Any one use the msd 7 or 8?

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Cope

Cope

Fusing with fire
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Im thinking about buying a new ignition box for the blown small block build and want some imput on the fancy new boxes out there.

I like the fact that the 7 has boost retard bit that about all i would know how to use on it.
For a boosted application do you think its worth stepping up from my old 6AL?
 
Haunt swap meets & see if anyone is selling the older MSD stuff. Send it to MSD & have it checked out to verify it. That's what I did & I have a 7AL2 in the race car, with a spare. I have less than 500.00 in both units.
 
Can you still get an 8?? I know they don't make the 10 any more. That was a good box but it was $$$$$$$$$$$$$.

Nothing wrong with a 7. Should be able to buy a used one that won't have you eating jam sandwiches for a month.
 
Check the featchers of The Grid system by MSD. I know very little about it, but know a number of guys have gone to it over thw digital 7
 
I will give it a look see.

My main concern is the cost. Is it worth the extra 400 bucks to only use the boost retard. It would make much more sence if i was using a crank trigger and multiple coils.
 
This is what I run. Kim

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I have and use three MSD 7AL-3’s and never had an issue. I bought and use the plug in adjustable rpm switches for launch control and shift rpm instead of the plug in chips.
 
Cope said:
What features are you folks using?
Click to expand...


The two step is a big deal.

The other thing is the ability to retard timing with boost or NO2 or...maybe leave with a bit more total timing and pull it back out at the top of second, and then maybe in high gear roll a couple more degrees out of it.
 
I already have a 2 step so all im gonna gain is the boost retard.

The traction control would be cool but not sure if i could even use it with my set up.
 
Seeing as i run where the rules don't apply there is no such thing as cheating. There's just winning and loosing.

If i can use it to keep the wheels planted it could really help out.
 
My main concern is using my pro billet distributor will i even be able to utilize the advanced timing features?
 
I just read an article about a new ignition MSD is releasing. I'm sure it's an expensive mother humper but IIRC it's called the 600 or something similar. You may want to look into that.

I also think PBR is correct in using the Grid. You know (this stuff is like a ****** addiction) that you'll want more later. And probably not much later.

I've looked into the Grid and if IIRC you can tune each cylinder individually and a ton of other stuff.

Spend a little more now and save $$$$$$$$ later. I always say don't step over a donut to pick up a dog turd. Kinda the same thing I think!!!
 
The 7 im looking at has individual cylinder tuning.

I just spoke with MSD and all its functions will work for my application so looks like im gonna go with it!
 
Come on spend that money. Mine has a Grid, MSD-7AL3, and a progressive in it. It looks great up on the jack stands. Lol.
 
With the grid you “mechanically” lock in the max advance you would ever want. Then the box just delays what you want, when you want. I was really on the fence about going for the grid. For me I could really tailor how to ramp in timing for the little tire. Also I could pull timing on the 1-2 shift to soften the hit when that becomes an issue. Just not enough $$$$$$ in the old racing budget! Plus IIRC you can use it with an older box, but it needs to be a chip box not the new dial box and of course only my spare has the chip. I think with a power adder I would definitely go with some sort of programmable box.
 
I think i want to call MSD back and see how i would select between the different programs and functions.
With my 6AL i can toggle the line lock and 2 step separately off one button on my shifter. I would be a bummer if i need the laptop just to turn on or off certain functions?
 
So i jist called summit to order the new digital 7 plus and the guy says, there's a note here that tells me i have to mention that this box is NOT legal for NHRA IHRA due to the traction control feature.


Sooooo ****...

In all the years I've had my car i have never even ran it at the track . i dont have a truck to pull it with and the nearest track is well over an hour away.

How big of a deal do folks think this is?

I do plan on going to the track at some point but 99.9 percent of my driving will be grudge racing (not on a track).

Will i still be able to run at a T&T night or will the see the box and not even let me in?
My car is built to pass NHRA tech and to now say screw it and spend lots of money on something that DOSEN'T pass tech is worrisome.

What are your thoughts?
 
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