Thread: Aftermarket ignition control box, multiple spark box, which to get?

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I have decided I want to set my ignition system up to allow the Fitech to control the timing since I have that option. I have to get a different distributor and that will require an external ignition control box to control it. I used to run MSD 6AL boxes years ago. I always had failures with them and had to keep a spare with me for when it quit working. What is a good one to run these days? Is the MSD 6AL pretty solid now, or is a summit brand one the better option?

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-64253

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-850610

i have always had good service with MSD ignitions .. was`nt there an issue several years ago with knock off MSD systems being sold .. i think i read it on here but that`s been a day or so ago ..

Originally Posted by HOSS429

i have always had good service with MSD ignitions .. was`nt there an issue several years ago with knock off MSD systems being sold .. i think i read it on here but that`s been a day or so ago ..

Right Hoss, several years back MSD had a bunch of units returned for service that were counterfeit, and they put out a warning that the fakes were very, very difficult to identify from an external look. I think one telling feature was that all of them had the same Serial Number.... That's been 7 or 8 years back, but the advice then was to buy from a trusted source, like direct from MSD or from places like Summit, JEGS, or other large volume suppliers - NOT eBay or Amazon. I'd say as long as you follow that advice you're going to be OK with either of those units, the MSD or the Summit (which may be MSD, too).

I’ve had great success with the Holley Hyperspark. Does FITECH have a similar system compatible with their EFI? FWIW I had great success for over 5 years with my MSD 6AL

MSD works well for me too, but buy the better box not the cheaper import one.
JMHO, no matter who's unit you decide to use, grounding and power supply is crucial to success. I pull power and ground directly from the battery (fused and heavy wire) and I ground my heads to prevent strays from the spark plugs (it makes a difference).

And always disconnect the box and module before any welding is done on the vehicle, it doesn't take much to fry the box.

I had my 6AL's a long time before the counterfeit ones were a thing. I thought the problems were over with them but a friend of mine has a pretty nasty blown 68 Camaro and he had 2 6AL's die this summer. His were purchased through Summit. They exchanged them fine but the down time sucks if you don't have a spare. He's the only one I know that has one that he drives a lot. Everyone else has them on a trailer queen or drag car. I haven't had this problem with those oil burner engines.

I most likely won't get the cheaper box. I'm having a hard enough time purchasing a cheap china distributor but man are they proud of the MSD units. Like a dum dum, I let the guy I got the 392 from keep his distributor. I have a cheapie electronic one I was going to use but changed my mind.

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JMHO, most of the failure troubles associated with MSD units (or any for that matter) can usually be attributed to wiring. And usually it's bad connections, undersized wiring and/or grounding that causes the problems. Grounding is usually one of the biggest problems because people just can't believe a ground can cause trouble, however in sensitive electronics it's crucial. MSD boxes not only produce multiple sparks at the plugs, they generate higher voltages at the plugs as well. And why I ground my heads, the last thing you need is that voltage going through the distributor module into the box (POW).

Personally, I star ground everything on my motor (heads, intake, distributor, alternator, A/C compressor, exc) with wire sized to match the loads applied. I don't like the idea of current traveling through the motor (especially alternator current) and its moving parts. Check out the grounding on new cars and you'll see how many grounds they use to protect the electronics.

If in doubt, GROUND it out....

Originally Posted by 36 sedan

JMHO,

If in doubt, GROUND it out....

Words to live by!

When I was 19 or 20 I was building a 76 C30 that I converted into a K30 and was putting a pretty gnarly 427 in it. I couldn't get that thing to run for the life of me. My Dad told me to check my grounds and if they checked sufficient, add one from a head to the frame and he bet it would fire right up. He was right and that thing fired right up. I couldn't believe it. Ever since then when I build a vehicle or do major work on one for someone, I add grounds to it. Over the years I've had a lot of hard to find issues and a lot of the times they're bad ground related. Especially switch to ground circuits. I also like those star washers. They dig right in.

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