MSD 6AL-2 ignition upgrade
 

I was wondering if any members out there have installed the MSD 6AL-2 ignition system on their 3.0L CIS engines? How much did it improve performance overall?....worth it? I have an '80SC with BAE Turbo and was wondering if I should perform the upgrade? Would it be at all possible to send me a PDF of the installation manual?.....much appreciated!

Alex

THere are other threads on this subject, one only a few days ago. There will be no improvement in performance, unless of course your existing unit is defective. You may notice, I did, a slightly smoother motor below 3k. I think their website has the instructions in downloadable form.

One of the MSD wiring threads:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/911-engine-rebuilding-forum/576337-msd-6al-how-wire.html

FWIW I've had bad luck with the 6AL-2. went thru two that both crapped out at rather inconvenient times. went back to a 6AL, no issues.

As said above, with a well setup CIS, you should have smoother idle, but that would be about it. With carbs on my RS spec 2.7 with big carbs, it made a huge difference at idle.

I had an MSD in my 2002 that failed and cost me a race weekend. Not a fan.

Thank you gentlemen! Interesting...sounds like it's 50/50 with regards to the MSD upgrade. My engine idles just fine, however, my problem is at around 4000RPM+....lot's of hesitation and then surging when I come on boost. I thought having a programable system would allow me to tweak the advance/retard. How about the Perma-tune upgrade?...any comments would be greatly appreciated!

Alex

Note that the MSD 6 AL 2 isn't programmable. It does have a rev limit switch. Perma-tune won't do anything but fix a not-properly-functioning stock unit. Not sure your problem has much to do with the CD unit.

Note that the MSD 6 AL 2 isn't programmable. It does have a rev limit switch. Perma-tune won't do anything but fix a not-properly-functioning stock unit. I know nothing of turbos but think I'd look elsewhere.

Instead of the "MSD" Brand Multi-Spark Discharge Unit, go with the Mallory HyFire VI-A version. Digital instead of analog and I've yet to have a box (out of the dozens I have installed) fail.

Aside from that note... You will notice the improvement at idle and across the whole RPM range if your CIS system is in good/great shape. BUT! The improvement is best felt when upgrading the coil, plugs and wires as well.

if you have a turbo on your 3.0, you need to put the car on a dyno and have the timing and mixture programmed properly. that is the ONLY way to tell if it is set right and get the most out of your setup. otherwise, you may burn a piston.

the MSD is a very good unit. there are too many out there using them for it not to be. as for an upgrade from a bosch, it is not. but when my bosch crapped out, the MSD was a much cheaper alternative.

daveE, anything can break or go bad.

Yep, 14 months, 9 race weekends(35 hours tops), mounted in the cockpit with isolators. I'm still waiting for the CDI in my '78 SC to fail.

it will, the capacitor in your is bosch are very old.