MSD2 guts inside a Bosch CDI?
 

With the release of the new MSD2 ignition, there is a new, smaller and more powerful version of the huge brick of an ignition that is a favorite of 911 hotrodders. The biggest gripe regarding the old MSD was its size and the fact it looks non-OEM.

http://www.msdignition.com/uploadedI.../6421_full.jpg

I don't have a Bosch CDI on me, so can't pull up the dimensions, but I got to wondering if the MSD2:

• Could be opened up
• The guts adapted to fit inside a Bosch CDI

This would be totally stealth and have all of the spark advantages afforded by an MSD. The dimensions of the MSD2 are:

7"L x 4"W x 2"H

This is only an external dimension; as anyone who has opened a Bosch CDI knows, the guts are smaller.

So, anybody with an MSD2 willing to chime in on dimensions?

Kenik,

LOL,..I've kinda grown fond of that "huge brick" for its performance and reliability,... :)

That said, it can be a challenge to package those things into the existing space, especially for MFI-equipped cars. I've hidden them under the driver's seat using a "stealth" harness so everything retains the OEM appearance, all the way to removing the red paint/sticker and making them appear somewhat like the Bosch units.

One would really have to buy one of these new MSD-2's and examine the CB to determine whether it could be fitted into an empy Bosch CDI box. I'd like to do that sometime, if only to see whether the components are as durable as the original "brick" versions. Sometimes newer & smaller isn't as reliable as the "old" stuff. :) :) :)

PCB in the original msd6al is about the smae dimension as the box itself

new 6al-2 is only an inch or so shorter isn't it?

Dunno; looks A LOT smaller. Consider it a challenge! :)

Just bend the board in half and it should fit. :)

interested to see your results!

Ditto.

Size aside - any thoughts on whether the additional features of the MSD-2 are worth investing in over the MSD-1 for a pre-73 application?

Thx

Martin
72T RSRish
SC 3.6

Speaking of msd ignitions are they really worth the money. I had an old porsche mechanic told me they weren't such an advantage. What is the word?

I only have a one data point MSD testimonial to offer.
My daily ’74 Targa with a ’79 with 3.2 high compression had at least 0.200” plug gaps on all six. It ran perfectly and passed Colorado emissions.

It actually doesn’t run quite as well at 0.032” but I don’t want sparks flying about the engine compartment.

I would like to see some actual back-to-back dyno and road tests of the ignition systems.

Best,
Grady