Accel or MSD???
 

I have a 92 camaro RS with the 3.1 v6... mods are: custom cai, K&N air filter, TB bypass, and bosch platiums. Within the next year i plan on getting a high flow cat (catco), dynomax cat- back with 2.5 mandrel bend, valve adjustment and pulleys. I figured after the pulleys i would need a better ignition system but even if not i still want to upgrade my spark. So which is better, Accel or MSD, I've heard good things about Accel, and also bad things about accel... the same for MSD, so for the money what ignition system would be the most reliable , safest and best.

Everyone has their own opinions. But FWIW, I have been using Accel ignition products on my Formula since 1993 without a single failure, except for wires I burned on my headers. I use Accel distributor cap; rotor; distributor module; electronic coil; spark plug wires.

I like my MSD ignition products better than my Accel.

I have had very good luck with MSD, just don't use Hypertech and you should be good either way.

i hate my 8.8 accel wires :D i need some msd wires. so fare i burnt a few of them but that does not bother me because it was my falt but what pisses me off about accel is they dont really stay in good and when you try to push them in the terminal just gets pushed back and you have to shove it back up

I do like the Accel black race wires. I think there around 150 ohms per foot, and the boots can handle a bit more temps.

Me....I'm currently running MSD Super Conductor 8.5mm with DEI boot sleeve's...
MSD Pro-Billet socket cap distributor
MSD blaster 2
MSD 6AL

Hell, I even made a custom set of 8.5 to put on my Impala over the holiday. (BTW: It's a 3.8 V6, not sure if your 3.1 V6 looks like it?)

Ron

I am also looking at a new ignition, either MSD or Accel. I'm leaning towards the Accel because it's smaller, comes with the GM style connectors and comes with a coil. With the MSD you must buy the harness and coil seperate. Unfortunately it seems that everyone has a MSD box. Not many Accel people.

I bought the MSD 6AL just because it seemed like most of the racers at the time were using 'em. Both boxes have their good points and bad points. Plus, I seem to favor MSD anyway, so the 6AL box seemed natural. No problems with it, it's been on for two years.

dont wast your time and money with accel. go with MSD their stuff is alot better.

Any personal experiences that would make you say that? have you owned an Accel 300+ ignition?

I had an accel set-up on my 89' Caprice. Good parts, but making those 300+ Race Wires fit my engine was a real pain in the arse. I don't like to see the term "fits any V8" on the box any more.;)

I heard that !!! Is it me or do they always make one that is way to short, and the rest a foot to long?

I now buy bulk wire, and cut my own. I think the Impala probably set me back around 50 bucks.
My 350 I used a universal cut to length set.

Ron

MSD all the way. i have screwed with mallory but msd is definitely my fav ignition manufacturer. however, their prices on plug wires were too steep for me so i went with accel 8 mm spiral core wires.

good ignition?
 

I've a 84 z28 carbed 305 h.o. it was totally smog equipped, called edelbrock and bought their cam/lifter setup, 600cfm carb, performer intake, now for the distributor,, They said I'd have to up grade but didnt say why, called em back and the reason why was because of the computer controlled smog junk. All the smog junk is gone and Iwent with the accel unit, good voltage and fair priced. I seen msd and accel advertise their polished billet unit's but why pay for the polish and shine that your not gonna see! THEEXTRA MONEY YOU SAVE COULD GO FOR SOME MORE WORTHY PERFORMANCE ITEMS. Both msd and accel are good, and everybody has a prefference for one reason or another, mine was cost and budget, Im happy, good luck

I bought a MSD Billet distributor for a couple of reasons non involve looks.

For one I got a Socket style to get rid of the bulky HEI unit (14" air cleaner, it gets tight) and run a remote coil.

There was timing issues at high RPM's, since the HEI unit I had was pushing 20 years old why chance another used unit. The rod begins to wobble if there is to much slack it causes the timing to jump around a bit.

Over all timing!!! Adjustable stop bushings (Adjust the length of the timing curve), thicker shaft & ball bearings to prevent shaft flex. The list is long but distinguished :)

BTW: They want you to run a distributor with a vacuum advance. Your fuel economy with suffer without one. I used to buy used pre '80 HEI for $25-40 bucks that are equiped with vacuum advance. Sure it's cheaper than my 180 dollar billet unit, but there real old -- pre '80???

Ron

OK OK OK they are pretty also :sillylol:

ok i have something bad to add (hey im a poet and didnt know it)
i just bought an MSD Blaster coil and MSD plug wires for my Formula yesterday and have had trouble outta both already. first we'll start with the coil. im drivin down the road (on the military post i live on) when my car starts to buck and miss and run like sh!t. so i pull over with the engine running and look under the hood to what to my wonderin eyes should appear? MY FU(KIN COIL IS SPARK LEAKING. and all i see is a shower of sparks. so i shut 'er down and remove it. now we'll move on to the wires. today my car starts acting up again. so when i get home i decide to put my old plug wires on due to MSD's track record thus far. shure 'nuff, put old ACCELS back on and car runs like a champ. cant get money back because its electrical. im p!$$ed!! and, to whom it may concern, yes, i am a MECHANIC so the work was done right.

GM has a good performance set, albeit costly, that probably will give you the least amount of complaints like a good old stock set. On top of that you can get logo's on them like GM Performance/Chevy bow tie and in blue red too. Not hard to track down too since they are after all from GM Performance.