MSD 6al-2 -anyone using it

[JonnoDe]

As per my introduction, I have a 260z with a L26. It has the dome top carbies on it which appear to be off a 240. They run well so I don't want to go to a triple setup just yet. But I would like to upgrade my ignition module. It currently has a X700 on it which still has to run a ballast, limiting my input voltage to the coil. Seeing as i have a electronic distributor with no points, I would like to run something a bit more advanced.

 

Has anyone bought the 6al-2 module? There seems to be a few different types, from multi spark all the way to fully programmable with a laptop. Has anyone tried mapping there own ignition timing? And if so, what are your results?

[dat2kman]

If you buy one of these, watch that it is not the Chinese knock off.

These work well, as does a lot of other similar items.

 

I have a new msd6al2 ( USA made!) surplus  that i can sell.

[JonnoDe]

I guess there is no easy way to tell between them other than price I guess. What are you selling yours for?

[Riceburner]

I've run the 6AL-2 for quite a few years now. It's a great bit of kit, very simple to wire in and has had faultless operation on the track and street. I went with the non programmable model (red color), multiple spark below 3k, rev limiter, launch control and the capacitive discharge combined with MSD blaster hvc2 coil makes for a powerful spark.

 

I also got the electronic distributor rebuilt by scorcher in Melbourne as per the Datsun hot rod book.  The curve was reworked to include 10-11 degrees advance in the dizzy starting at 1,200rpm and all in by 2,400rpm. This is used with a static setting of 15degrees.

 

EDIT#

You'll also need helically wound plug wires. Standard wires will give off electric interference in the engine bay.

[44014]

I run one on my 440 big block coupled with a billet msd distributor.

Seems to be a good thing.

[JonnoDe]

It seems il go with a 6al2 then, which distributors and coils are people running?

[silvaghost23]

I've run the 6AL-2 for quite a few years now. It's a great bit of kit, very simple to wire in and has had faultless operation on the track and street. I went with the non programmable model (red color), multiple spark below 3k, rev limiter, launch control and the capacitive discharge combined with MSD blaster hvc2 coil makes for a powerful spark.

 

I also got the electronic distributor rebuilt by scorcher in Melbourne as per the Datsun hot rod book.  The curve was reworked to include 10-11 degrees advance in the dizzy starting at 1,200rpm and all in by 2,400rpm. This is used with a static setting of 15degrees.

 

EDIT#

You'll also need helically wound plug wires. Standard wires will give off electric interference in the engine bay.

 

Gareth,

 

how does the launch control work? I am using this Msd6 with MicroTech computer. Love it. Rev limiter is a good safety feature, but need to know if launch works auto or I need to engage it. Gets off the line awesome already.

 

Regan

[dat2kman]

I guess there is no easy way to tell between them other than price I guess. What are you selling yours for?

I have Private Messaged you.

[Riceburner]

Gareth,

 

how does the launch control work? I am using this Msd6 with MicroTech computer. Love it. Rev limiter is a good safety feature, but need to know if launch works auto or I need to engage it. Gets off the line awesome already.

 

Regan

 

Regan, I'm not to sure on the launch control as I haven't used it. IIRC I believe it is switched, as in you switch it on in the cabin, revs are then held at the set point which you adjust (say 4,000rpm), you floor it with no change in the revs, then side step the clutch and the rev launch disengages to normal throttle control. It could be fun but it sounds very harsh to me, not ideal for old Datsun's!

 

If you buy one of these, watch that it is not the Chinese knock off.

These work well, as does a lot of other similar items.

 

I have a new msd6al2 ( USA made!) surplus  that i can sell.

 

I'd go with Jason's, there's heaps of reports of recent failures on the newer chinese items!

 

Didn't MSD move there production over there recently? 

[Riceburner]

It seems il go with a 6al2 then, which distributors and coils are people running?

 

Get your 280zx dizzy rebuilt as it's probably in need of it anyway. Scorcher in Melbourne did mine, it now uses GM holden internals, rotor/cap and parts are cheap and readily available. The coil I use is a MSD Blaster HVC-II, it's the size of a brick but that's there most powerful coil.

[dat2kman]

I know a few that use the Launch function, mainly at Mt Cotton hillclimb.

The start line is on a concrete pad, often lots of tyre dust, and being concrete tha tyres just spin up, but you have broken the start light beam, and clock is going.

Most fit a small push to hold button on steering wheel, and keep the rpms low, to suit their car, once away, onto the bitumen, before turn 1, release button and full noise.

 

All it is is a "first" rev limiter, and then you have 2nd rev limiter. Both are fully adjustable!

And the drag race guys use them a lot.

Sidestepping/sliding foot off, clutch pedal at 3500-4000 is a lot gentler, than at 6500!

[neRok]

I've read some good things about the programmable one on v8 forums like aussiev8.com.au. You need a locked dizzy to use one though (ie no/disabled mechanical advance within the dizzy).

[Six_Shooter]

I've read some good things about the programmable one on v8 forums like aussiev8.com.au. You need a locked dizzy to use one though (ie no/disabled mechanical advance within the dizzy).

 

No, you don't...

 

A street engine does not usually do well with a locked dizzy, and is not needed when using an ignition box like the 6AL or 6AL-2. All timing control is done via the dizzy (or ECM control on EFI vehicles), all the 6AL(-2) does is amplify the spark output, and when needed limits the RPM, via the built in rev limiter(s).

[neRok]

My bad. I was thinking of the Programmable 6AL-2 #6530 http://msdignition.com/Products/Ignitions/6530_-_MSD_Digital_Programmable_6AL-2.aspx (I thought all 6AL-2 were programmable, but apparently not). I have heard good things about them.

 

If anyone is considering MSD, you might also want to look at ICE Ignition. They are Australian made. See this for a comparison to CDI http://www.iceignition.com/ice-vs-cdi

[JonnoDe]

There is multiple types of 6al2s..... Some are programmable which would make sense using s locked dizzy. As if it started to advance mechanically your map program wouldn't know