MSD "streetfire" successful install!

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Hello folks,
I just wanted to thank everyone for the recent feedback and add as a data point that I just installed an MSD streetfire in my 1978 porsche 911 sc. Install went flawlessly! Quite frankly, I'm kind of surprised it isn't used more often.

Basically, my permatune and brazilian bosch coil finally failed, which left me pondering the age old "bosch" vs. "new permatune" vs. "convert to 6al MSD." I wasn't really happy with any of the choices. The Bosch was super expensive, and used ones are old and crapshots. Permatunes have mixed reviews here, and even if they have improved, they don't seem to tolerate faults in rest of the ignition system (which a 35 year old car is going to inevitably have- especially mine!). The 6al MSD is enticing, but is a behemoth in the engine compartment... People had strong opinions on all of them. So to each their own! I was flustered, but the MSD streetfire was a perfect solution for my needs.

It was cheap (about $120)+(about $54 MSD blaster high vibration coil - from pelican)= (still crazy cheap), fits like a glove into the original CDI location, runs the tach, and works good enough for my use. Best of all, at the low price, it really is disposable, so if some electrical gremlin (like a short in my 35 year old wiring harness) gets the best of it... who cares....

So anyway, I used this wiring hookup in this link and it worked perfectly:

MSD street fire in 78sc.

I also bought a set of Magnecor wires to get rid of my solid core wires and they work great too.

UPDATE 2/6/14- I also added a resistorless rotor from oreilly auto parts #BWD D163. $4.02

Here's a pic of it installed and I will update as time goes by as to how it works.



The tachometer works flawlessly, car started right up, and pulls strong at redline. Best of all I got to drive the car at thanksgiving! Still need to clean up the wiring, but so far Im as happy as can be
Ron

[Reiver]

I've considered that unit myself. It is still more powerful than the stock CDI and has the benefit of the multi/longer spark.
When my CDI goes south that's my plan.

[Kemo]

I like this...alot. i will probably tackle an install this spring

[aldente295]

I've got the same in my '80SC - very happy as well. I mounted mine 180degs to your setup Ron (wires facing up), only so that I could get to the rev limiter if needed. It's well protected from moisture where it is anyway, so don't see any difference one way or the other.

[wwest]

This one?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-8207/applications/

Capacitor Discharge Ignitions yield much better results using a transformer "E-core" type coil, not a simple "I=core" inductive storage coil.

[wwest]

[timmy2]

Probably meant the MSD Blaster II coil our host carries?
Works great with the Bosch CDI box as well, even upside down....

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Hey there,
Timmy2 is right. I checked out that red blaster coil too, but ordered the blaster (high vibration coil) coil and the magnecor wires from the host. I would have ordered the streetfire from them too if they stocked it Thanks again.
R

[wwest]

Originally Posted by LEAKYSEALS951

Hey there,
Timmy2 is right. I checked out that red blaster coil too, but ordered the blaster II coil and the magnecor wires from the host. I would have ordered the streetfire from them too if they stocked it Thanks again.
R

The latest applications for the blaster 2(II) coil was 1986...

"I" core, designed for inductive storage of spark energy prior to ignition. Basically the Kettering ignition system of 1900's..

NOT ideal for CDI's that store the spark energy in a capacitor and then apply it ONLY at the time of ignition.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-8202/applications

[timmy2]

Try 8222 High vibration coil Mr. West.

Pelican Parts - Product Information: MSD-PN8222

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-8222/overview/

[timmy2]

LEAKYSEALS951,
If you need the female connector for the factory 6 pin plug to neaten up your wiring, go to Mouser electronics.
The housing is part # 571-180906, 27 cents each
The pins for it ( needed) are part # 571-42460-1, 19 cents each
Shipping will be around $3.....
Make it truly plug and play...

[wwest]

http://www.worldphaco.net/uploads/CAPACITIVE_DISCHARGE_IGNITION_vs_MAGNETIC_DISCHARG E_IGNITION..pdf

Tedious reading but start on page 45....

[timmy2]

How is/was the original black Bosch CDI coil constructed?

[wwest]

Originally Posted by timmy2

Try 8222 High vibration coil Mr. West.

Pelican Parts - Product Information: MSD-PN8222

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-8222/overview/

Why, my 78 uses a CDI system.

[wwest]

Originally Posted by timmy2

How is/was the original black Bosch CDI coil constructed?

Same old "I-core" but with more primary inductance and a lower turns ratio.


~40% improvement in energy coupled to the spark gap using an "E-core" closed magnetic path.

[timmy2]

Wasn't a literal suggestion to install one, I was referencing the coil with the correct part number as you were providing links to the wrong one, 8222 vs 8202.

BTW, My original Bosch CDI is working very well with the 8222 since I installed it 2 years ago.

[wwest]

Originally Posted by timmy2

Wasn't a literal suggestion to install one, I was referencing the coil with the correct part number as you were providing links to the wrong one, 8222 vs 8202.

BTW, My original Bosch CDI is working very well with the 8222 since I installed it 2 years ago.

From my viewpoint both are equal and both are inappropriate for use with a CDI.

Again, not that they will not work, they will, but only transfer about 60% of the possible energy to the plug vs a transformer type ignition coil.

[timmy2]

Still wondering how the original Bosch black coil was constructed.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Hey everyone, I was installing a floor (a wood floor in the house- not floor panels!) today so didn't get to check updates on the boards, but... basically, I messed up in saying I had a blaster II coil. Honestly.. now I, am all messed up! It is the blaster high vibration coil Timmy2 referenced from our host website. Also, Timmy2, thanks for the female adapter/male pin link. That rocks! I am going to order that and redo my wiring. Having a bunch of independent male plugins isn't my style. I am also going to edit any references I previously made about the wrong coil. Basically, I want any newbie to this (i.e.- ME) in the future to be able to find an A-Z "D.I.Y." on how to do a streetfire conversion.
Thanks again,
Ron

[oneblueyedog]

If one were to buy the Streetfire and the MSD coil as pictured above as a pair, it would be optimal functionally? I read in the Streetfire install PDF that solid ignition wires cannot be used. I wonder why?