MSD Ignition?

dmicucci · 10-22-2007, 05:59 PM

I'm looking at installing this MSD ignition in my 1996 3.0 ranger http://www.msdignition.com/ignition_8_6470.htm with the hopes of getting some more low end grunt out of the beast, but I wanted to make sure it was comptible with the motor before i spend the cabbage.

This motor uses waste-spark ignition controlled by the PCM, correct? If so, is this even feasable?

Also, upon snooping around the MSD site, i came across a direct plug-in wiring harness for this ignition module for a Ford TFI ignition system. (MSD P.N. 8874)
Ford used TFI from the 80s through the mid 90s right? I don't suppose my OBDII controlled vehicle would be lucky enough to have this option right?

Sorry for the barrage of questions, but i figured i'd get all of them out in one shot. Thanks for the help guys.

Ranger44 · 10-22-2007, 07:59 PM

Ignition will not change an engines power band. Truthfully, MSD igntion is a waste of money, if you want to spend money on ignition, any low resistance 8mm wires with new autolite spark plugs are good. All that msd is good for is holding down a big stack of paper. The 3.0 is a rever, you really can't change that. Good Luck.

dmicucci · 10-23-2007, 09:06 PM

I realize that I will not change the motor's power band, but i was hoping to see a little more power from the MSD. I know its not going to turn this thing into a blown 460 by any stretch of the imagination but I would be happy with even a small gain. I'm just trying to bolt on a few more ponies before i swap up to 35" tires.

And with an ignition would def. come MSD 8.5mm plug wires and new plugs, etc.

So anyone know if this thing will work with my truck? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Wicked_Sludge · 10-24-2007, 02:59 AM

it wont work. you need to scroll down further on msd's main page...there is a distributorless ignition section....the 6 cylinder controller starts at about $500

fords DIS is a very effective setup (so much so that msd's DIS controller is actually a slightly modified rip-off of fords design.)...there isnt anything you can do to improve on it.

the most bang for your buck would be a tuner from BAMA CHIPS

dmicucci · 10-24-2007, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wicked_Sludge

it wont work. you need to scroll down further on msd's main page...there is a distributorless ignition section....the 6 cylinder controller starts at about $500

fords DIS is a very effective setup (so much so that msd's DIS controller is actually a slightly modified rip-off of fords design.)...there isnt anything you can do to improve on it.

the most bang for your buck would be a tuner from BAMA CHIPS

Thats the info I was looking for. Thanks.

cargs · 10-24-2007, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger44

Ignition will not change an engines power band. Truthfully, MSD igntion is a waste of money, if you want to spend money on ignition, any low resistance 8mm wires with new autolite spark plugs are good. All that msd is good for is holding down a big stack of paper. The 3.0 is a rever, you really can't change that. Good Luck.

I disagree, i have the MSD box with a matching coil on my 93 3.0L (with distributor). it has made the engine rev much smoother and a slight power increase (not much but noticeable on hills). Just my experience with my engine.

Ranger44 · 10-24-2007, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cargs

I disagree, i have the MSD box with a matching coil on my 93 3.0L (with distributor). it has made the engine rev much smoother and a slight power increase (not much but noticeable on hills). Just my experience with my engine.

Replacing worn ignition???
Wicked sludge is right when he says ford DIS is very good...and efficient.

A programer is a really good idea for an automatic. It'll change your shift points for better accleration.

cargs · 10-26-2007, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger44

Replacing worn ignition???

i never said that.

Wicked_Sludge · 10-27-2007, 01:52 AM

He means maybe you inadvertently fixed a problem with your stock setup when you installed the MSD.

The distributored ignition is quite a difference beast than the DIS setup. MSD usually provides a little smoother idle and some low end grunt in this setup.

**Bob Ayers** · 10-27-2007, 11:07 AM

You can't beat Ford's EDIS! You will be throwing your money away on the MSD!

almostclueless · 10-27-2007, 11:27 AM

Tha factory setup is pretty good as long as it's in good shape and you don't have one of the coils mentioned in the TSB.

10-22-2007, 05:59 PM	#1
dmicucci New Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Year: 1996 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Posts: 20 Rep Power: 0 iTrader: (0)	MSD Ignition? I'm looking at installing this MSD ignition in my 1996 3.0 ranger http://www.msdignition.com/ignition_8_6470.htm with the hopes of getting some more low end grunt out of the beast, but I wanted to make sure it was comptible with the motor before i spend the cabbage. This motor uses waste-spark ignition controlled by the PCM, correct? If so, is this even feasable? Also, upon snooping around the MSD site, i came across a direct plug-in wiring harness for this ignition module for a Ford TFI ignition system. (MSD P.N. 8874) Ford used TFI from the 80s through the mid 90s right? I don't suppose my OBDII controlled vehicle would be lucky enough to have this option right? Sorry for the barrage of questions, but i figured i'd get all of them out in one shot. Thanks for the help guys. __________________ 1996 Ford Ranger 4x4 Superlift 6" lift kit with front 8" Skyjacker coils Belltech Shackles, 6" Skyjacker leaves & Stock Block Front and Rear Lock-Rights and 4.56 Gears 35x12.50r15 M/T Radial Baja Claws Flowmaster American Thunder 2.5" exhaust Enough stereo to make you deaf Enough lights to make you blind Cooler permanently filled with Bud Light "Oh, she goes places!"
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10-22-2007, 07:59 PM	#2
Ranger44 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Illinois Year: 2003 Make: FORD Model: Ranger-SuperCab Engine: 4.0 SOHC Class: 4x4 Used For: Riding mad max style...... Posts: 3,131 Rep Power: 18 iTrader: (38)	Ignition will not change an engines power band. Truthfully, MSD igntion is a waste of money, if you want to spend money on ignition, any low resistance 8mm wires with new autolite spark plugs are good. All that msd is good for is holding down a big stack of paper. The 3.0 is a rever, you really can't change that. Good Luck. __________________ Some people are like mushrooms, ya gotta feed em' shit and keep them in the dark. Giddywomp Offroad & Fab
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10-23-2007, 09:06 PM	#3
dmicucci New Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Year: 1996 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Posts: 20 Rep Power: 0 iTrader: (0)	I realize that I will not change the motor's power band, but i was hoping to see a little more power from the MSD. I know its not going to turn this thing into a blown 460 by any stretch of the imagination but I would be happy with even a small gain. I'm just trying to bolt on a few more ponies before i swap up to 35" tires. And with an ignition would def. come MSD 8.5mm plug wires and new plugs, etc. So anyone know if this thing will work with my truck? Any advice will be greatly appreciated. __________________ 1996 Ford Ranger 4x4 Superlift 6" lift kit with front 8" Skyjacker coils Belltech Shackles, 6" Skyjacker leaves & Stock Block Front and Rear Lock-Rights and 4.56 Gears 35x12.50r15 M/T Radial Baja Claws Flowmaster American Thunder 2.5" exhaust Enough stereo to make you deaf Enough lights to make you blind Cooler permanently filled with Bud Light "Oh, she goes places!"
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10-27-2007, 11:07 AM	#10
Bob Ayers Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Durham, NC Year: 1999 Make: Ranger Model: St. Cab Posts: 2,086 Rep Power: 18 iTrader: (0)	You can't beat Ford's EDIS! You will be throwing your money away on the MSD! __________________ "you can rant, rave, scream, shout invective, claim infinite experience, and ultimatly deny that you are wrong until hell freezes, but you are WRONG." Alland
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10-27-2007, 11:27 AM	#11
almostclueless Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Year: 98 Make: ford Model: ranger Posts: 1,404 Rep Power: 14 iTrader: (0)	Tha factory setup is pretty good as long as it's in good shape and you don't have one of the coils mentioned in the TSB. __________________ 1. MORE COWBELL! 2. Chuck Norris can win Connect Four in three moves. 3. What the H___ is an aluminum falcon!?! 4. sham....WOWWWW
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