Which ignition? MSD or newer digital systems?

[Tod Lane]

Dragging myself out of a long self impossed exile I see many things have changed over the last twenty years or so.I got a lot of good information about the 8.5 ten bolt here so I thought why not ask another question.
For a 9 to 1 compression 7500 RPM motor I remeber the old MSD^ as the standard with a few choosing to up grade to the 7AL2, which I still have in an old bracket car sitting in the garage.
But now, in the new century, are there better alternatives? I see seeral manufactures offering digital systems where the old MSD's were/are analog. What is the advantages of each?
I see the MSD 6 is available in digital now as well for about 100.00 more than an analog version, is it worthwhile in such a low compression low RPM application?

[Jim Bailey]

Tod: contact Dave Layhe at Electromotion in Columbus, Ohio. He'll educate you and fix you right up.

[Lou SG2340]

I have run the 7AL2 for 10 yrs. If its not broke, don't fix it

[Dave Goob Cook]

Unless you need the traction control capabilities or the other ways to use the retard ramp / boost retard functions, there is no performance advantage to "upgrading".

[John Lang]

Tod ! If Jim Bailey tells you this consider this carved in concrete. Just look at his car! Besides its the cleanest MOPAR around and fast too ! I'm not sucking up as i'm to old to do that ! John Lang

[Jim Bailey]

Thanks John.

Tod: Here's the deal. How many times has a racer had their stuff tested at MSD? Is there anything ever wrong with it? ( It's almost always perfect ) We've all been through it. I DNQ this year at INDY with a brand new Digital 7 with "nothing wrong" with it at the MSD trailer.
Dave Leahy @ Electrimotion in Columbus Ohio does "Every" ignition system on "Every" fuel car in competition. You can't run a fuel car today without one of Dave's systems. Additionally, He can "really" test the function of the units, and, provide you with a computer print out of what it's really doing. My Brand New Digital 7 wasn't even close. Dave tested it, reprogrammed it, and set it up for my car. I went to my next race and went 1.08 under, my best run ever. He also works on Chuck Beech's stuff. Need I say more.
He's a busy guy, but, he's very helpful, and he stocks most MSD stuff. Call him at 740-972-9074.

[Robert Swartz]

Originally Posted by Jim Bailey

Thanks John.

Tod: Here's the deal. How many times has a racer had their stuff tested at MSD? Is there anything ever wrong with it? ( It's almost always perfect ) We've all been through it. I DNQ this year at INDY with a brand new Digital 7 with "nothing wrong" with it at the MSD trailer.
Dave Leahy @ Electrimotion in Columbus Ohio does "Every" ignition system on "Every" fuel car in competition. You can't run a fuel car today without one of Dave's systems. Additionally, He can "really" test the function of the units, and, provide you with a computer print out of what it's really doing. My Brand New Digital 7 wasn't even close. Dave tested it, reprogrammed it, and set it up for my car. I went to my next race and went 1.08 under, my best run ever. He also works on Chuck Beech's stuff. Need I say more.
He's a busy guy, but, he's very helpful, and he stocks most MSD stuff. Call him at 740-972-9074.

So, in a nutshell, when I get ready to have the MSD 7AL-2 in our old car rebuilt and upgraded. Better to call Dave Leahy and spend the money with him vs. sending it back to MSD.

I think what Tod is seeking, WHEN we get around to building our crate motor stocker, is there any real difference in using an MSD 6AL vs a 7AL series? Roaming the pits, I've seen both in pretty equal cars.

Robert Swartz

[art leong]

When you talk to msd on the phone they swear that it can't be their product, it must be caused by something else. After spending nearly $2000 and countless hours chasing every other thing possible the msd dis2 box finally quit for good. sent it back they said it couldn't be fixed. Bought a new one put it in car ran fine for 4 or 5 dyno pulls, then started to act up again. Called their tech line again. They swore it couldn't be their unit.(sound familiar?). Sent it back to them and there was a problem with it.
After that I **** canned the whole ignition system. Put one on that didn't need the msd. Car idles a thousand times better. Drives around the pits like a golf cart.
Paid $500 for the msd plus $100 to fix it,sold it on Ebay for $225. I figure I'm actually ahead a couple of thousand dollars.

[junior barns]

So Jim

Are you saying a person should consider sending a new msd ign to Mr. Layhe before install?

[Jim Bailey]

Dave and his staff at Electrimotion are the best. They will provide you with -NON- Bias information. Dave sells hundreds of thousands of dollars per year in MSD products to the Pro Fuel Teams. He can't afford to sell Faulty Products. ( keep in mind that many fuel teams return "every" mag., and coil to Dave after "every" race.) I personnally would buy everything (tested) from Dave from the get go. He is a wealth of knowlege on all racing applications. And has the means to back it up. .....I'm giving up secrets here! ....JB.