I have been dyno testing a lot of different ignition components lately on one of my engines.
The latest testing was done on a Firecore ready to run distributor along with their matching coil. I did some back to back testing of this setup versus the MSD 6 and a matching Blaster 2 coil.
I also need to thank Rich @ Firecore for loaning a couple of other coils to me for testing purposes.

The results pretty much speak for themselves. The Firecore setup ran as good as and at many points over the rpm range,actually surpassed the MSD system. I will be testing the Firecore setup against the MP Chrome box in the next day or so,but I can tell you that in some of my previous testing,the MSD outshined the Chrome box everyrwhere. So if history repeats itself,the old MP will be outdone again.

Keith

Testing was done on a 440 + .055 bore,standard stroke 451 c.i. engine. All tests were done with the same 38 degrees total timing,and with the same 93 octane premium pump gas.

Last sheet for now. I should note,the HVC 2 Rich loaned me was the other test. It is supposed to be a better coil than the Blaster 2 for this ignition. It actually was nearly the same in this application.

I have the race mechanical unit in my 493 and I loved it the minute I bolted it in I was able to set the advance curve that I needed within minutes and it is rock steady timing
Gus

Keith...Real world testing!! I love it! Did you play with the timing anymore than the 38*?

Hi Ted!,
I did play with the timing,and if it were not for my lack of hi speed internet,I would post a lot more.
With both ignitions it basically had the same results with less timing,but the power fell off everywhere. I also tested the HVC coil against the Firecore with his distributor. The Firecore ran better in all but one of the tests. I think that one was a fluke,because repeating the test a few more times the Firecore consistently outperformed it.
Keith

Gorski sure has a good product!

Try a Mopar Gold Box instead,I'll bet it won't surpass that.

I would be glad to test one,if you send me a good one.
Several years ago I tried getting a Gold Box for one of my bracket cars. I went through a couple of them and could not get one that would work. I figured it was a wiring issue,went through the MP manual about wiring it,and had a friend try them in his car that ran a gold box. Would not work in his car either.
This was back around the time people were having issues with orange boxes so that might have something to do with it.
I have been running an Accel digital ignition in my car the last several years,I am not a fan of MSD and all the hassles people have with them. I am working on testing several different ignition sytems to decide what I think is the best for the money.
I would be glad to try another gold box,but I won't spend money on one after the results I had before,there are too many other options.
Keith

Did you test the Firecore coil with the MSD box?

Yes,the MSD box was not happy at all with it. Sounded like it was on a rev limiter before it got to 2000 rpm. I would have to let Rich explain it,I can only guess that the Firecore system has a long hot spark and and the coil won't take quick short spikes like the MSD. But as I said,that is purely speculation on my part from what I have seen happen with some other combinations.
Keith

Thanks for the posts and info, Keith. Something must be wrong with the coil. We made that coil specifically for the MSD 6 al AND our RTR Distributor. It has the identical specs as the MSD SS Coil. Please check again. If it does not work, I'll send another. I have been running our coil and the MSD6AL for 2 years on my 10.81 Hemi Purple Behemouth.

Thanks again.

Am I seeing that correctly????
what gives with the numbers at 6400 and 6500? The Firecore stuff is leading by 11 hp then at 100 more rpm its magically gives up 14 HP?
The numbers look crazy, they loose at one rpm, and gain by the same diff the next.
Im not debating the FireCore Stuff is good quality.
again 4200 and 4300 rpms?

Thanks Rich,I will check it again. I tested a few different coils with both ignitions. I will be doing some more testing in another day or so. I will let you know what happens then.
I did remember you telling me the coil would not work with the MP ignitions and would kill the MP box,so when I thought there was a problem with it on the MSD I just pulled it off.

Keith

Hello,

I was wondering if those number irregularities were dyno issues.

Damon

Hi Bob,good eye!
What you are seeing is part of the reason I use the software I have for this dyno. It allows me to look at the data without all the data dampening some other software uses. It reveals some things other software won't
If you look at the graph closely you can see that the MSD and Blaster combination does the same thing,but earlier(6100 rpm).
For whatever reason the other setups did it at a higher rpm. When I first started seeing this happen I thought it was a valvetrain issue,but airflow data showed that not to be the case.
I can smooth out the data to keep things easier to read but I don't learn as much that way.
Keith

Thanks,Damon. I was posting at the same time as you. There is so much manipulating going on with data in some dyno software to make things look smooth on graphs it is sickening.
I have a brochure from one manufacturer that brags about how smooth their data dampening is.
Keith

Cool tests !! Interested in the chrome box

Do you have a set of the firecore plug wires you could dyno vs a set of any brand race wires ?

In all my infinite wisdom,I did not think to get a set of Firecore wires. I need to do that!
Keith

Sorry for the Hijack but I need:
Fire Core offer a coil for the MSD 7AL series? Doesnt seem like there is many options.. More or less the MSD Prfo power, or the HVC? Not sure what I need, but need one that will work for my old reliable MSD 7AL-3???