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msd ignition

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by jeepdad, Jul 16, 2006.

  1. jeepdad

    jeepdad Member

    any of you guys use msd ignition for your 304? how do you like it and does the cost justify the improvement?
     
    jeepdad, Jul 16, 2006
    #1
  2. w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Yes, love it, and yes. :)

    Although my jeep has an L-head four in it, the MSD still gave it a bit more "seat of the pants" power and it idles noticebly smoother. I also have the Pertronix kit in the distributor. Look on eBay and you can occasionally find them at a good price used. The MSD-5 is more than adequate for most any jeep, as it is designed to run up to 5000 RPMs. The MD-6 is more expensive, and doesn't offer anything more to a jeep owner.
     
    w3srl, Jul 16, 2006
    #2
  3. BlueFlu

    BlueFlu past owner of some ecj5's

    Look into the offroad version, its setup for more vibration.
     
    BlueFlu, Jul 16, 2006
    #3
  4. jeepdad

    jeepdad Member

    thanks guys i really appreciate the input. ive been thinking about it, i suppose i'll get the old pry bar and pry open the old wallet and get one. now, does this unit plug in between the dist and ignition module or does it replace the module completely? is it all plug ins or do you have do alot of slicing and dicing with the wires?R)
     
    jeepdad, Jul 16, 2006
    #4
  5. TheBeav1955

    TheBeav1955 Member

    Not to question things but won't you be leaving a lot of the potential of the MSD ignition in the box if you don't upgrade to a better coil the old "can" style won't get you all of the high energy possible. I just completed the upgrade to the newer motorcraft distributor with a duraspark module and the TFI Coil. I have the timing set runs well but haven't had it out yet other than to the corner and back.
    View attachment 11827

    View attachment 11828
     
    TheBeav1955, Jul 16, 2006
    #5
  6. BlueFlu

    BlueFlu past owner of some ecj5's

    For what its worth, I used the MSD Blaster coil on one setup and and Pertronix Flame Thrower epoxy filled coil on another.
     
    BlueFlu, Jul 16, 2006
    #6
  7. mbalbritton

    mbalbritton Member

    I had an MSD box on my 304, and it was nice... until I water logged it... Go figure, water adn electronics don't mix.

    Bypassed it and drove home. never did replace it. I now have a TFI/HEI Hybrid ignition on it and for the $'s saved, I'd say pass on the MSD box and go TFI or HEI, or the Hybrid set-up (best of both worlds).

    Ford TFI coil, HEI 4 pin ignition module, remove any ballast resistor or restance wire from the ignition. Ford TFI Big Cap, 8mm spark plug wires minimum. And let roll. buying all that new you'll have about $100 in your ignition. Oh and you'll want to go ahead and go electronic dist. ir you're still running points.

    You'll now be running 12V in your ignition all the time, not just at start up. that's the reason for the HEI module. the Duraspark can't handle 12V all the time. If I just look at my key, the engine fires up.

    Oh and here's a wiring diagram for you if you're interested:
    [​IMG]
     
    mbalbritton, Jul 17, 2006
    #7