that use less fuel?
BTW, can an LT-1 use a 6AL and coil?
You haven't gotten the opti moist have ya?
[Modified by 89 Paul in Cal, 12:23 PM 8/11/2003]
BTW, can an LT-1 use a 6AL and coil?
You haven't gotten the opti moist have ya?
[Modified by 89 Paul in Cal, 12:23 PM 8/11/2003]
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 27,818
Likes: 8
From: CT
MSD 6AL Ignition...is it worth it?
I had a totally stock ignition system since I've owned my car. The shop who installed my DFI insisted on putting a 6AL in. Honestly, I feel no difference...and don't think it's necessary.
Just my .02 :cheers:
Just my .02 :cheers:
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Palm Coast Fl
Re: MSD 6AL Ignition...is it worth it? (Whitvette)
We put the MSD 6al on our 454 ls7 (12.5-1) with splitfire plugs and it runs great.
Prior to that it kept fouling plugs. Also put the same on a 86 L98 and its a great improvement.
Prior to that it kept fouling plugs. Also put the same on a 86 L98 and its a great improvement.
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 0
From: I Hate Tourists FL
Re: MSD 6AL Ignition...is it worth it? (Red ZEE06)
I had a digital 6 in my basically stock 93. I couldnt really feel a difference it revved a little smoother but nothing too noticeable. I wouldnt waste the money new coil may help but the 6al isnt going to do anything for you. Also you have OBD-I since you have a 93 OBD-II was 94-up
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,418
Likes: 1
From: NW Chicago Suburbs
Re: MSD 6AL Ignition...is it worth it? (Whitvette)
Nobody has every shown a dyno pull or strip time improvement on an LT1/4 by spending $300 large on an aftermarket ignition box. On the other hand, many folks have reported the failure of their aftermarket box. If you waste your money, be sure to learn how to remove it so when you're dead on the side of the road you can get your car running again.
The only reason to have one of these is if you're running high pressure, ie turbo/supercharged.
Eric
The only reason to have one of these is if you're running high pressure, ie turbo/supercharged.
Eric
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
Re: MSD 6AL Ignition...is it worth it? (silver & red CE)
From the posts here, I think I am going to skip buying the MSD and put the money into other things for my 93. I don't see the advantages of the $300 to do it. Thank you for all of your input.
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 1
From: Houston TX
Re: MSD 6AL Ignition...is it worth it? (FSTRNU)
I had a digital 6 in my basically stock 93. I couldnt really feel a difference it revved a little smoother but nothing too noticeable. I wouldnt waste the money new coil may help but the 6al isnt going to do anything for you. Also you have OBD-I since you have a 93 OBD-II was 94-up
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 835
Likes: 3
From: Water Winter Wonderland
Re: MSD 6AL Ignition...is it worth it? (Whitvette)
I believe TPiS (at least used to) recommend the 6AL if you plan to rev over 5000rpm with the L98. When I installed mine, I saw no improvement in 1/4 ET or trap speed. Way back then, I shifted at 6000-6200.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 4
From: Mexico Beach FL
Re: MSD 6AL Ignition...is it worth it? (Whitvette)
I upgraded my '92 LT1 ignition to the '96 coil and coil module for these reasons: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=597629
Tom Piper
Tom Piper
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 32,782
Likes: 11
From: Former NCM Drag Racing coordinator, National director Corvette Challenge Spring Hill, Tennessee: Whiting, New Jersey
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: MSD 6AL Ignition...is it worth it? (Whitvette)
GOOD STUFF :thumbs:
