MSD Power Grid + 7AL2

Darrin Christen · 06-01-2015, 10:54 PM

Anyone using a 7AL-2 with a Power Grid? I have noticed that while on the launch rev limiter the rpm is very rough or erratic. The Racepak shows the rpm jumping around 300-400 rpm. For example if I set the rpm at 3200 the car may leave at 3200 or 3500. I previously ran the 7AL-2 with a 3 Step and it was a lot smoother. Has anyone else noticed this?

buzzinhalfdozen · 06-02-2015, 09:07 AM

Though I'm not certain, perhaps a change in RPM limiting strategy? The number of hits and misses may be different in the grid, perhaps it's something you can change? As I've never used one I'm merely guessing but that may be something to look into. Joe

Average Joe · 06-02-2015, 11:44 PM

Are you using the rev limits in the grid controller or the chips in the 7al-2? MSD acknowledges a harsh rev limit if you use the rev limits function in the grid and recommend using the chips in the 7al boxes when using the grid.

Darrin Christen · 06-03-2015, 01:11 AM

Thanks for the replies. Yes I'm using the rev limits in the Grid controller. I actually spoke to a MSD rep on the midway explaining my issue. He could not explain why it was so rough but suggested I go back to using my three step instead of the Grid Controller for the rev limits. I'm assuming this is not an issue when using the complete Grid ignition system?

Average Joe · 06-03-2015, 09:35 PM

That is the reason why I bit the bullet and bought boy the 7730 and 7720. It is a much cleaner setup to install that way and then your rev limits will work just fine via the grid controller.

Steve Polhill · 06-05-2015, 12:29 PM

We run that exact thing on our comp car and I noticed the same thing. What I did was Set all the RPM Limiters to 12,000 RPM and piggy backed a regular 2 step on the grid. Problem solved.

With ours being a 4 cyl Comp car when the 2 step from the Grid Box came in, the whole car would rock back and forth.

I was told it had something to do with the Grid box being digital and the 7AL being Analog.

Darrin Christen · 06-05-2015, 02:04 PM

Thanks everyone for the help. Time to make a decision to go back to the old rev limiter or spend some $ on the rest of the grid system and sell off the 7al stuff.

06-01-2015, 10:54 PM	#1
Darrin Christen Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Des Allemands, LA Posts: 365 Likes: 8 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	MSD Power Grid + 7AL2 Anyone using a 7AL-2 with a Power Grid? I have noticed that while on the launch rev limiter the rpm is very rough or erratic. The Racepak shows the rpm jumping around 300-400 rpm. For example if I set the rpm at 3200 the car may leave at 3200 or 3500. I previously ran the 7AL-2 with a 3 Step and it was a lot smoother. Has anyone else noticed this? __________________ 4878 SS/GA 66CHEVY II

06-02-2015, 09:07 AM	#2
buzzinhalfdozen Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bellevue Ohio Posts: 984 Likes: 0 Liked 11 Times in 8 Posts	Re: MSD Power Grid + 7AL2 Though I'm not certain, perhaps a change in RPM limiting strategy? The number of hits and misses may be different in the grid, perhaps it's something you can change? As I've never used one I'm merely guessing but that may be something to look into. Joe __________________ Joe Buchanan SS/BX 3117

06-02-2015, 11:44 PM	#3
Average Joe Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 33 Likes: 17 Liked 18 Times in 8 Posts	Re: MSD Power Grid + 7AL2 Are you using the rev limits in the grid controller or the chips in the 7al-2? MSD acknowledges a harsh rev limit if you use the rev limits function in the grid and recommend using the chips in the 7al boxes when using the grid.

06-03-2015, 01:11 AM	#4
Darrin Christen Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Des Allemands, LA Posts: 365 Likes: 8 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: MSD Power Grid + 7AL2 Thanks for the replies. Yes I'm using the rev limits in the Grid controller. I actually spoke to a MSD rep on the midway explaining my issue. He could not explain why it was so rough but suggested I go back to using my three step instead of the Grid Controller for the rev limits. I'm assuming this is not an issue when using the complete Grid ignition system? __________________ 4878 SS/GA 66CHEVY II

06-03-2015, 09:35 PM	#5
Average Joe Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 33 Likes: 17 Liked 18 Times in 8 Posts	Re: MSD Power Grid + 7AL2 That is the reason why I bit the bullet and bought boy the 7730 and 7720. It is a much cleaner setup to install that way and then your rev limits will work just fine via the grid controller.

06-05-2015, 12:29 PM	#6
Steve Polhill Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: London Ontario Posts: 515 Likes: 40 Liked 262 Times in 74 Posts	Re: MSD Power Grid + 7AL2 We run that exact thing on our comp car and I noticed the same thing. What I did was Set all the RPM Limiters to 12,000 RPM and piggy backed a regular 2 step on the grid. Problem solved. With ours being a 4 cyl Comp car when the 2 step from the Grid Box came in, the whole car would rock back and forth. I was told it had something to do with the Grid box being digital and the 7AL being Analog. __________________ Steve Polhill 3520 STOCK, COMP

06-05-2015, 02:04 PM	#7
Darrin Christen Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Des Allemands, LA Posts: 365 Likes: 8 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: MSD Power Grid + 7AL2 Thanks everyone for the help. Time to make a decision to go back to the old rev limiter or spend some $ on the rest of the grid system and sell off the 7al stuff. __________________ 4878 SS/GA 66CHEVY II