MSD Ignition

[sweetride01]

Is this a lot of work to install?

http://www.msdignition.com/sci_6.htm

Would power gains be noticable an a modified M20 engine?

Also, would installing a coil on its own do any good?

http://www.msdignition.com/coil_blaster_6_8207.htm

And, would it be a difficult job to fit the new coil (it says not a direct factory replacement, just wondering if any major modifications would be required).

Any input is appreciated.

[SpeedyWeber]

MSD Ignitions are not difficult to install if you know anything about wiring. Basically what you are doing is taking the output ignition signal that goes to your coil and sending it to the MSD box. The ignition box is wired up to your coil and modifies the signal in order to achieve its goals. One of its goals is multiple sparks under 3000 RPM. The other is a more powerful spark.

I just bought my 325i yesterday and it's bone stock. This will be one of my upgrades to the car. I also own a Mustang that I installed a Crane ignition system on. There is an immediate noticeable difference in throttle response. Much more pep. Fuel milage goes up if you can keep your foot from hitting the floor all the time ;)

Installing just a coil will not make much of a difference, if any. They work best with an ignition box.

You can look at different boxes at www.summitracing.com and compare all their features. MSD is good, so is Mallory and Crane.

[sweetride01]

MSD Ignitions are not difficult to install if you know anything about wiring. Basically what you are doing is taking the output ignition signal that goes to your coil and sending it to the MSD box. The ignition box is wired up to your coil and modifies the signal in order to achieve its goals. One of its goals is multiple sparks under 3000 RPM. The other is a more powerful spark.

I just bought my 325i yesterday and it's bone stock. This will be one of my upgrades to the car. I also own a Mustang that I installed a Crane ignition system on. There is an immediate noticeable difference in throttle response. Much more pep. Fuel milage goes up if you can keep your foot from hitting the floor all the time ;)

Installing just a coil will not make much of a difference, if any. They work best with an ignition box.

You can look at different boxes at www.summitracing.com and compare all their features. MSD is good, so is Mallory and Crane.

Thanks for that info! I will upgrade the wires; I have heard mixed things about the effectiveness of MSD/others on BMWs though... mostly b/c people claim the BMWs already have such good ignition systems. I've not heard too much from the (older) e30 crowd yet though.
BTW, Welcome to the BMW e30 scene! I hope your e30 gives you many miles of fun.

[jlevie]

If all of the components are is good condition there will be little, if any, improvement from an MSD system. New wires, rotor, and cap should provide all the spark the engine needs.

[Brian D]

If all of the components are is good condition there will be little, if any, improvement from an MSD system. New wires, rotor, and cap should provide all the spark the engine needs.

OK, I've heard this before. Do you have any experience with the MSD on your car? Or any direct experience with any kind of MSD box on any car? I really want to know.

[amdspitfire]

If all of the components are is good condition there will be little, if any, improvement from an MSD system. New wires, rotor, and cap should provide all the spark the engine needs.

are wires really neccasary?

[SpeedyWeber]

If all of the components are is good condition there will be little, if any, improvement from an MSD system. New wires, rotor, and cap should provide all the spark the engine needs.

I have to disagree as far as improvement is concerned. It's not that the MSD or other ignition boxes is needed to give the car enough spark, yes the stock components handle that just fine. However with the multiple spark below 3000 rpm most ignition boxes produce, better throttle response is immediately noticed, as well as better fuel milage driving around town.

However on the topend, other things need to be done to realize the benefit of an ignition box. Advanced timing with higher octane fuel for one. Forced induction. Higher compression. These things respond better with an ignition box.

Since we're on the subject, is it possible to advance the timing on an M20 mechanically? I haven't poked around mine enough yet.

[regis101]

IIRC, the CDI or multi spark type boxes go to single spark above 3k rpm. There just isn't enuff time to keep the multispark thing happening. So yes, most if not all benefits happen at lower rpm's. Could even help the e30 hard start plague

[SpeedyWeber]

I think I may try out a Crane cam box on my car. They can be had for much less then a MSD and work just as well on a street car.

[NC325iC]

i believe to advance the timing mechanically you need an adjustable cam drive, unless you buy one (i think VAC sells one) then no its not

[regis101]

Tweaked on our 89 325is. Took a spare bracket for the sensor at the toothed wheel and elongated the holes. Was able to get ~5* advance but it was hard cranking. Back to the stock bracket using the scope, we were able to see that at idle It was 7.5* BTDC and full on was 42-43. Pretty much right where it needs to be for many if not all applications. Damn those Germans...they think of everything

And while the extra 5* wasn't much, it did make it hard cranking. When using a dizzy, hard cranking doesn't usually occur until +15* or more initial depending on engine configuration. Must be something in the Motronic programming.

I am of the opinion of the earlier post. To advance the engine for more low end, advance the cam gear. Retard for upper end.