Performance Ignition
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
From: Belgium WI
Performance Ignition
I know nothing about ignitions but I will lear soon! If I want a performance ignition because I plan to build an engine later what are the pro's and con's of the 3 or 4 options?
1. MSD, or some box
2. Performance Distributor..Specifically DUI
3. High performance upgrades to stock unit
Please comment so I understand and don't make bad purchase.
1. MSD, or some box
2. Performance Distributor..Specifically DUI
3. High performance upgrades to stock unit
Please comment so I understand and don't make bad purchase.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: Performance Ignition (vsocks)
Personally? I am not a fan of MSD boxes... they sound good in theory, but the practice is a bit off.
I read of a lot of failures from the boxes themselves and coils. They really work a coil to DEATH. MSD = Multiple Spark Discharge. It literally fires the coil many times per spark, versus one regular spark.
I would get a good coil and be done with it.
A good distributor is always a good thing. :thumbs:
[Modified by bogus, 3:16 PM 5/19/2004]
I read of a lot of failures from the boxes themselves and coils. They really work a coil to DEATH. MSD = Multiple Spark Discharge. It literally fires the coil many times per spark, versus one regular spark.
I would get a good coil and be done with it.
A good distributor is always a good thing. :thumbs:
[Modified by bogus, 3:16 PM 5/19/2004]
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Performance Ignition (vsocks)
The MSD setup uses capacitive discharge, with multiple spark at low RPM. It also allows you to set up an ignition rev limiter. I have never used this setup so cannot comment on any negatives here.
I prefer the HyperTech coil/cap/rotor for price, ease of installation, it's hoter spark at high RPM and stock look.
When you get your shift points near 6k RPM the stock HEI tends to fall on it's face so a good aftermarket ignition is the ticket.
I prefer the HyperTech coil/cap/rotor for price, ease of installation, it's hoter spark at high RPM and stock look.
When you get your shift points near 6k RPM the stock HEI tends to fall on it's face so a good aftermarket ignition is the ticket.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Re: Performance Ignition (vsocks)
I've got an MSD digital 6 box that I really like. It's not so much that I need it, but I wanted to finsih off the set. I've got the MSD digital 6 ignition box, MSD GM Blaster Coil and MSD Super Conductor 8.5mm spark plug wires.
I didn't buy the ignition box for the performance really, I bought it for it's other features. It has an easily selectable rev limiter which is much smoother and safer than the stock rev limiter. It's a got a second rev limiter for use with staging, it's also got a timing retard for nitrous, etc. Currently I'm only running the one rev limiter but it's nice to know I've got the other features when I need them. It also gave me a real easy place to hook up my shift light without having to splice into the tach lead of the factory wiring harness.
Do you NEED an aftermarket ignition box? No. Will you get any performance increase? Probably not. It's just a nice thing to have for the other features if you want them. It certainly shouldn't be too terribly high on the list of mods.
I didn't buy the ignition box for the performance really, I bought it for it's other features. It has an easily selectable rev limiter which is much smoother and safer than the stock rev limiter. It's a got a second rev limiter for use with staging, it's also got a timing retard for nitrous, etc. Currently I'm only running the one rev limiter but it's nice to know I've got the other features when I need them. It also gave me a real easy place to hook up my shift light without having to splice into the tach lead of the factory wiring harness.
Do you NEED an aftermarket ignition box? No. Will you get any performance increase? Probably not. It's just a nice thing to have for the other features if you want them. It certainly shouldn't be too terribly high on the list of mods.
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 105
Likes: 18
From: Trabuco Canyon CA
Re: Performance Ignition (vsocks)
In the reading I have done, the CD type ignition is best if you have a inefficient combustion chamber design or your running some serious cyl pressure (boost or nitrous).
If your looking to upgrade, here is my suggestion:
1) Low resistance plug wires. Can't beat the tune up of new wires and these allow the maximum transference of energy.
2) Upgraded coil. A performance coil will have a better voltage capacity. The HEI's do have some high RPM issues but an upgraded coil tends to fix most of them.
3) tune up. Plugs / cap / rotor. Anything to maximize efficiency.
4) Finally, a CD ignition. With the Vette heads, efficiency is not a problem and unless you go boosted, will not realize the effectivness.
A well running ignition should suffice, but.... it also is fairly inexpensive when comparing a motor build up.
Motor on. Scott
If your looking to upgrade, here is my suggestion:
1) Low resistance plug wires. Can't beat the tune up of new wires and these allow the maximum transference of energy.
2) Upgraded coil. A performance coil will have a better voltage capacity. The HEI's do have some high RPM issues but an upgraded coil tends to fix most of them.
3) tune up. Plugs / cap / rotor. Anything to maximize efficiency.
4) Finally, a CD ignition. With the Vette heads, efficiency is not a problem and unless you go boosted, will not realize the effectivness.
A well running ignition should suffice, but.... it also is fairly inexpensive when comparing a motor build up.
Motor on. Scott
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 3
From: Hazel Park MI
Re: Performance Ignition (vsocks)
I have the MSD 6 AL, and I noticed some better throttle response, but I don't think it gave any HP increase. I've had no problems with it. It can only help future mods. :seeya
