MSD, Backdated Heat, Spark Plugs...

[brads911sc]

ok... So I installed my MSD 6 Al, Magnacore 8.5 Wires, Used Standard 83 SC WR-5-DC+ plugs. Gapped to .045.

Also backdated my heat... I did this mainly to clean up my engine bay and to prepare for an EFI conversion at some point in the future...

It ran great... Only issue.. It ran alittle hotter... Probably between 8 and 9... but closer to 8. Im not too worried except ambient temps were about 75, so I may have a problem when its 92 out all summer...

Question.... does backdating heat cause less air to flow around the engine, therefore driving up temps slightly?

Question... With the MSD, is there a better plug that would actually cool the engine down abit? Is the standard copper plug the best plug for the MSD?

Question... will playing with the Gap alter the heat?

The only bad thing i can point to with this project is that now I have Heat... way too much heat... so Im going to have to check my flapper boxes...

Thanks in advance...

[RoninLB]

Originally Posted by brads911sc

Question.... does backdating heat cause less air to flow around the engine, therefore driving up temps slightly?
------- I didn't notice any difference in oil temps or all 6 CHT's when I backdated

Question... With the MSD, is there a better plug that would actually cool the engine down abit? Is the standard copper plug the best plug for the MSD?
------- I set air fuel mix and then pick a heat range that burns clean. Unless you're using a hot plug causing pre-ignition there shouldn't be a spark plug issue. I use NGK but Bosch is also a great plug. I don't know anything else about Bosch plugs.

Question... will playing with the Gap alter the heat?
------- myself and many other pelicanheads using MSD set gap at .040" as per a tip from one of the local pros.

The only bad thing i can point to with this project is that now I have Heat... way too much heat... so Im going to have to check my flapper boxes...
-------- only a wild guess.. check ignition timing curve

...

[paddock jones]

I'm headed down the same route. What's the degree of difficutly for a backdate and which EFI are you going with?

[RoninLB]

If you had a profile of your car, like most everyone else, the answer would be easier.

[paddock jones]

82 Targa. My concern is the fit on the left side.

[RoninLB]

that's different than mine, I think.


wait till brads911sc comes back on or

its been covered a few times and in the archives..

[T77911S]

it could be you need to richen it up a little due to the exhaust.

did you have W5's in there before? when i wnt to a colder plug, it seemed like my temp went up a little, or it is quicker to rise when i drive it hard. but i am talking normal temp of 175 going to 190 or 200.

is the temp higher at idle, driving or both?

[brads911sc]

Paddock Jones....

I bought the standard one from our host... I had to wail on it with a hammer and dent it in about 1 inch so the plug wires would have clearance. Then I sprayed it black so the damage i caused was not obvious.

The harder part of the backdate project was the right side, since I am in TX and have a complete Rennair system with about 500 miles on it... I had to cut a hole in the current plate and install a hose/pipe that would work with the AC bracket... It was ok though.

T77911S

Yes. Same plug as before. It was just spirited driving around town. Took it to 6k a few times, but mainly just crusing... wasnt too much hotter... but i did notice alittle higher on the guage. The exhaust is a SSI's, Cat removed, Dansk Sport... Ill check the AFM. I didnt think of that as it relates to heat.
Thanks!

[brads911sc]

Thanks Ronin. Ill check the AFM and tweak the plug gap. Maybe im overly sensitive to the temp guage as well...

[T77911S]

the lack of back pressure will make it lean out and run hotter

[sc_rufctr]

Are you going to do the MSD rotor modification?

This is a good read as it helped me solve the problems I had installing an MSD ignition system on my SC... MSD Rotor Modification

If you search for the subject a lot of people haven't had any issues and haven't done the mod but if you find you rotor is heating up and the epoxy filling in the rotor is becoming warped and damaged it may be worth considering.

If you think about it after switching to the MSD ignition and Magnacore wires the only OEM resistor left in the ignition system is this one in the rotor. It makes sense to me to remove it...

[brads911sc]

Yes. I had planned on doing the rotor mod. I havent yet. It seemed fine after my short run but I dont want to chance it...

T77911S... I will check my AFM.. Thats good info to have. Thanks.

[RoninLB]

Originally Posted by brads911sc

Maybe im overly sensitive to the temp guage as well...

if you have only a front fender oil system loop cooler it's a borderline situation with oil temps to begin with imo.