1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Ignition setup opinion

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Old 07-25-11, 12:51 PM
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Question Ignition setup opinion

Thinking about upgrading my ignition system, I'm not too wise when it comes to non EFI stuff, here's what I got.

6 port 13B outta an S4
dellorto 48dhla side draft
RB intake & header
full RB exhaust.

I've heard many many things about MSD Blaster 2 Coil, which I know is a direct replacement to my stock coils. I've also heard of 6AL ignition control box, how could I benefit from that? is it even necessary to run on a DD? Also is there a different route to upgrade my ignition.

All in all I just want something that's going to give me more power and reliability. Sorry for all the noob questions.
Old 07-25-11, 01:02 PM
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don't expect massive power gains from any ignition upgrade on an NA....

But one of the best/most popular routes is to use a MSD 6A and a 2nd Gen Leading coil, which will give you wasted spark and direct fire ignition.

Search for 2GCDFIS with MSD.
Old 07-25-11, 01:10 PM
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Even better, check my sig for a link to the TFIDFIS. Swaps out the ignitors for GM 4
prong HEIs ( or 7 prong) and FORD TFI coils. Its a great ignition and better than
using the 2G coild which I had previously.
Old 07-25-11, 03:04 PM
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I've heard of 2GCDFIS,but not of TFIDFIS, will look it up, thanks.
Old 07-25-11, 04:34 PM
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I've been running the 2GCDFIS for a little over a year and have been very satisfied. If I burn out an igniter I'll switch over to TFIDFIS....from what I've read (TG's posts) it sounds pretty straight forward.....but it's voodoo science to me.
Old 07-25-11, 04:48 PM
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Plain 2GCDFIS is too hard on a stock J109 Ignitor.... but adding an MSD 6A makes for a pretty potent ignition set up.
Old 07-25-11, 08:34 PM
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Originally Posted by 81WideMariah
Plain 2GCDFIS is too hard on a stock J109 Ignitor.... but adding an MSD 6A makes for a pretty potent ignition set up.
I thought the ignitor was just a trigger at that point?
Old 07-25-11, 09:40 PM
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I'm so lost :-(
Old 07-26-11, 07:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Twilightoptics
I thought the ignitor was just a trigger at that point?
The problem is the 2G coil stresses the stock ignitors. The HEI ignitors can pass
more current 4-6 versus 3-4 and can drive hotter coils with no issues. Also all these
stock ignitors are getting 30+ years old now and failing at increasing rates due
to age alone.

Using proven, off the shelf parts just makes sense. The HEIs have been
proven time and again to work well and the TFI coils are known for being tough
and mountable in any position with no problems. Put them together and its magic.

Its a much cheaper solution than going up a notch to an ignition box or standalone.
If your running a non-stock engine to higher than stock rev limits, then those are
required but for a stock rev range the HEI/TFI combo works great.
Old 07-26-11, 08:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Twilightoptics
I thought the ignitor was just a trigger at that point?
When running an MSD there's no need for and ignitor.... it will actually trigger directly off the magnetic pick up in the distributor. Great way to replace a failed ignitor. You can usually find used 6A boxes on Craigslist and such for around $50. An MSD also allows the use of the FC coil without degradation of spark voltage at higher RPM since the MSD box charges much more rapidly than any coil can. After charging, the MSD fires approximately a 250v charge into the coil which amplifies that to about 25,000v. That's why MSD boxes work so well and are so popular.
Old 07-26-11, 09:48 AM
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Originally Posted by 81WideMariah
When running an MSD there's no need for and ignitor.... it will actually trigger directly off the magnetic pick up in the distributor. Great way to replace a failed ignitor. You can usually find used 6A boxes on Craigslist and such for around $50. An MSD also allows the use of the FC coil without degradation of spark voltage at higher RPM since the MSD box charges much more rapidly than any coil can. After charging, the MSD fires approximately a 250v charge into the coil which amplifies that to about 25,000v. That's why MSD boxes work so well and are so popular.
Think ur math is a lill off. 12V is converted to around 15K to 20K on the stock coils. Maybe more or slightly less. A 250V jolt would produce somehwere around probly 40K or 50K on the stock coil. But that is done rapidly under 3000 rpm i think. Then it uses a single spark from there. the TFIDFIS is the way to go. I had a MSD 6AL on my first Rx7 83 also. I saw no improvment with it on. With the TFIDFIS slightly modded has worked wonders. Instead of the TFI coil im using MSD Blaster 2 coils. A few problems that I have ran into are loose connections and corrosion. U get that under controle and it works flawless. Just my .02
Old 07-26-11, 01:17 PM
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You need to look up DLIDFIS.
Old 07-26-11, 01:53 PM
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I'm just not a fan of the "cobbled together" look in my engine bay. Each ignition system has it's own pros/cons, I'm not trying to insult the "ignition gurus" here. Simply put a CDI box allows for rapid charge/discharge of the coil, which is beneficial for our high revving engines. Especially when using a dual post ignition coil that is firing twice as often as a single post DFI set-up.

The OP has enough info to make a decision for himself as to what set-up he wants to go with.

Me personally, I'll stick with MSD and a FC coil. It works, it's a clean install, and I've NEVER seen an MSD 6A go bad, unlike ignitors pushed to their limits.
Old 07-26-11, 02:24 PM
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Originally Posted by 81WideMariah
I'm just not a fan of the "cobbled together" look in my engine bay. Each ignition system has it's own pros/cons, I'm not trying to insult the "ignition gurus" here. Simply put a CDI box allows for rapid charge/discharge of the coil, which is beneficial for our high revving engines. Especially when using a dual post ignition coil that is firing twice as often as a single post DFI set-up.

The OP has enough info to make a decision for himself as to what set-up he wants to go with.

Me personally, I'll stick with MSD and a FC coil. It works, it's a clean install, and I've NEVER seen an MSD 6A go bad, unlike ignitors pushed to their limits.
You have many valid points, over all the setups get the job done, what it comes down to is time and money. I know the FC coil with the MSD box is the most direct/easiest to install, but it's also a eye catcher to the cops, being that cops will associate MSD with racing. Now the 2GCDFIS and TFIDFIS sound great, but I don't think I have enough knowledge to build it and install it myself...

Thanks for all the info I have learned a lot, now to see if someone in San Diego is willing to help me gather and install this.
Old 07-26-11, 03:01 PM
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Originally Posted by R-cien
You have many valid points, over all the setups get the job done, what it comes down to is time and money. I know the FC coil with the MSD box is the most direct/easiest to install, but it's also a eye catcher to the cops, being that cops will associate MSD with racing. Now the 2GCDFIS and TFIDFIS sound great, but I don't think I have enough knowledge to build it and install it myself...

Thanks for all the info I have learned a lot, now to see if someone in San Diego is willing to help me gather and install this.
WTF! Cops look under your hood? Kalifornia the police state.

Good luck with whatever you decide to use. I'm not against MSD they just cost a
lot more than a DLIDFIS or TFIDFIS setup.
Old 07-26-11, 03:15 PM
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Yeah....got to agree....what he said ^^^^

Trust me...doing the 2GCDFIS is super easy, and cheap. I did it it and it was really much easier to do than I originally thought. I wrote my own step by step instructions and would be happy to share them.

I'm not knocking MSD or TG Farrell's set up (like I said if/when I burn an igniter, I'm switching to TFIDFIS)...this was the path I took, and it was super simple.

pm me for easy to follow instructions.
Old 07-29-11, 12:09 PM
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thanks for all the input guys
Old 05-15-12, 03:02 PM
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Were can I find a wiring diagram for these mods?
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