Why do the NASTYCAR boyz....

[Doug Zielke]

.....mount their MSD ignition boxes in the cockpit (rather than the engine bay)?
I'm thinking cooling might be an issue with MSD boxes, or is there another reason? Any Porsche installations by Pelicans, done outside the engine-room?

[cowtown]

The instructions on my Crane box said mounting in the engine may wasn't recommended because of heat and moisture.

It didn't keep me from mounting it in the CDI space, though.

[thabaer]

Kind of like this RSR in the Mathews collection ?

http://www.istari.com/public/03-MC9039_gallery/pages/v030106-13.html

mounted in the back seat area

[bb]

I think it's due to the heat

[dhoward]

Easier to program with a laptop in the cockpit.

[Kevin Stewart]

actualy they usualy have two msd boxes side by side mounted on a plate so they can switch between them if one goes bad, easy to get to, Kevin

[ozz]

One of the main reasons ignition and other electronics are mounted in the cockpit now, in additon to the reason that Mr. Stewart pointed out, is for quick tech inspection purposes. There have been rumors floating about in NASCAR for a couple of years about some teams using traction control electronics. Obvously not allowed according to the NASCAR rule book so, by requiring mounting to the dash area and in plain view thru the windshield the objective is to reduce or eliminate the possibility of hiding add-on electronic goodies (i.e traction control).

[Kevin Stewart]

Traction control has gotten to the point it is almost impossible to detect, in the south many sactioning bodies are allowing it because they cant police it, Kevin

[byrd101]

Originally I mounted my MSD in the engine compartment. I experienced some missing and back firing after the engine heated up during some spirited driving. Thinking that it might be due to the MSD overheating, I temporally moved the MSD to the cockpit. Wow’ that suckers loud. It doubles as an audible tachometer, and I still had the same misfiring. Turned out it was my Crane optical pickup. If all you do is track your car, who cares how loud it (won’t here it over exhaust). For my daily driver, I’ll keep it in the engine compartment.

[chrisp]

They like it there because it's the only semblance of technology in the whole car and they want to look at it

[911pcars]

I believe MSD recommends installing it away from engine heat; not good for electronic longevity.

Sherwood

[Zeke]

Originally posted by ozz
One of the main reasons ignition and other electronics are mounted in the cockpit now, in additon to the reason that Mr. Stewart pointed out, is for quick tech inspection purposes. There have been rumors floating about in NASCAR for a couple of years about some teams using traction control electronics. Obvously not allowed according to the NASCAR rule book so, by requiring mounting to the dash area and in plain view thru the windshield the objective is to reduce or eliminate the possibility of hiding add-on electronic goodies (i.e traction control).

This is the main reason. Although the detection is tough as he says, teams are subject to officials removing the device in exchange for a new one at any time.

"Looking" at it is funny.

And how does this apply to Porsche 911 tech?

[TimT]

They like it there because it's the only semblance of technology in the whole car and they want to look at it

The amount of wind tunnel testing some of the NASCAR teams do is amazing. Those guys KNOW aerodynamics!

Engines that live at 9000 RPM for hours. Exhaust technology, Cam Technology,Tire technology, Shock and suspension set-up technology. Pit crew that change all 4 tires,refuel, and make suspension adjustments in less than 15 second!!

Yeap not to much technology going on in NASCAR

I still dont get the incessant NASCAR bashing

Good drivers (witness the NASCAR boys running the 24 hour of Daytona), that are getting paid to drive!!

huge crowds Lots o money!!

ok flame away guys

[Doug Zielke]

This was not intended as a NASTYCAR thread.
I may be installing a MSD box on the Porsche, that's all.
I think Sherwood is on the mark. Thanks.

[al lkosmal]

Doug,
I did the MSD install about 6 months back. Electrically it's a piece of cake. Mechanically, at least mounting it in the existing CDI location, is a bit more challenging. I made a subplate to mate to the Bosch mounting holes and stood the MSD off of that on rubber shock mounts. Works very well. When I bought mine, from Pelican, the Bosch blue coil was recommended and I bought that as well. It is no longer the recommendation, the MSD blaster coil is now the choice. I found out why, this week, as my blue coil bit the dust. Replaced it with the Blaster coil. Very nice. Bottom line. Mine is mounted in the engine compartment in the stock location. I recommend it.

[TerryH]

What Kevin said. They have redundant ignition systems so they can change on the fly if a problem occurs. Some guys happen to mount them in view on the dash, others have them stowed elsewhere in the car, but the switches are handy.

[Victor]

Add me to the "I like NASCAR" list.

It's a lot more exciting to watch than F1 who have all the technology in the world.

[Doug Zielke]

Thanks to you, Al, for the excellent "sub-plate" idea.
And 10-4 on the Blaster coil. It's said to be more robust than others.

[TimT]

Doug,

here is a ruggd MSD box you can use at a very reasonable price

put a lil rebel in ya!!

EX Nascar MSD box

[TimT]

Oh and the High Vibration MSD blaster coil is the shizzle