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Author Topic: MSD 6AL Ignition  (Read 6399 times)

Offline Russ130

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MSD 6AL Ignition
« on: May 27, 2009, 01:22:53 PM »
I had one of these units in my truck and every now and then it would die. I would disconnect it from the battery and reconnect it and it would run fine for sometimes as long as 3-4 months other times only a few minutes. It was a major pain in the neck but when it started to sputter because of it that is when I pulled it out. I originally thought it was the carb causing the sputtering possibly due to bad gas or something. My question is has anybody run an MSD6AL with the latest updates on it? Mine is out of warranty so I will have to send it in to get the latest updates applied to it but I really don't want to if the update is not reliable enough to run on an daily driver.

Perhaps someone can recommend another ignition system that is reliable enough and money is no object for me. Well at least up to a point say $2000 just for the controller part not including distributor, coil, wires or plugs. Obviously I want the benefits of more power and better gas mileage easier starting like the MSD as well as reliability.
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Offline HAULIN IT

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Re: MSD 6AL Ignition
« Reply #1 on: May 27, 2009, 02:58:25 PM »
Russ, What is your truck primarily used for? Your needs/goals MAY have in impact on my suggestion. Lorne
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Offline VileZambonie

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Re: MSD 6AL Ignition
« Reply #2 on: May 27, 2009, 03:11:50 PM »
My cousin just used the summit brand ignition system for his Cuda. I have 2 MSD 6AL systems and one 6A. Knock on wood I've never had a failure but I've always kept them dry and rubber mounted.
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Offline Russ130

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Re: MSD 6AL Ignition
« Reply #3 on: May 27, 2009, 06:12:41 PM »
The only real work it will do from now on is haul my boat and plow a couple of driveways. Other than that it is pretty much a toy and project. I'd like to get the body and interior back to like new condition and have the drivetrain in better than new condition. I have no intention on racing the truck but I do want a bullet proof ignition. I have spent plenty of money making sure everything I do to this drivetrain is bulletproof and the ignition will be no exception.
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Offline VileZambonie

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Re: MSD 6AL Ignition
« Reply #4 on: May 27, 2009, 07:29:24 PM »
Well Bullet proof is tough with a solid state device. Transistors don't last forever. I'd say replace the unit you have with a new one.
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Offline HAULIN IT

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Re: MSD 6AL Ignition
« Reply #5 on: May 28, 2009, 12:15:36 PM »
Russ, My thoughts would be buy Two new AC Delco distributors, Two sets of wires, Two sets of plugs & a 9/16" wrench. Install one set on the truck & put the other behind the seat. May not be bulletproof, but would not likely leave you stranded for long. The K.I.S.S. theory applies in this case. Lorne
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Offline Russ130

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Re: MSD 6AL Ignition
« Reply #6 on: May 29, 2009, 08:44:15 PM »
Thanks Haulin It but I am looking for a little better than stock.

Vile are you saying you feel confident with the latest update for the 6al? I have also kept mine dry and mounted on the rubber mounts.
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Offline VileZambonie

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Re: MSD 6AL Ignition
« Reply #7 on: May 29, 2009, 10:18:53 PM »
Well I don't work for MSD but how many people are running them? I wouldn't be afraid to buy a new one nor would I hesitate to. I wouldn't just run the module though. I'd run their coil, distributor, cap and rotor too.
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Offline fitz

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Re: MSD 6AL Ignition
« Reply #8 on: May 29, 2009, 11:53:51 PM »
I run a DUI (Davis Unified Ignition) HEI distributor in my camaro. It's about 8 years old now and has never given me any trouble. It cost about $300.
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Offline howlinwolf

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Re: MSD 6AL Ignition
« Reply #9 on: June 20, 2009, 02:48:50 PM »
my dad has run the 6al msd box on his judge, but we had a wiring nightmare as it had been installed, then uninstalled, and the car was in pieces. he has no trouble now!
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Offline joesgarage71

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Re: MSD 6AL Ignition
« Reply #10 on: June 20, 2009, 03:37:39 PM »
I've had a 6AL on my ElCamino for over ten years with no trouble, cept when my battery is low on voltage it will sputter and pop. I charge the batt and shes fine.
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Offline 07montecarlo

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Re: MSD 6AL Ignition
« Reply #11 on: June 26, 2009, 07:38:21 PM »
pro billet magnetic pickup distributor with the 6al jacobs coil and 8.8's and you will have one -_- ignition system...i loved my setup in my chevelle and my truck when done will have same setup
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