MSD Ign. Box 6A?

[DuneRunner]

I have recently purchased a MSD 6A from a friend. (He had it in a 89 Sub.)
Almost brand new I bought it for $40.Still with the original Box. I know it still works but am concerned about the reliability of the product.
My Dad is trying to talk me out of installing it. His argument is that the stock HEI is best left alone. What are you opinions about it? (I already checked the SEARCH for info and found some Pros-and-Cons)

I have and 83 K5 350, stock ignition and coil, Excel wires & distributor.

Thanks, KEN

DANGIT it's not a bronco!

 

[solowookie]

I'm running that exact MDS box in 'Jedi Mind Trick'. seems to be working pretty good so far!

<font color=blue> Jeff - may the force be with you</font color=blue>
<a target="_blank" href=http://coloradok5.com/gallery/Jeffs-Stuff>http://coloradok5.com/gallery/Jeffs-Stuff</a>

 

[jarheadk5]

For $40 you can't go wrong. And if you do any other engine upgrades in the future, you'll be a step ahead in the ignition upgrade department.

It's always darkest just before it goes pitch-black...

<font color=green>Semper Maintenance!<font color=black>

 

[DuneRunner]

Thanks guys for the encouragement. I hope to tackle it soon.

DANGIT it's not a bronco!

 

[DuneRunner]

Thanks guys for the encouragement. I hope to tackle it soon.

DANGIT it's not a bronco!

 

[BlazerBoy]

I have been running it for about 2 years now, mud, plowing all kinds of stuff and have had no problems with it. Good Luck

BlazerBoy
<a target="_blank" href=http://www.geocities.com/generalblueballs/>http://www.geocities.com/generalblueballs/</a>

 

[HispanicPanic]

i have the exact same box for about 3 years and ZERO problems and ive gone on 600 -700 mile trips none stop just stoping for gas. The only thing i do recomend is change your coil to a hi performance (Accel or something like that they are like 80.00) one cuz you will burn out the orig. coil on your hei in about 2 months i know cuz that was happening to mine and every time i would replace it with a new one till i bought the Hi performance coil just my .02 but anyways INSTALL IT

<font color=purple>I put the Panic in Hispanic</font color=purple>

<a target="_blank" href=http://4x4.alloffroad.com>4x4.alloffroad.com</a>

 

[Blazer79]

Hmmm. Reliability. Let's do something. Send me the unit and I'll test it for reliability for, say, 20,000 miles. If it works OK, then I'll return it to you so youre confident of the MSD box. Deal?

PS I'll do de test for free!

<font color=purple>//////
<a target="_blank" href=http://blazer79.freeyellow.com>blazer79.freeyellow.com</a></font color=purple><font color=black>
Soon a 454 K5!!</font color=black>

 

[90blzr]

Why test it I can already tell you from others comments that the thing is a POS!!

So, I'll pm you with my address and send it to me and I'll dispose of it properly for you

OK?!?

 

[DuneRunner]

Hay Blaze and 90blzr, maybe in the next life I'll hook you up with MSD... Thanks everyone for the good word. I'll have to slap this forum on my Dad's LAP TOP...


DANGIT it's not a bronco!

 

[HispanicPanic]

20,000 miles hmmmm been there done that still working fine over here

<font color=purple>I put the Panic in Hispanic</font color=purple>

<a target="_blank" href=http://4x4.alloffroad.com>4x4.alloffroad.com</a>

 

[Seventy4Blazer]

i ran mine both with my old points system and my HEI. i ran the HEI for a week or so alont. i notticed a big diff with the oints and a very little power increase with the HEI. but i did nottice that my tank was not on e as offten. but it was just barley able to tell the dif.
Grant

1974 Chevy Blazer Cheyanne. but it is on 33's now, with saggy old springs. i am in Yuma Arizona if ya got any parts for me.

 

[72jim]

i second the coil upgrade.

72 jimmy

 

[dyeager535]

Looks like I'm in the minority, and you already have the thing, and have your mind made up, but....

IMO it's a waste of time. A properly tuned engine/carb will run every bit as good as one with MSD. From startup, cruise and high RPM use, your only real, noticeable benefit is at higher RPM's You aren't going to get more power with it, so whats the point? Adding wiring and MORE components to your ignition system is exactly OPPOSITE of what you want in a 4 wheeling truck. There is absolutely nothing wrong with GM HEI up to(and this is being conservative, because I know its higher) 4500RPM.

Dorian
My tech/links page: <a target="_blank" href=http://www.dorianyeager.com/index2.html>http://www.dorianyeager.com/index2.html</a>
No anti-theft measures on your truck? No pity when its stolen

 

[BlazerGuy]

Friend had a 6A on his C20 and he didn't feel any more power difference, it was a helluva lot easier to start in the morning and it ran smoother at idle. I'd say it's worth it

~~'84 K5~~
Check it out at:
<a target="_blank" href=http://www.k5.rockcrawler.com>www.k5.rockcrawler.com</a>

 

[dyeager535]

All I can say is startup is related to engine/engine tune, not how many times the spark plug fires. If the air fuel mix is correct, and it is ignited at the right time, the motor will start.

I'm not bragging, but showing that its not the MSD box that makes the difference. Although I've got no way of counting the revolutions before the motor starts, cold, I pump my accelerator one time, and my truck starts almost immediately. I'd say less than two seconds of starter engagement. Thats with a Q-jet I went through, an old GM distributor from an unknown application and decent (but not new) plugs and wires. The truck takes milliseconds longer to start than my computer controlled car.

Dorian
My tech/links page: <a target="_blank" href=http://www.dorianyeager.com/index2.html>http://www.dorianyeager.com/index2.html</a>
No anti-theft measures on your truck? No pity when its stolen

 

[K5Jimmy]

I gotta agree with dyeager if that is the Only thing you are doing to a stock truck....motors are simply air pumps....SSBB....Suck, Squeeze, Burn, Blow.....seems to me that if ya ain't suckin' more or squeezin' harder, ya really don't need to light it hotter...but $40 for a new unit is a screamin' deal, I'd put it in and try it for awhile since ya already spend the money.......JD

Stuck?...Hell no..I still got some gas left..

 

[Mreetz]

I think its a great addition. You just need to make sure you install it correctly, wiring does not leave any leway for "almost got it right".

1984 K-5
4" lift
35x12.5 MTs
buildin a 400 for it, any info greatly appreciated

 

[solowookie]

awe hey just get one of those wiring harness' and the thing just plugs in / bolt's in everywhere... no splicing required!

<font color=blue> Jeff - may the force be with you</font color=blue>
<a target="_blank" href=http://coloradok5.com/gallery/Jeffs-Stuff>http://coloradok5.com/gallery/Jeffs-Stuff</a>

 

[DuneRunner]

Tell me where you got it? Was it direct from MSD?
Like I mentioned It was in a 89 Burban for I think 3 months and then the guy sold it and kept the box. So the wiring is done but kinda raggedy. I still have all the directions and I went to the web site and downloaded another set of directions.
Thanks to everyone who has given their opinion.


DANGIT it's not a bronco!