MSD distributor questions
#1
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 5.7 TPI L98
Transmission: 700-R4
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" with 4.11
MSD distributor questions
Im using the stock distributor with a MSD remote coil and MSD 6A box. Ive been using this combo for about 9 years and i keep burning up my ignition modules, (about 1 every year). Ive tried a few different brands of modules to the same result. Will the MSD distributor help me out? I don't want to shell out $250 if its not gonna really help. Will i have to wire it up to the box different than the stock distributor? I lost my instructions that came with the 6A box. I think i remember it might just plug right in. There is a plug outlet on the box thats not hooked up right now.
__________________
__________________
#2
Supreme Member
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: The "D"
Posts: 1,761
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: A Portly 85 Z28
Engine: 4.530 X 4.250 BBC
Transmission: under rated for this application
Axle/Gears: also under rated
Re: MSD distributor questions
I would think right away that the MSD has nothing to do withthe modules going out, something else is going on there. I would think the MSD dizzy would be a better choice for a car not using a computer controlled advance.
MSD has all of the inst online, here`s the one you lost..
http://www.msdignition.com/pdf/6%20series/pdf2.pdf
MSD has all of the inst online, here`s the one you lost..
http://www.msdignition.com/pdf/6%20series/pdf2.pdf
#3
Supreme Member
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Woodland Hills, CA USA
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: Yes...
Engine: Last time I checked...
Transmission: See "Engine"...
Re: MSD distributor questions
My stock one was showing it's age. The ignition module wires start getting brittle, the connector starts to deteriorate, patina forms on some of the components.
I went for the MSD distributor and have been happy with. It's a direct replacement, so no wiring issues to be concerned about. It's just a matter if you want to spend the money or not. You could also go with a stock replacement to save money.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 5.7 TPI L98
Transmission: 700-R4
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" with 4.11
Re: MSD distributor questions
So that crusty stuff is called "patina"? I just learned something new. Yeah, the wires seem brittle and crusty. The screws and connections are rusty too. Does the MSD dizzy come complete with a new module? When you say direct replacement, do you mean its exactly the same as a stocker? Does it have any additional hook-ups for timing retard/advance controls if i wish to add them in the future? Basically im just asking if its a better quality part than the stock one.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Last edited by 2QUIK4U; 02-23-2008 at 06:21 PM. Reason: grammar
#5
Supreme Member
iTrader: (10)
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Moorpark, CA
Posts: 2,391
Likes: 0
Received 147 Likes
on
106 Posts
Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: MSD distributor questions
I had the exact same set up of a 6A & coil in my GTA, ironically a '91 also, but I did not have any issues with ignition modules until last year. Then mine went out also. In addition to the module, my dizzy corroded so much that two points were missing. So I found it more economical to just drop in a whole new MSD 8366 dizzy. It was a direct replacement. No issues with having to rewire anything. Pretty simple process. Just make sure you index your rotor prior to removal. I've had no problems since then.
#7
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 5.7 TPI L98
Transmission: 700-R4
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" with 4.11
Re: MSD distributor questions
when you say index my rotor, do you mean to make sure to note its position when i remove the old one? Sorry for the dumb question.
Trending Topics
#8
Supreme Member
iTrader: (10)
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Moorpark, CA
Posts: 2,391
Likes: 0
Received 147 Likes
on
106 Posts
Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: MSD distributor questions
Yes that is what I meant. A simple way is to use a grease pen and make a small mark on the intake or cowl (depending on where it is pointed).
On a side note: I finally found out why my car was running like crap and not starting properly and why the timing would stay in a normal range so it could pass emissions. It turns out the MSD coil took a dump on me. So now I have to buy a new coil. Lucky me.
On a side note: I finally found out why my car was running like crap and not starting properly and why the timing would stay in a normal range so it could pass emissions. It turns out the MSD coil took a dump on me. So now I have to buy a new coil. Lucky me.
#9
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Seattle
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 80 TR7 V8 w/ 91 Z28 OBD1
Engine: 3.5 Liter
Axle/Gears: 3.45
Re: MSD distributor questions
Ok this is a weird question for you I am sure.
I have a TR8 with a Rover 3500 (Old Buick 215) in it.
I am running a computer from a z28 and all the software with it. I have an ignition module from a GM that is on my front clip that is attached to the dizzy (see photo). The MSD dizzy you guys talk about has what looks like the module built in. Is this correct. If I run that dizzy can I then can my module?
I have a TR8 with a Rover 3500 (Old Buick 215) in it.
I am running a computer from a z28 and all the software with it. I have an ignition module from a GM that is on my front clip that is attached to the dizzy (see photo). The MSD dizzy you guys talk about has what looks like the module built in. Is this correct. If I run that dizzy can I then can my module?
#10
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Re: MSD distributor questions
I think most modules burn up because of having a weak ground connection, and/or not having an effective heat-sink (overheating).
Since you are running other components in the system, I would also suspect, and inspect the grounding of the coil and MSD box.
Since you are running other components in the system, I would also suspect, and inspect the grounding of the coil and MSD box.
#11
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 87 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.23 posi
Re: MSD distributor questions
I just replaced my distributor and the igintion modules keep burning up, i have no idea why they are but it's annoying me, I have a new coil too so thats not the problem and every thing is stock no my car( 305 TPI )
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Triangle NC
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 82 Ponitac Firebird
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 4L60e/TCI TCU
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: MSD distributor questions
Hi All,
I just recently had to replace the ignition module on my 350TPI after 12 years of use. The MSD Dizzy comes with an AC Delco ignition module. If figure since MDS uses the AC Delco part, that is want I wanted, so I located a genuine AC Delco ignition modle. I took over a month to get the AC-module-a very long wait. All of the ignition modules that you can buy at Advance, Napa, or Auto-Zone are Chinese knock-offs and I would recommend to stay away from them.
I have been running the MSD-6 for 12 years with no problems.
I just recently had to replace the ignition module on my 350TPI after 12 years of use. The MSD Dizzy comes with an AC Delco ignition module. If figure since MDS uses the AC Delco part, that is want I wanted, so I located a genuine AC Delco ignition modle. I took over a month to get the AC-module-a very long wait. All of the ignition modules that you can buy at Advance, Napa, or Auto-Zone are Chinese knock-offs and I would recommend to stay away from them.
I have been running the MSD-6 for 12 years with no problems.
Last edited by BruceEmbry; 09-15-2010 at 09:59 PM.
#13
Re: MSD distributor questions
I just replaced my distributor and the igintion modules keep burning up, i have no idea why they are but it's annoying me, I have a new coil too so thats not the problem and every thing is stock no my car( 305 TPI ).
______________________________________
Malaysia Flights
Kuala Lumpur Accommodation
______________________________________
Malaysia Flights
Kuala Lumpur Accommodation
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post