Best ignition system?
 

I still run the stock ignition on my car and was considering an upgrade. 10 years ago I would have said "MSD, no question..." But are any of the others out there any better?

I would like something that I could put the control dial in the cockpit for timing adjustments on the fly. I would assume an MSD 6AL should do the trick eh?

MSD!!!

If you have a standard, I would suggest the 6AL because it has a rev limiter built into it (that's what I have). If you have an auto, I would suggest the 6A. It's the same thing just without the rev limiter. You can also get different retards for your car. The one that I have mounts in the engine and I can adjust it with a little screwdriver and activate it with the flip of a switch in four different stages :D They make one where you can adjust it with a knob. The reason why I recoment MSD is because they are high quality parts, they won't let you down, and they are just a plug away. My Autometer tach just pluged in and I was done....

My vote would go to MSD as well. That's what I use.

E

Funny, I've found MSD boxes to be poor quality, but they work. For a while. The factory ignition works better, though. The Crane HI6 box is the best for the money, and an MSD adjustable ignition dial will work with it (been there, done that). If you do get an MSD box, make sure it's a CD box.

Take care,
-Chris

I was all gun ho to put an MSD in my Mustang till I did some more reasearch. Turns out the Factory TFI module will work just fine for most applications and using the aftermarket Ingn is mostly a waste of money. If you have lots of boost or lots of power, the extra spark energy etc can help, but the TFI saturates the coil pretty well, and the "extra" energy found by aftermarket systems does not really do anything more.

Now if you are replacing a Duraspark or points totally different story. Even the GM HEI is pretty good, though it does drop off more at higher rpms.

I just put in a new Wells TFI, they list the same part# for nearly all Fords. Now I am happy, though I do think about relocating the TFI someday.

Jacobs electronics is very high quality. Although they are a lil' expensive its well worth the money.

I have also found MSD to be poor quality.

There is a Jacobs Electronics located in Midland Texas I have been there and was very impressed with how serious they take the performance of there products.

Later,

I have used the MSD in years past with little problems, this has been in a car that only travels 1/4 mile at a time :)

I have had a Crane in my Mustang which has seen both track and street, I think I have had this HI-6 box for about 6 years or so without any problems, I would buy another. Plus I was able to buy one with a blue anodized finish, gotta look good too!

I am spraying a 150 shot on a strong 302. I have not had any problems yet, but if it could help I would put one on.

Rob,

You can't go wrong with the msd stuff. poor quality? Not for me, I've had the same 6al in my car since I got it. It was in the car when I bought it as a roller. I bought the car in 96. I've never had any trouble with it. The 6al will be nice since it has the limiter incase you miss a shift on the spray.

jacobs
 

i researched jacobs and msd and i choose the jacobs. i found the jacobs is far superior to the msd. the msd has all of the little adjustments on it for diffrent settings but the jacobs comes the way it should be with out all of the adjustments it is adjusted by your car. jacobs turns each one of your spark plugs into a in engine sensor and delivers each spark plug a spark that is determened on how each seperate cylinder is running msd cant do that! jacobs also has a timing adjuster that is mounted in the car that you can adjust while you are driving and can also have two timing curves, one for everyday driving for economy and a seperate for when you mash that pedal to the floor and want an instant timing advance for racing. i have the boost master that jacobs sells, my car is at 18 degrees out of boost and when i hit 1 1/2 pounds of boost it automaticly changes my timing to 10 degrees can msd do that i think not. also my jacobs come stock with an anti-theft device that when somebody tries to steal your car the jacobs makes your car appear like it is running out of gas and the theifs will leave it alone can msd do that! you choose what you want but check out msd's website then check out jacobs and then you will decide for yourself.

As far as adding boost, MSD has different products for different applications. And thet come with instructions to wire switch which disables your ignition system. Ive had my MSD 6AL and never had a problem yet and it was removed from my old car and put in the new one. And MSD is nearly the only thing you see in NASCAR and, up here, CASCAR. I love their stuff and they have a great rep.

MSD
 

Thanks. :D

Re: MSD
 

obviously you have never tried Jacobs products...I have tried both so I can make a valid comparison...Can you??

Me and my dad both have had bad luck with MSD.

For now on I will automaticly consider your opinion a fact:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

My 2 pennies...

MSD is good stuff
Jacobs is good stuff (decent)

What about the Holley Anihillator systems?
Aren't they supposed to be quality stuff?

I can't say for sure but figured I would throw it into the mix...

"Different strokes for different folks"

I'm not going to say who sucks, or whatever...
I'm no product rep so there is nothing in it for me

MSD gets the job done...
I have never tried Jacobs nor Holley

I would choose Holley over Jacobs and I run an MSD 6AL box
Anyhow, calm down you guys!!!

Dude, get this.....
No, dude get that.....

I'm confused already (doesn't take much though)

The Holley system has a dial where you can adjust the timing in the cockpit I believe.

Best of luck in your decision making process!!

Laters...

NOTHING ever works like I think it should!!!

I have had problems with MSD boxes in the past...
Deader than a popcorn fart one minute and the next it fires up and I'm standing there scratching my head.

User error maybe? maybe not!

Regardless, there has got to be some good stuff out there.

Nology makes a bad *** coil and some over priced plug wires if you guys are interested:D

I said no to the wires, but couldn't pass up the coil...

Laters...

I still say your stock ignition is fine. The only thing I would add would be a PS91 coil, for reliability. It's your money.

As far as quality, dollar for dollar, the Crane box is much better than the MSD boxes. It has a built in adjustable rev limiter as well as self diagnostics, and is cheaper to buy. I have seen the insides of both, and the Crane boxes are much more rugged, and professionally assembled. The MSD boxes I've had apart looked like they were assembled by a Boy Scout trying to earn his soldering badge. Make that a Cub Scout. I have not had any experience with Holley's new system, and minimal experience with Jacobs. I have owned more MSD boxes than anything else, but I don't recommend them. Again, the most important thing to remember, regardless of what you do, is that you want your system to be a CD (Capacitive Discharge) ignition. Older MSD boxes are analog, so be careful.

Take care,
-Chris

FYI - I think Crane discontinued the PS-91 coil and now sells just the PS-92 coil. At least I hope that's the case since I just ordered a PS-92 coil a couple of days ago after being told the PS-91 isn't manufactured anymore.

S-10
 

i know i will get alot of backlash but here it goes.... why is there a chevy guy giving advise to mustang owners? if i no longer owned a mustang i know i would no longer post or answer posts on the mustang works. i have no problem with chevy's or there owners but i just was wondering why. i do have alot of good friends that own corvettes but they wouldnt bother with the mustang works or even posting here. all buisness run IBM computers but does that make IBM computers the best? if everybody carried a turd in their pocket would you also? just cause NASCAR runs MSD doesnt make it better than jacobs or the rest of the brands of ignition boxes. MSD gives money for the racers to run their products and racers will go where the money is coming from or they dont race.... it is called SPONSORSHIP! this is my $.02

Re: S-10
 

Well then, I guess I shouldn't post or reply here anymore either. I don't own a Mustang. Never have. I've worked on hundreds of them, but never owned one. I guess I should have never signed on here. I've posted or replied over 3300 times. What was I thinking? Silly me.

I guess anyone who has correct knowledge can teach me something. If they're into mustangs even better. I love my jacobs..it's been through one totaled out 82 mustang and never missed a lick. My ford mechanic says the msd make more power on the dyno(1 or 2 hp) but he's also replaced several. As far as nascar...they use good stuff but they also use a backup ignition in case the primary fails; which happens often. I wouldn't be surprise if they're running "bluprinted" units.

Re: S-10
 

I really don't get the Ford vs Chevy thing, FWIW I got more flack from the Chevelle Board when I bought my Notch last year :rolleyes: I figure a real V8 car for my daily driver is better than the POS Lumina followed by the Ultra POS Cavalier I used to drive every day.

As for which aftermarket product is best? EVERY thread I have seen with any topic like that includes someone who used the product be it MAC exhaust MSD ingintions or whatever and thought they were great. Then someone comes along who had problems and says their stuff is junk! The real story is they are both right! If MSD made 1000 Ingition boxes, but you got the one junk one, you won't be happy regardless of how many people are happy with theirs. Eventually if you do enough research you will see a pattern of quality with a certian product. That is why I come here to learn from all of you guys and I try to share what I have learned along the way. Don't take things so personally, it's all about having fun.

HAven't had any trouble with my MSD6AL in 5 years. But that's not to say that Jaccobs isn't good iether. My suggestion is to check out both and see which most fits your needs.

see
 

i ask one single question with no harm intended and people take offense. all i asked is why and the backlash starts. the ford vs chevy thing i dont understand either. ford makes turds and so does chevy... why cant we get along? i have owned more chevys than fords and i have also owned chevy's and fords at the same time and i loved them both and i will have a corvette someday. all i asked is why nothing more. all i said I would no longer post here if i didnt own a ford i didnt say YOU shouldnt. quit being so defensive i never meant any harm I JUST WANTED TO KNOW WHY WOULD YOU POST HERE I NEVER SAID YOU SHOULDNT!

You make no sense. I am not a "chevy" guy, I'm a guy that has had many brands of cars, and is not loyal to one particular brand. I like to go fast, do you have a problem with that? I've been posting on MW for quite some time, I've got to know everyone pretty good, they are like my 2nd family. I am still into mustangs, I have a 90 notch project car also. Your post is ignorant. Yeah MSD gives money to everyone at the midnight drags/test and tunes that are just racing for fun? Damn where's my sponsorship? :rolleyes: I must have missed that one. And when the hell did I say anything about NASCAR? LOL..... Oh well you sound like a lil disgruntled guy....But I do have one rule, anyone that talks **** to me must run at least 13.3' s.....sorry man, I see that you don't qualify. I also like to post on Mustangworks to help people out, before they head in the wrong direction ala you. A Paxton with stock heads, and a stock intake, and stock injectors etc.... gets you a blistering 13.4@102? LOL. Heh, intake and heads you would've had mid 12's. Oh well there are people that like to go fast, and people that don't. Maybe NEXTTIME around you won't make yourself look like such a *******. You implied that I shouldn't post here anymore, and people that didn't have mustangs shouldn't, you came off on the wrong foot, and pissed people off, then you say "see". LOL. You even said "I know I'll get alot of backlash for this." and then your next post is " all i asked is why and the backlash starts." Like you were suprised, when you just stated that you knew it was going to happen. See ya NEXTTIME. :p

Take it easy boys!
 

I should stay out of this little spat, but nextime is getting brutally assualted; plus, I couldn't pass up this comedic oppurtunity...
so bear with me. I understand nextime's concern for fred durst and his s10; he has owned a mustang, knows a few things about them, and wants to share his plethora of knowledge with ignorant fools such as myself...
However, I would rather look at his old mustang rather than his beautiful project truck (I do like the gauge setup bad89), this is afterall mustangworks not S10works (and I cannot deny his privilege or his right to be here on this site).

Sidenote: I laughed my *** off at the kitty porn, that is very funny and very original (good stuff), and smoky burnouts are always cool!!! Fred Durst is no longer as cool as he used to be...
I apologize for being an arrogant bastard. Someone should stick up for nextime even though his car is slow, afterall so is mine!!
But that will change soon.

For the record, I drive a 2000 Chevy Silverado Z71 ext. cab and love it to death!! And my dad has a '57 Chevy. I like Chevy, hate imports... now you can verbally abuse me!!

:
Your aren't an ignorant fool. So what all have you done to your stang, looks like it's putting up some killer numbers. Are you saying I'm not cool anymore or Fred Durst? That is a picture of me in my avatar, not Fred Durst. And when did I make this S10works, all I said is I have a 6AL in my S-10. lol. :rolleyes: [/COLOR]


:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: post like above piss me off.:mad:

Im no genius!! I make mistakes like everyone else...

I was merely implying that if you had a pic of your old stang posted rather than you and your truck (your proud, I understand) it would be cooler (shouldn't matter what I think, though) and you might not attract unwanted attention...

Visually, it is easier to relate to (am I sounding ignorant yet?).
I don't care what you look like...(hell, post your wheelie, that takes balls of steel to get on a rice rocket!!) You bear a striking resemblance to Fred Durst.

Anyhow, I found the thread to be humorus and chimed in, that's all... don't take it personally, you can say what you want to me and I don't mind, if anything I'll learn from it and go on my way...

my specs - http://mustangworks.com/cgi-bin/moi-display.cgi?2260

Later...

So which ignition is better again? :D


A car guy is a car guy. Relax, you almost have 20 posts in. :)

I'm partial to MSD. This is the first time I've ever heard anything bad about MSD. I would check into the Holley Annilator systems, the Crane ignitions(like PCKRWOOD suggested, and the MSD ignition, I like the 6AL, and that's what I run. Basically there all good, it's kinda like which aluminum heads do you want Trick flow, AFR, Canfield...it's up to you. You can't go wrong with any of those 3 choices. :)

Since when did automatics not need rev limiters? I have an AOD and I hit my rev limiter regularly. Get one with a rev lkimiter, no matter which brand you buy.

I would say MSD is of decent quality. The only complaint I have with mine is the "adjustable timing control box"...the plastic cover on the back of the control knob came loose...no big deal...glued it back on in about 2.5 seconds.

Maybe they arent built as well as crane, I dont know first hand, but they do work and have a proven track record.

If I had to buy over again, I would probably try the crane because of the built in rev limiter. The MSD you have to buy "pills" Or "chips" to adjust your revs, and its like $25.00 for a set of 5 chips. It came with a 6k, 7k, and 8k chip ( I have the 6AL) and since I wanted a 6200 RPM chip, I had to buy the set from 6000 to 7000 RPM, that comes with 5 chips in 200 rpm increments.

Jacobs....lmao...stay far away from Jacobs. They are known to be junk as far as my friends who have used them have told me. Nobody takes them seriously...probably because they advertise like 40 hp increase with their system...yeah, right.....they are marketed toward the "beginner" or someone who might believe such ridiculous claims...

By the way, Ive also seen people "in the know" recommend the holley box, for whatever thats worth.

Im gonna just stick with MSD. While i cant say anything about the others out there, because i havent tried them, I have never had a problem with my 6AL yet. I also know numerous people who use MSD and have never had a problem. But probably the best thing would be to talk to some engine builders aounrd where you are. They can give you good info and the low down on all thats out there usually.