MSD question, anyone runnin it on thier rig good bad

[h0wl0ngcanitbe]

So im in the process of regearing, and I hope to see some much need mpg improvement! I have always been curious about MSD, does it work well on these big trucks? does it make a difference on a carb engine? I know they do somethin for imports, im just lookin for better mpg. Not so interesed in performance so if anyone has one and likes it, or if anyone just knows about them please hit me up! Oh also is it a pretty simple instal? I figured its just a basic swap out, and I wanna do it all the entire system. Those of you who have an idea about me could probably judge weather or not its gonna be a simple swap. If its somethin that i could be walked through on a thread im more then willing! as always thanks!

 

[JDNobodi]

I'm running an MSD, but I'm running it for performance reasons. I never really tried it with a stock motor.
I think MSD 6AL is one of the most reliable ignition boxes around. I’ve seen a few people have trouble with other boxes.

 

[buffblazer]

if your not really looking for the performance mods from it, the thing you will probably notice the most, is the easier starting, and a little better (not much) fuel economy, and i agree with the above statement, the 6AL is the best box out there.

 

[h0wl0ngcanitbe]

so no real reason too look into it if what im after is mpg improvement?

 

[bot0611]

I ran and MSD 6AL on my truck a while back and yes at first you feel the difference, but you will have to add a good coil...the spark will be huge so better combustion and less gas consumption..but MSD are overrated.... i know a lot of people who bought the and fail........

Now im running Summits spark box with rev limiter as well and its nice and cheapper, but remember that coil, performance or not in my opinion you will get advantages..

 

[dbabicky]

I've got the 6AL, the distributor and thier Blaster coil on my V-8 CJ. Love it, Love it Love it. Super simple install too.

 

[dyeager535]

Better coil will help a ton. Power-wise you don't see dyno tests with MSD making any additional power over stock HEI.

Other claimed benefits are impossible to quantify. Changing plugs or wires might give you the same change. Not arguing one way or the other, the only true testing I've seen done for performance didn't bear the MSD out, on a stock motor. Racing could be a different story.

 

[h0wl0ngcanitbe]

did you see a mpg increase at all? and i would do the entire setup so as to maximize the effects

 

[dbabicky]

I can not say one way or the other about the mileage issue, never tested that. I just put it on the CJ because that stock ignition sucked. The MSD was easy to install and super reliable. I have no issues at all with the stock GM HEI, seems very reliable, and for a stock motor, I'd keep it in there. Now if I had points, I'd $hit can that set-up and go with the MSD.

 

[h0wl0ngcanitbe]

fair enough, ill keep it for now. could be fun money to burn in the future if it comes available!

 

[rcamacho]

It's a good box which can crutch a bit for an over lean/rich mixture. MPG claims are overstated. I've run MSD for 20+years and like their products a great deal.

 

[broncoman6524]

I run MSD on both of my trucks. I ran the 6A box with a MSD coil, on my stock motor. (intake carb changed) I noticed a change at idle and mid acceleration.

I can't remember if my MPG increased.

I also run a full MSD system on my 383, ever since I first cranked the motor. This one has a 6al box, billet dizzy, wires, etc. It runs like a top

Just make sure that you have GOOD grounds.

 

[RootBreaker]

I installed a msd-6al and timing control..... From what I want was just a rev limiter...

what I am told is the msd boxes give better spark at higher rpm's.... as stock units dont create a good spark... so at higher revs you will get multiple sparks getting the most power you can... so if you are looking for MPG and msd.. I think you will get worse as you have to be into the upper revs to get better performance out of a msd.... confused yet?

 

[h0wl0ngcanitbe]

no that makes sense, my brother is into imports and he used to rave about mpg gains. but that is on a 4 banger and im sure the numbers all very different in comparison to a big boy toy!