Hey Guys Im Looking To By A Msd Hei Ignition System For My 1970 Buick Skylark 350. What Exactly Does It Do? Will It Help Me Out. Please Let Me Know Thanks Alot Guys!
What is a "HEI 6AL"? HEI is a name for the GM electronic ignition, and it's often used to describe aftermarket copies of the GM parts. Not all electronic ignitions (or spark boxes) are "HEI". IF (Big IF) you don't have any ignition related problems, then the only thing the 6AL is going to "do" for you is give you a rev-limiter. Be sure to buy a rev-chip for the correct RPM for your application, 'cause the 6AL only comes with 4 chips: 3000, 5000, 6000, and 7000. (I think--better check what they're shipping with now) IF you are having ignition-related problems, (not enough spark "burn" duration) the 6AL will fix that-provided the rest of your ignition system is functioning properly. If you have a defective coil, for example, the 6AL will not heal it. The 6AL will also increase the voltage available, which if the rest of your system is capable of handling it, will allow you to increase your plug gaps. If I were you, I'd dump the points distributor you probably have now, and shove in a properly working and curved GM HEI. MSD and others make an HEI module with built-in rev limiter, if the limiter is a feature you want. I hate points, electronic is so much better--and I favor magnetic triggers over optical. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of MSD. Once you see the 'scope pattern that the multi-spark provides, it's hard not to be. I have an HEI-triggered 6AL on my "toy" car. Realistically, though, it only takes one decent spark to fire the cylinder. An HEI can do that for less money.
Getting an MSD will not make your car burnout. Something else is wrong. Fix that first. I like MSD. MSD stands for multiple spark discharge. MSD boxes are CD ignitions. CD is Capacitive Discharge Ignition. The box steps up the battery voltage to about 450 volts, and stores that in large capacitors. At the right time, this higher voltage is applied to the coil resulting in multiple sparks over 20* of crank rotation. The number of sparks decreases to one spark at about 3000 RPM. That one spark still lasts over 20* of crank rotation. MSD Ignitions will give you a faster start, and keep your plugs cleaner with less fouling. You can also run bigger gaps on your plugs. MSD boxes can be triggered by points, magnetic trigger, or optical trigger (Mallory) You can use a points distributor to trigger the box, and the points will last forever because they carry next to no current. Like I said though, fix the problem you have now, then you can get an MSD if you want.
I alreday have A Mallory elec. Dist. I already took out the points and put a curved malory distibutor. But thanks for letting me know how and why it works. Also i know its not going to make the car burn out but I have the msd kit already so i might as well put it on.
