In the Garage™ with Parts Pro™: MSD Performance Digital 6AL Ignition

Come inside the Parts Pro™ garage as we take you through the installation of some of today’s hottest performance accessories In this episode, we install the Digital 6AL Ignition from MSD Performance on a modified street dirt car.

Parts used in this video:

Digital 6AL Ignition w/ Rev Control (64253)

GM HEI Billet Distributor (8365)

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Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

MSD Performance: Power Grid Power Module

The fully programmable, four-stage, solid-state Power Grid power module from MSD Performance can wrangle up to 20 amps of current per channel, eliminating the need for fuses, timers, and electromechanical relays.

Users can control output independently or simultaneously, with available digital or pulse width modulated output flexibility and programmable frequencies up to 19 kHZ. A high-speed data logger can be used to record all functions, while outputs can be configured to use time, RPM, or temperature to control nitrous systems, pumps, fans, and more.

MSD’s Power Grid power module is available in red (7764) or black (77643).

Features

  • Replaces up to 4 electromechanical relays.
  • Overcurrent protection eliminates the need for fuses.
  • 80-amp capacity (4 channels rated up to 20 amps each).
  • Channels controlled via input wires or as programmed in the MSDView software.
  • Can be used alone or with MSD Power Grid (7730, which also enables data acquisition).
  • Trigger signals can include power, ground, temperature, or time.
  • Available in red (7764) or black (77643).

MSD Performance Power Grid Power Module

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Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

MSD (8362CT): “Stock Appearing” Circle Track HEI Distributor

New as of March is the 8362CT Circle Track HEI Distributor from MSD Performance, which provides brute strength and precision timing from idle to maximum RPM. It features a bulletproof ignition module that fires a high-output coil in the cap while a specially designed QPQ-coated chrome-moly advance cam and weight set ride on TIG-welded weight-plate pins and distributor shaft. Also QPQ coated, the steel gear is built to run race after race without fatigue.

MSD created this piece to be “stock appearing” in order to meet sanctioning-body HEI distributor rules.

Features

  • “Stock appearing” to meet sanctioning body HEI distributor rules.
  • TIG-welded shaft and weight plate pins for strength and durability.
  • Easily lock-out timing advance with supplied timing lock-out cam.
  • Reliable ignition module.
  • High-output ignition coil for peak spark energy at any RPM.
  • High-quality, QPQ-coated distributor gear, advance cam, and weights.
  • Pairs perfectly with MSD 8727CT HEI Circle Track RPM Control (sold separately).

MSD Performance Stock Appearing Circle Track HEI Distributor 8362CT

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Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

MSD Performance (85801): Billet Distributor with Steel Gear for Ford 351C-460 Big Blocks

MSD Performance’s Ford big block billet distributor* now comes with a steel gear installed for specific camshaft requirements.

The 85801 features stainless steel terminals and an easily adjustable mechanical advance assembly that has been fine blanked from chrome-moly steel, TIG welded for strength, and QPQ coated. Precision weights glide on nylon bushings for a smooth advancement, and stop bushings and springs allow for a variety of advance curves.

Guided by a long sintered bushing and sealed ball bearing, the advance/reluctor steel shaft has been coated with a friction-reducing agent, a combination that provides spark delivery at any RPM and stable timing signals. MSD’s maintenance-free and race-proven magnetic pick-up handles triggering chores.

Note: Must be used with an MSD ignition control.

*Will not clear some factory-style Shaker hood scoops.

Features

  • CNC-machined billet aluminum housing and DuPont Rynite base.
  • Preinstalled with quality steel gear.
  • Supplied Cap-A-Dapt and rotor (accepts MSD socket-style caps).
  • Mechanical advance assembly can be locked out for crank trigger systems.
  • Nylon pads ensure smooth advance weight operation.
  • Advance weight pins are staked and TIG welded to the plate.
  • Advance plate/weights are fine blanked from chrome-moly steel and QPQ coated for friction reduction.
  • Polished steel shaft is QPQ coated and guided by a sealed ball bearing.
  • Maintenance-free magnetic pickup and precision reluctor create stable trigger signals throughout RPM range.
  • Easy-to-adjust mechanical advance with supplied springs and stop bushings.

MSD Performance Billet Distributor with Steel Gear for Ford Big Block 85801

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Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

MSD Performance (6427): 6CT Circle Track Ignition Control

Coming soon from MSD Performance is the 6CT: the most advanced ignition control ever to hit a circle track. The 6427 is packed with features, including a large digital LED display that makes it easier than ever to see the rev limiter setting (adjustable via laser-etched rotary dials).

Speaking of, the microprocessor-controlled rev limiting is so smooth, your chassis will virtually be undisturbed when charging into turns. The rotary dials let you select for 4-, 6-, and 8-cylinder engines and achieve 0⁰, 10⁰, or 20⁰ timing retard for quick starts. Plus, the LED display can be used as a live tach or to display your car’s battery voltage. MSD also designed the unit to record the highest RPM your engine turned during the race. The 6CT offers all this and more in a fully potted, tamper-proof housing that uses a single connector to keep wiring tidy.

Features

  • Works with 4-, 6-, and 8-cylinder engines.
  • Large, easy-to-read LED display.
  • Check rev limit, highest RPM, cylinder select, battery voltage, start retard, and tach mode.
  • Start retard is adjustable in 0⁰, 10⁰, and 20⁰
  • Full delivery of spark energy down to 6V battery supply.
  • Efficient, low-current draw extends battery life.
  • Fully potted housing stands up to demanding race conditions.
  • Single plug-in connector for clean wiring.
  • Tamper-proof screws prevent unit modification.
  • Reverse polarity and overheat protection.

MSD Performance 6C Ignition Control for Circle Track

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Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

MSD Performance: Black Blaster Coils for ’03-’16 Hemi

Direct-replacement Blaster Coils from MSD Performance possess superior winding ratios and materials to provide your 2003–2016 Hemi engine with legendary ignition performance while retaining the factory fit. Sold singly or as a set of eight, these coils offer improved high-RPM operation and easy installation thanks to a direct bolt-in design and plug-in interface with factory connectors.

Features

  • Patented winding design and materials.
  • Improved high-RPM performance.
  • Bolts into factory location and plugs into factory connectors.
  • Max. voltage: 36,000
  • Primary resistance: .403 ohms / secondary resistance: 14.5K ohms
  • Spark energy: 96 mJ / spark duration: 1,320 mS
  • Sold in singles or packs of 8.

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Parts Pro affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Parts Pro Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

MSD Performance (85555): V8 Pro-Billet Distributor for Chevy (Black)

The most popular performance distributor in the MSD Performance lineup is now available in black! The 85555 V8 Pro-Billet Distributor for Chevy, which must be used with an MSD 6-, 7-, or 8-series ignition, features housing that is CNC machined from a billet of 6060-T6 aluminum to achieve exact tolerances. It also features a high-output magnetic pick-up—the most accurate way to trigger your ignition. With no moving parts to wear or adjust, the pick-up is maintenance free!

Note: No CARB exemption order number is available for this product. Will not accept a vacuum advance canister. Must be used with an MSD ignition control.

Features

  • CNC-machined billet-aluminum housing and billet-aluminum base.
  • Supplied with an HEI-style distributor cap and rotor (accepts Cap-A-Dapts).
  • O-ring seals can be added to modified blocks to improve oil pressure control.
  • Special oil tract improves lubrication to the distributor and cam gear.
  • Nylon pads ensure smooth operation of the advance weights.
  • Advance weight pins are staked and TIG welded to the plate.
  • Mechanical advance assembly can be locked out for crank trigger systems.
  • Advance plate/weights are fine blanked from chrome-moly steel and QPQ coated.
  • 500” polished steel shaft guided by sealed ball bearing and extra-long sintered bushing.
  • Maintenance-free magnetic pickup and precision reluctor.
  • Easy-to-adjust mechanical advance with supplied springs and stop bushings.

MSD Performance (85555): V8 Pro-Billet Distributor for Chevy (Black)

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Parts Pro affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Parts Pro Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

MSD Performance (60143): LS Series Ignition Controller

As the popularity of GM LS engines continues to grow, so does the demand for a powerful, reliable, and easily adaptable ignition systems. MSD Performance has answered the call with an updated, improved version of the popular 6LS box. With the 60143 LS Series Ignition Controller, users will enjoy high-speed data acquisition, an optional coolant temperature sensor input, idle timing control, individual cylinder timing, and more. These features are in addition to the existing programmable step retard, launch retard, and RPM rev limiters from the controller’s predecessor. Compatible with all MSD Performance, ACCEL, and GM LS coils!

Features

  • Fits most LS engines.
  • No PC required for basic functionality.
  • Six preprogrammed timing tables.
  • Rotary selector switch for timing changes on the fly.
  • Nitrous and boost compatible.
  • Fully sealed direct plug-in connectors.
  • Programmable step and launch retard.
  • Launch and maximum rev limiters.
  • Optional coolant temperature sensor input.
  • Idle timing control.
  • Individual cylinder timing.
MSD Performance (60143): LS Series Ignition Controller
MSD Performance (60143): LS Series Ignition Controller

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Parts Pro affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Parts Pro Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

MSD Performance (64253): Digital 6AL Ignition Control with Rev Limiter (Black)

MSD Performance has upped the ante on its analog 6AL, the ignition control that had already set the standard in the category. Redesigned for the first time in 25 years and available in black (64253) in addition to the familiar red, the now-digital 6AL produces more power with less energy, all in a more compact housing. In addition, the single connector creates a tidier visual profile and facilitates installation.

Perhaps of most interest to enthusiasts is MSD’s inclusion of an easily adjustable rev limiter, now located on top of the housing; the two rotary dials let you set the limit in 100 rpm increments—no more plug-in rpm modules! The 6AL’s microprocessor monitors and controls every firing and rev limit, delivering more than 530 volts to the coil with up to 135mJ of spark energy for every firing! As a bonus, the integrated LED lets you know you’ve got voltage and blinks to signify a trigger signal.

Features

  • High output: 530V and 135mJ of spark energy.
  • Efficient components use less current to produce more power.
  • Set an rpm limit with two rotary dials in 100 rpm increments.
  • Built-in LED for system checks.
  • All wires exit through a single locked, sealed connector.
  • Accepts trigger inputs from breaker points, amplifiers, and magnetic pickups.
  • Compatible with 4-, 6-, or 8-cylinder engines with 12V negative ground systems.
  • Includes wiring harness and installation components (plus vibration mount).
MSD Performance (64253): Digital 6AL Ignition Control with Rev Limiter (Black)
MSD Performance (64253): Digital 6AL Ignition Control with Rev Limiter (Black)

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Parts Pro affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Parts Pro Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

MSD (6010): 6LS Ignition Controller for LS Engines

The 6LS ignition controller from MSD can now be installed on EFI or carburetor-equipped engines. While it may seem blasphemous to some, putting a carburetor on a GM Gen-III V-8 is a great option for those wanting the advantages of an aluminum small block without the headaches of wiring a modern EFI system. The controller allows you to map a timing advance curve with MSD’s easy-to-use Pro-Data+ software. Other programmable features include a two-step rev limiter, a vacuum advance curve for cruising economy, and even a step retard in case you want to add a little nitrous to the mix.

The 6LS is designed for LS1/LS6 type engines with a 24-tooth wheel, which can be identified by its black crank sensor connector, and fits with matching factory connectors for a direct installation. Only a handful of connections are required, including the coils, crank sensor, MAP sensor, and cam sensor. You’ll have your carbed LSX running in no time!

  • Runs a carbureted LS engine without complicated EFI hardware.
  • Map a timing curve and program via PC using MSD’s Pro-Data+ software.
  • Programmable two-step rev limiter, vacuum advance curve, and step retard.
  • Direct plug-in to factory components.
  • Does NOT control fuel.
MSD (6010): 6LS Ignition Controller for LS Engines
MSD (6010): 6LS Ignition Controller for LS Engines

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Parts Pro affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Parts Pro Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.