MSD Ignition Install/Coil Install

[omega1940]

I have an 88 4+3 Conv. I asked MSD which unit(s) I should consider installing and they replied with the MSD 6AL (#6420) and an MSD Coil (PN#8225). The costs were 289.99 and 109.99 respectively, including shipping and any tax.

Three questions to you veterans.

1. Are these hard to install. I'm probably a 5 on scale of 10, but have replaced the radiator, new valve cover gaskets, all suspension bushing replacements, wheel bearings front and back and that kind of stuff. Are there instructions online that would help me. I assume MSD includes install instructions, but they say "Professional installation is prefered."

2. Are the prices in line? If not, any suggestions as to where to get these less expensively, or alternative units?

3. I'm hoping this will improve my idle, which isn't that bad, but somewhat rough. I have a 52 mm. throttle body, "Vortex" ram air plate (between throttle body and plenium) K&N, Adj. Fuel Pressure Reg., Thrustmasters, new chip)

While I'm at it, I had a bit of a race last night here in Phoenix with a lady driver of an 02 couple. I wasn't certain she was going to want to race so I waited at the light and she took off. I was a quarter car length behind for about 2 seconds, passed her and lead by a quarter car length to about 45 when I shifted to 2nd. I stayed slightly ahead to 66 miles an hour when she pulled slightly ahead and I shut down. I was pretty surprised that my 88 did so well. 245 hp with mods, maybe to 270-280 hp???? I'm sure she was planting her foot on the pedal. Any thoughts?

Thanks for your help guys and gals.

Mike

PS: I'm 62 and still race every chance I get. Am I a psycho-kid or what? If I live that long, I could be doing this at 80? Any real old drivers with the same infliction out there?

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

Mods.

I was thinking that a new MAP sensor, Throttle position sensor, and some new O2 sensors might help. The MAP sensor goes for about $50.00. You can probably pick up a throttle position sensor for $40.00, and the O2's will run about $50.00 each. After that, maybe some 8.5mm wires and new plugs. Every one of these is very easy to install, except the plugs and wires. They may take 3 hours or so, because they are difficult to reach on a C4. The O2's would take about 45 min. but are pretty easy. You would be running very smooth at this point.

 

[omega1940]

MSD Ignition

Hi Todd. Thanks for responding to my post.

I have 8.5 wires, new O2 Sensor and can't complain much about idle. I have just read ove rand over that a "hotter" ignition improves the power cure signifantly as well as improving idle.

I am not getting a code on the MAP but I suppose it could be having a problem. I also replaced the TPS about 6 months ago and have reset position not long ago. My plugs, which are standard plugs may need replacing and once again it seems the Bosch +4's are pretty popular. I ran those in my 85 coupe and it didn't make much of a difference.

Thanks again,

Mike Haselmire

 

[Mako]

I have an 88 4+3 Conv. I asked MSD which unit(s) I should consider installing and they replied with the MSD 6AL (#6420) and an MSD Coil (PN#8225). The costs were 289.99 and 109.99 respectively, including shipping and any tax.

These are fine components, they will indeed help smooth the idle and can even clean up low rpm emissions a bit as well.

Those prices are list however. Order from www.summitracing.com or www.jegs.com.

The ignition box is ~$195 and the coil about $70 from those vendors.

Installation is straight forward, just read the directions carefully and take your time on the installation and it'll all look and work great.

One Tip: The rev limiter in the 6AL box is set using a plug in "pill". Don't forget to order the correct rev limiter pill for the ignition box. See: http://www.msdignition.com/1rpmacc.htm#anchor76947 for the part numbers.

CYa!
Mako

 

[Jack]

omega1940/Mike:
I’ve had several MSD systems, do have one now and recently wired up a dual-redundant MSD system in a pal’s Busch GN car. #91 was entered at BGN Daytona ... body profile didn’t make it through tech (too skinny/slick) ... will try again at Darlington in a month. In general, I believe MSD boxes are unnecessary & overkill for most folks.

Yes, MSD may improve your idle and low-to-mid power... although IMHO most improvement will be minimal. Anyone who’s a 5 & will both read & follow the directions can wire it up successfully.

I know next to nothing about your car’s computer or C4-C5, but maybe a different chip (burned just for your mods) would better address your needs. I believe there’s a forum member (-=Jeff=- ???) here at CACC that burns chips.

MSD is great, but they can & do fail .... hence dual-redundant systems. If it fails, you will not find a quick fix. Garage with proper MSD diagnostic tools are VERY RARE. If/when MSD box fails you’ll be sidelined ... period.

Also, where do you mount it in a vette? ... box requires some ventilation ... they do run warm ... & often emit a buzz ... & radio interference. Yes, they’re somewhat “environmentally sealed” but that ain’t failsafe either. Do you really need a rev limiter? ... if not, you don’t need a 6AL or pill ... a 6A is same but without RL ... 6T is much like a 6A but is heavy duty.

I’d first look to ensuring the present sensors, wires, plugs, cap etc are tip-top ... then investigate a custom-burned chip. But if you’re intent on MSD & desire further MSD opinions/tips ... don’t hesitate to ask. BTW, I have a good used MSD 6TN nascar box I’ll take $150 for ... advice free, box is not. Again I’d first look to present sensors, ignition & a chip.
JACK:gap

 

[omega1940]

MSD Et. Al.

Thanks Jack. Good information. I did (recently) get a custom PROM from another reader. Seems to have helped a bit but hard to tell.

I'm not sure about the MSD. Like most aftermarket mods, there are some pluses and minuses. I've seen them installed on the passenger side toward the firewall. Not much room anywhere else. I'm going to have to think about this one.

Thanks again,

Mike

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

MAP Sensor

When I had my 94' C4, I did a voltage check on my MAP Sensor and it wasn't reading .3V @ 0 vacuum, or above 4V between terminals A and B. I wasn't getting a code on the MAP, but the voltage specifications were not as high as expected. I replaced the MAP sensor anyway, and could'nt believe how poor my idle was before. You may want to also check your IAC idle air control valve at the throttlebody. These are just specific tune up procedures, I'm not saying that your new ignition won't make your car idle better, but I had a C4, and I'm just relaying my experience with what I ran into. You also may want to purchase the General Motors Corvette Repair Manual #28502 that covers 84'-96' model years. It is better than the Haynes Manual when it comes to these types of dianostics. The Haynes is better for tearing down the motor and rebuilding it. Yeah, I had Bosch Platinum +4's on the C4, and I could not tell any difference either. My old plugs were in good condition when I made the swap.
Good Luck with the new ignition. I'm looking for a C5 performance coil replacement if anybody knows where I could find one. I'm not having much luck.