Computer Ignitions?

[Ethan Place]

I'm talking about computerized add-on ignition boxes like the Mallory
hyfire, MSD 6* boxes, and any others that are out there. I'm going to be adding
one sometime soon to my car. I've already got a Mallory distributor and coil,
so I'm leaning towards the hyfire 4 box. That's gonna run me around 150 bucks
at Scooper Shops. The only thing I dislike about the hyfire 4 is the fact it
doesn't have a built in rev-limiter. I _think_ the MSD boxes do, but I'm not
sure if they will work as well with my current setup. I haven't even looked at
Accel yet, do they make these things too?
I don't really understand the workings of these boxes, besides the fact
that they extend the spark duration. What else do they do to back up all those
claims of better mileage, more power etc..?

TTYl,
Ethan

[Ed Treijs]

In article <79223412...@jina.rain.com>,

I put on a Crane HI-6 on my car ('78 T/A with Pontiac 400). It's a stock-
type engine; I ONLY did this because the HI-6 has a rev limiter, and
rebuilding the engine because the previous owners overreved it was something
I only want to do once (manual trans).

The MSD-6AL has a rev limiter, too (not the MSD-6A, though). The HI-6
lets you adjust the rev limits by turning dials on the unit; the MSD requires
limiter "modules" (though they may be more accurate as to the RPM they
limit at--the HI-6 may not limit exactly the point the dials indicate, but
as long as you set it for the right engine speed (by using a tach) why
worry about what the dials say?).

In my opinion, if you have don't have a radical engine, and have a good
electronic ignition already, save your money (unless rev limiting is
important). I didn't notice any super-dooper improvement over the stock
HEI.

Another likely gotcha with these boxes is that you probably will need a
tach adapter, which costs way too much for what (whatever) it does.

They're supposed to have multiple discharges. Again, I doubt they provide
any power or economy improvement over a WELL-FUNCTIONING stock electronic
system, with the possible exceptions of 1) better idling if you have a
big cam, rich mixtures, etc; 2) better starting if your combo doesn't
start well right now (but it's no replacement for a properly working
choke).

I would save my money for something more useful. :-)

Ed (free advice; ignition sets cost more) Treijs

[shatter]

Has anyone looked at the Jacobs Electronics electronic ignition setup i
think they call it the "Energy Team"... it even has anti-theft built into
it... it is VERY pricey... like $300 for the computer and more money for
extra parts...

I have a MSD-6A hooked to a Ford Duraspark distributor and a MSD Blaster
3 coil... in a 69 mustang and it works a hell of a lot better than my
original stock ignition with points!!

I didn't need to use the tach adaptor that supposidly i needed to use
with my VDO gauge...I hooked it up and it worked... so remember to try
before you buy... i did have to buy the noise filter from MSD due to the
increase in buzz coming over the AM radio and CD player!! (nasty!!)

My buddy has a Mallory HyFyre ignition and Mallory coil in his 67
chevelle (not sure about the distributor) and while he did have the
mallory computer fail (read: fry) once it was due to an electrical
problem on his end of things. his MONSTER Tach would not work with the
computer connection but running the tach off the coil worked fine without
getting a tach adaptor!

chad