MSD vs OEM ignition

I have had some very strange ignition issues and have tried everything to fix them. Thinking there was no way my tried and true 6A box was the problem it was the last thing I tried, but I finally did hook up all the old factory ignition components and it finally started running right. So since my 6A must be the culprit should I buy a new one or stick with the factory stuff. My max rpm is about 6000 so I don't know that it is worth it Opinions???

Contact Pat Collins at Tech West Racing. He repairs MSD boxes.
http://techwestracing.com/

A new 6AL is $289 and my current box is nearly 20 years old so would it be worth sending one in to fix?

I would vote stick with the MSD box, whether new or rebuilt. I couldn't actually tell a difference between my factory & MSD box as far as how the engine runs, but I bought my MSD-6A used in 1983 and it still seems to be working well....I'm happy with it.

You can send them into MSD too.. .my buddy had an issue with his 6AL (or the MSD distributor. wasn't sure) and he sent them both in to MSD and they repaired the problem and he was only out postage costs.

He hadn't bought either new, they were in a truck he bought used about 6 or 7? years ago..

Absolutely. I'd rather have the old ones than the new ones...lots of counterfeit MSD products for sale on the internet.

Like said earlier, MSD will also repair them. It's usually a cheap fix w/ those boxes...less than $100 w/ shipping both ways.

I would stick with the stock stuff if your engine is running just fine. I would look into having the MSD repaired so I could sell it.

I gave up on mine about 20 years ago. I had the same experience. Really liked it when it worked.

Robert

Dad did the same with his, but he just lives in the next town west of El Paso, so no postage cost for him. His box seemed more reliable than mine was.

Robert

As said, send it to MSD & if they fix it for a little bit of nothing then you're in good shape. Otherwise keep the OE stuff for now. You're up & running right now which is 90% of the game & that reminds me I have a 6A I need to do something with & after reading this thread I am going to do the same thing. thank you!

IMO the MSD is overkill on street cars as well as those that see occasional track time. They do have an awesome marketing department though

Didn't Holley buy MSD? Might be on the way out?
I have a 5c & 7c and 4 of the 6s. every time I see a good deal on one I buy it.

No personal experience with analyzing the old vs new MSD, but from many different sources Ive heard the old MSD boxes were high quality and last many many years, while the newer ones are not as quality as the old, manufactured much cheaper and many people have had issues with them. When I get my new ignition, I will probably get a Crane Fireball CDI, but have also been considering an all in one distributor from firecore50, Ive heard nothing but great reviews from both. Every product will have some defective units, but overall I hear the new MSD's are just not what they use to be.

How did it quit? I thought my old MSD6A died, but it was after hosing down the engine compartment. I had gotten water in the unused magnetic pickup wires that I wraped in electrical tape. I unwraped the tape which was holding the water, not keeping it out, and shook the wires dry and the car started right up.

Holley is the biggest dog in the yard and is likely to be in business for a long, long time. They came out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2010 and were healthy enough that in 2015 they were able to borrow the capital for the MSD purchase.

Holley has been able to adapt to new technology and keep current, so they aren't faced with a steadily dwindling market.

The Mopar breakerless system is certainly good enough for a street car, as is the GM HEI. But where do you get a brand new Mopar type ignition box these days? Even, where do you get a good HEI module nowadays? The MSD box works and is made in USA and has a stellar reputation, even with the few naysayers we have here.

Personally, I grew up with Accel and I like that yellow color better than the red. I also like their 300+ system, although it went away with the MSD takeover of Mr. Gasket.

Pick your aftermarket box for street cars based on which color looks good under your hood, they all work (USA ones at least).

R.