MSD 6A or 6-Offroad?

[pismorat]

I currently have an MSD 6A ignition box on my 500hp 383 stroker motor. I was in the desert and I think the thing died on me. Luckily I had a trailer and I could get it home. I am going to go test the box tomorrow, but which would be the best to replace it with if it is bad? Is the 6-Offroad better than the 6A for hitting bumps, rocks, jolts, vibration...?

 

[Slapperbar]

I herd they don't like heat to well. There's a MSD tech on here somewhere.

 

[pismorat]

I have my current 6A mounted to the firewall in the engine compartment and it lasted about 7 years...if it is bad. I assume it is cause the entire dist./coil is new and been working great. Where would be better to mount it in the engine compartment to keep it cool?

 

[Slapperbar]

The offroad is what I was talking about. My 6AL is in the cab of my S-10.

 

[bot0611]

Yes put it in the cab in a cool and dry place

 

[RootBreaker]

Yes put it in the cab in a cool and dry place

that is what i did....

I too heard the offroad one does not like the heat.. funny as you would think it is better..but i think it is sealed up too much and the heat inside is what kills it...


here is where I put mine...

msd6-al with timing control (came in the ebay auction i won)

 

[Philly87]

Doug,

The circuit board in the 6-Offroad is encased in a potting compound making the unit vibration proof and water proof. It will stand up to harsh conditions better than the 6A box. It is not affected by heat any more than other units and is used in numerous desert racing rigs all the time.

Take a look at the MSD NASCAR series box; this box is potted as well and run at constant high RPM for hours on end without failure due to heat. Cup teams do however mount them on the dashboard and keep constant air flow over them to help keep them cool.

You don't want to mount a unit in a confined place where it will not get air circulation. Your firewall is a great place. As long as the unit is not in direct heat from a header or exhaust manifold it will be fine and will in fact benefit from the air circulation under the hood.

Before you go out and spend money on a new unit keep in mind the 6A boxes are typically repairable much cheaper than buying a new one. If you want to send it in shoot me a call at (915) 856-2739 or e-mail me at [email protected] and I'll be glad to help you out.

Any more questions feel free to ask.

-Phil
MSD Ignition

 

[Slapperbar]

My foot vent is blowing on my 6AL.

 

[pismorat]

Just went to test the 6A (coil wire unplugged & .5" from gnd., jumper violet & green wires to the box, break jumper and should get spark). I got no spark, what I did get is a little beep or squeal from inside the box when I jumpered the wires. What does this mean?

 

[bot0611]

Dont know my last MSD wich was good buzzed i thought it was bad so i sold it to my neighboor for $35 and he still has it hooked up after more than a year

 

[Philly87]

Try another coil and run the same test; if you get spark at that point then the problem was the coil. Typically the beeping or chirping sound you hear is the box trying to fire. The box can still be bad internally however.

If you have a standard stock coil laying around hook it up to the black and orange of the MSD box and run the same test. Orange to coil + and black to coil -...

-Phil
MSD Ignition