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Topic: MSD 6A experience...

in Forum: C3 Electrical


MSD 6A experience...

Posted: 6/5/05 2:52pm Message 1 of 7
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
After deciding to install an MSD 6A capacitive ignition in my '69 427/435 (as well as a set of AC Rapidfire plugs), I've given it some time now to see how it's working. I have to say it deserves a real thumbs up. The car starts better, is more responsive (though not to a really great degree, but it is noticeable), but the most important improvement is my fuel economy (if that is the term) has gone from six miles per gallon to ten...that is a significant change for the better.

If anyone is thinking of installing an MSD ignition, I can say go for it!


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MSD 6A experience...

Posted: 6/5/05 6:49pm Message 2 of 7
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA
Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424
Vette(s): 1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!
I put a MSD in my bone stock 75 L-48.   First it was run on a dyno.  Then the MSD went in.  Then the dyno run again.  Oddly enough the numbers did not change.  But numbers dont tell everything.  The first run when behind the car the exhaust stunk, and smoked a bit at wide open.   You would not notice this going down the highway, but on a dyno it show up.  With the MSD in place, the smoke stopped and the stink was gone.  It burned a LOT cleaner.  The restriction was the engine at this point.  When I do the other mods, I know the MSD will help it gain a lot.


MSD 6A experience...

Posted: 6/6/05 4:45am Message 3 of 7
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SOUTHWICK, MA - USA
Joined: 6/26/2003
Posts: 336
Vette(s): 1975, L-48 coupe, 4-speed, light mods

Ken,

When you put in the MSD was it just the coil replacement, or the full thing? I've heard that on our 75 HEI you can get really good benifit from just changing the coil and adding a kit for new springs and vaccume lock.

Just curious which you did?




Glenn's Bright Blue 75 T-Top
L48, 4 Speed, Dual Exhaust

MSD 6A experience...

Posted: 6/6/05 9:47am Message 4 of 7
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA
Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424
Vette(s): 1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!
In installed the complete MSD distributor.  A straight up replacement for the HEI.  It has the MSD features built in, and does not need the additional box.  It has the rev limiter, and comes with different springs and bushings to make all of the adjustments.  Very nice setup.


MSD 6A experience...

Posted: 6/6/05 6:18pm Message 5 of 7
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Fort Wayne, IN - USA
Joined: 1/17/2005
Posts: 179
Vette(s): '75 Stingray Coupe - 350 Bored, Edelbrock Alum. Heads, Performer Intake/ Carb., Harland Sharp Roller Rockers, MSD Ign., XE Comp. Cam, Pete Jackson Gear Drive, Hooker Headers, Side Pipes, TH400, 3000 RPM Stall and 3.55 Rear Gears

I already have the billet ready to run distributor and coil. I just ordered the MSD 6AL. This is a good combo correct? I 6AL will be here tomorrow, and I will install it Thurs.

Any comments?




MSD 6A experience...

Posted: 6/6/05 8:57pm Message 6 of 7
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Portland, TN - USA
Joined: 4/29/2003
Posts: 805
Vette(s): 1972 Coupe Anything, but Stock and more mods to come! SSBC Force 10 Brakes, 3.73, TH350, 355 CID, Rack and Pinion, Vette Brakes suspension front and rear.

Oh no.  Actually if you have the Billet MSD ready to run distributor, then the 6AL will not work...... maybe.  The ready to runs were designed to be used without a CD ignition box.  Thats the reason for the module installed in the distributor, like the more modern GM computer controlled distributors.  I say maybe, because I believe you can bypass the module, but you will need to contact MSD tech to get the scoop.  They may just tell you to use the HEI wire hook up on the box instead of the Green and Viloet wires coming out of it.  I'm sure there is a way to make it work, but if anyone else is considering running a 6AL box and plan to install a new MSD distributor with it, make sure its a magnetic pickup style, because the install is much easier.




MSD 6A experience...

Posted: 6/7/05 7:52pm Message 7 of 7
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Fort Wayne, IN - USA
Joined: 1/17/2005
Posts: 179
Vette(s): '75 Stingray Coupe - 350 Bored, Edelbrock Alum. Heads, Performer Intake/ Carb., Harland Sharp Roller Rockers, MSD Ign., XE Comp. Cam, Pete Jackson Gear Drive, Hooker Headers, Side Pipes, TH400, 3000 RPM Stall and 3.55 Rear Gears

AfterShark- I think Jegs mixed me up on this one . They told me the dist. doesn't need the control box, but you can upgrade later without a problem. Supposedly the PN# 8360 plugs directly into the PN #6420. I see a diagram that came with both parts saying just to bypass the magnetic pick-up.

 I edited this post because I didn't have proper info. I had a family emergency today and won't be able to install it till next week. I will reread the old posts, when I get a chance.

Gene38511.2859837963


in Forum: C3 Electrical


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