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removing msd that crapped out

Posted By: fal3

removing msd that crapped out - 01/04/24 05:00 PM

I'm not adept at electronics, so I'm trying to make it simple for myself. Check me on this idea. Remove the msd box; follow Mopar instructions on converting points-to-electronic ignition. Engine (440) already has electronic ignition installed. Does this make sense? I've got the instructions for points-to-electronic ignition, and I kept the wiring harness and ecu orange box for electronic ignition. Thanks in advance.
FL
Posted By: 5thAve

Re: removing msd that crapped out - 01/04/24 05:55 PM

Yes. Since you already had electronic ignition some of the wiring should already be there but you should be able to figure that out from the instructions and wiring diagram.
Posted By: fal3

Re: removing msd that crapped out - 01/04/24 09:43 PM

Awesome! I was hoping my idea was the solution. Thanks for confirming it!
Posted By: 5thAve

Re: removing msd that crapped out - 01/05/24 12:10 AM

Good luck with it.

My MSD seems to work but makes noises. It was in the car when I got it, it's installed in a hard spot to get to so I dint even know what model it is.
Posted By: moparx

Re: removing msd that crapped out - 01/05/24 06:04 PM

yes, follow the instructions for converting points to electronic ignition, and remove the MSD box.
however, i believe you also need to convert your single field alternator to a dual field alternator, with the electronic conversion.
you might want to have someone confirm that, or tell me i'm "full of bean soup !" laugh2
beer
Posted By: Cab_Burge

Re: removing msd that crapped out - 01/05/24 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by fal3
I'm not adept at electronics, so I'm trying to make it simple for myself. Check me on this idea. Remove the msd box; follow Mopar instructions on converting points-to-electronic ignition. Engine (440) already has electronic ignition installed. Does this make sense? I've got the instructions for points-to-electronic ignition, and I kept the wiring harness and ecu orange box for electronic ignition. Thanks in advance.
FL

Why do you want to change it to a lesser ignition like the Mopar brand? work
I'm a firm believer in if it isn't broke don't fix it tsk grin twocents
Posted By: fal3

Re: removing msd that crapped out - 01/05/24 10:35 PM

The butt meter did not pick-up any difference between stock ignition and msd 6 box. I've a mild performance 440, and I've run both style ignitions. I purchased the msd in 2000, and I can't afford the price of a new msd. So it basically came down to economics. I'm recently retired, so I don't have the disposable cash that I use to have. Thanks for all the input.
FYI- alternator is a dual feed.
Posted By: Cab_Burge

Re: removing msd that crapped out - 01/06/24 06:44 AM

The MSD box is probably way better ignition than the Mopar Orange ECU box is unless it is a real early MSD 5 series box and if it is that it is as good as the Orange ECU, maybe a tiny bit better than the Mopar Oranges are twocents
Posted By: Moparite

Re: removing msd that crapped out - 01/06/24 01:58 PM

Engine masters did a comparison of different ignitions, MSD was the best. And from my experience with MSD6A i would agree.
Posted By: MoonshineMattK

Re: removing msd that crapped out - 01/08/24 01:00 AM

I use a GM HEI module in combination with a late 1990s GM truck coil.

This article details the reasoning and process:

https://www.slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15779
Posted By: TJP

Re: removing msd that crapped out - 01/08/24 03:15 AM

I've removed more MSD units than I can remember. I believe they have good marketing department and have spent a bundle on advertising etc. reminds me a bit of Fram oil filters except they do produce a good product. But, I really don't feel there is a need for them on a street car that occasionally sees a little action on the track.
I feel the same on plug wires. 10mm is becoming common, why not just go for 12.5, 16, or 19 mm 🤣🤣
if you're running 14:1 compression on alcohol maybe but on a street car? waste of money IMO twocents beer
Posted By: CMcAllister

Re: removing msd that crapped out - 01/08/24 03:36 AM

Replacing conventional stuff with MSD, the engine always sounds better as soon as you start it, At least to me.

I'm afraid, like every other victim of PE firms, MSD has suffered from cost cutting and production being sent overseas. Still probably some of the best stuff out there,

Daytona Sensors ignitions is getting some love from those who have swapped over. 100% USA made. May try them at some point.
Posted By: Diplomat360

Re: removing msd that crapped out - 01/08/24 03:18 PM

You didn't say which MSD 6 box, so I've attached one of the older Install instructions for the 6400 I have saved here. Point being: take a look at the Chrysler section and while reverse-engineering the wiring match this up to the factory components.

Re: 'better or worse', I've always struggled with the following in MSD's marketing: the CD boxes provide multiple spark discharges, yey, and so apparently it makes these boxes great for racing, etc...ummm, but the docs clearly state that multiple sparks go away at about 3500 RPM...soooo benefits to racing being???

From that perspective, I would actually think that box is a better choice for a street Mopar, especially something with a healthier cam (thus a bit extra overlap and rather poor mixing), that maybe struggles a bit at a lower RPM.

No hands-on experience here, although I've got the MP branded (P4876729) MSD 6ALN box here that I'm itching to try out this coming spring!

Attached File
Posted By: fal3

Re: removing msd that crapped out - 01/08/24 08:26 PM

Guilty as charged for succumbing to MSD PR. Stopped racing some years ago. She's a daily driver, so I don't need to squeeze every bit of horsepower from it.
Posted By: 2boltmain

Re: removing msd that crapped out - 01/09/24 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by CMcAllister
Replacing conventional stuff with MSD, the engine always sounds better as soon as you start it, At least to me.

I'm afraid, like every other victim of PE firms, MSD has suffered from cost cutting and production being sent overseas. Still probably some of the best stuff out there,

Daytona Sensors ignitions is getting some love from those who have swapped over. 100% USA made. May try them at some point.


Daytona Sensors ignitions is very interesting. Claims entirely made in the USA. Reminds me of the Crane HI6 box.
Posted By: Moparite

Re: removing msd that crapped out - 01/09/24 11:47 AM

Quote
I've removed more MSD units than I can remember.

The old ones from the 70's-80's had some issues. 6 sparks as opposed to one is better for more than just performance.
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