MSD

[bkkincaid]

Hey, all! Just bought an 81 Wag Q-Trac, and looking for some advice on an ignition system upgrade.
What's the best ignition system setup for this Jeep (with the 360 V8)?
Which MSD works best?
What is the advantage of TFI?
Just getting started in the world of FSJ, so any advice would be great.
Thanks!

[Desert Beast]

well i got a MSD pro billet dizzy and 6a controller and im more than happy with it. i also run the MSD tfi coil. if ur gonna go MSD thats what id go w/. or the off-road controller (thats what im gonna upgrade to).

long story short, you wont be disappointed w/ the MSD setup.

---edit---
welcome to the board.

[ January 12, 2004, 03:57 AM: Message edited by: Desert Beast ]

[brielly]

MSD 6a and the blaster 2 coil with ford cap and plug wires works for me on my 6cyl and will produce the same results on your 8. See the upgrades part of my website (in my signature)for the details. From what Ive read you may want to install the msd under your dash because the heat from the 8 cyl can fry it.

[Bozz]

Does anyone have the MSD part numbers and maybe a website for the TFI conversion? Why the preference of MSD over NAPA or others? Thanks.

[89grand]

I've got a MSD 6A and a TFI upgrade using parts available from Checker or AutoZone. I really like the set up and have certainly seen improvements over stock. I'm really not so sure that are any advantages to using MSD parts for the TFI upgrade over Wells or whatever from any auto parts store, but I certainly think the MSD 6A is superior to the Motorcraft ignition module. I saw most of the improvements with just the TFI upgrade before I installed the MSD but the MSD 6A helped too. If you go with the MSD 6A make sure you buy the wiring harness for the Motorcraft distributor, you have to buy it seperately, it's about $15.

[nograin]

I only check in occassionally, but there are some very thorough threads and links on the TFI upgrade parts in either the new tech archives, or regular archoves if they are still searchable.

Depends a lot on what you have. I don't recall the year span for the Duraspark ignition. Its the Duraspark ignition module that the TFI upgrade helps. It basically adds better components, most importantly an e-core type coil that Ford used on their Duraspark ignitions. That allows a slightly larger spark plug gap to be used. BTW MSD's SS coil is an e-core type.

The MSD ignitions are a capacitive discharge system creating multiple sparks at lower rpm to minimize misfires. Real helpful if you are running a set up that is a little wild, because it almost elimates low rpm misfires typical with such setups. (eg radical cams, single plane manifolds) plus it has the energy to allow wider spark gaps.

If you are running stock stuff, then just get real good components; Blue Streak , Motorcraft (avail through mopar performance beleive it or not) both make good caps and rotors, and the latter good distributors. Of course an MSD distribuotr is a beautiful piece, and you will pay for it. smile.gif Wires? MSD, Taylor would be first choices or Whiticar (sp?) if they are still made. I have Jacobs in the Waggy now, and they were OK, but the 90degree boots to the distributor are a pain to work with.

[mccrost]

Question:

How can I tell if I have a Duraspark distributer? I have an 89 GW. Which is stock.

Dave

[nograin]

I think you have the Duraspark Ignitition.

Duraspark refers to the ignition module really. The distributor is a Ford product as well, but is nothing special - just a magnetic pickup distributor. The Duraspark takes the signal from the magnetic pickup, amplifies it, and controls the coil. That's the same as most ignition control boxes (starting about '73 for Chrysler one of the earliest companies to switch to a non-points system). Nothing special or significantly different in operation from any other.

The TFI upgrade takes advantage of a better coil design that morks with the Duraspark module. The MSD is a capacitive discharge system. It still uses the distributor with a magnetic signal, but is completely different control and spark energy method.