How much HP will I really gain by installing MSD on mySWB 1968 911L

[svonkampen]

Hi,

Any swb owners out there that installed an MSD sytem into their 2,0s??

How many horsies did you guys gain?
Is it noticable?

SvK

[Steve@Rennsport]

SvK;


LOL,...I cannot tell you how many HP you will gain, but I can tell you that your drivability and throttle response will improve as a result of cleaner-running plugs and better low-speed combustion.

I've seen 5-10 HP improvements based on carb jetting/setup and camshafts in use.

Its very noticable,....

[Jim Richards]

Butt dyno sez my 73E gained 0 to 1HP, but runs noticably smoother at low rpms.

[RoninLB]

just being able to run the correct plugs w/carbs without them becoming a quick problem makes the MSD a no brainer IMO.

[araine901]

I have one on my '66 911 and it made things run much smoohter. Makes eleminating carb flat spots much easier. I dont know if you will see any major gaines across the whole curve but it will make the whole curve smoother and feel stronger. Mine made a noticable difference in the seat of the pants feel of the pull of the motor.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by araine901
I dont know if you will see any major gaines across the whole curve.

you would be able to tune for more hp and still be streetable..
meaning you won't have to change or clean colder plugs as often on a richer mix IMO.

[Todd Simpson]

I'll second all these comments, never used MSD but did use a Crane CD system. Big difference in throttle response, plugs lasted a lot longer and started much easier.

[A Quiet Boom]

I agree with most of the above and will add that you can explore a higher tune with the MSD than you can without. I will also add that when I had my 2.0 the points became the compromise point to I also installed Crane's optical trigger. However the single best reason I can give for an MSD unit has to be it's Soft Touch Rev Limiter (6al and higher). It is by far more accurate than and easier on the engine than a mechanical type limiter, the system works so well it has become the standard in many forms of racing. For example a drag race style setup may include as many as 3 limiters (7al3 or three step box) the first limiter limits max engine rpm, a second is used to hold the engine at a predetermined speed for the burnout and the third is uded to hold the engine at launch rpm against full throttle. I have even seen cars with multiple stage nitrous injection launch on the first stage of nitrous using a starting line rev limiter. Believe me if it can hold an engine safely under those conditions it will safely prevent overspeed on your street car with the exception of an accidental downshift in which no limiter can save the motor. In short, I see MSD as a fantastic upgrade especially for vehicles that didn't have a CD ignition originally.

[RoninLB]

not for nothing, but for the lurkers..
you either like the MSD or Crane or you don't.
I never tried to talk anyone into using it.. and I wish those that don't want to try it to be patient with those guys that do like it. I'm not bashing the other systems and am happy that your happy using the other systems. whatever..

[jluetjen]

Ditto the above;
It will make your car run much smoother and cleaner below 3000 RPM. The idle is smoother and the engine will pull smoothly from 2000 RPM or less. I can often drive my '69E around town at 2000 RPM without any bucking, mis-fires or hick-ups. The first highway entrance ramp that I come to the engine will pull right to 7000 RPM with-out a complaint (but still an initial puff of smoke as the cylinders clear).

[dotorg]

I have a Jacobs ignition on my car, same concept as the MSD. I've got a Crane optical trigger to put in my car at some point this summer when I finally get my car back and can go somewhere that neighbors won't be calling the condo association for me setting timing on my car! (John? )

On my car the difference was HUGE. I've got an unusual 2.0 motor in my L that runs S cams, and pretty much everythign else is non-S. With the stock coil, I couldn't get the car to run at all above 4500 rpm, and the damn thing doesn't make any power until 5000-5500 rpm.

I suspect the biggest difference in my case was the high output coil, more than the ignition unit itself, although the car definitely doesn't complain as much at low RPM.

[fred cook]

I put an MSD 6A ignition unit on my '80 911SC coupe not too long ago. After the change, I noticed a better (smoother) idle and the mid range torque seemed to be a little fatter. Of course, these observations are comparisons with the way the car ran using a Bosch CDI unit that was failing. Don't expect a lot of extra h/p just from changing to an MSD unit. What you can expect is to get a proven unit that won't cost you an arm and a leg. The $$ you save over the cost of a Bosch CDI will pay for a new coil and a set of magnacor plug wires!

Good Luck!

Fred Cook

[svonkampen]

thanx Fred

SvK