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MG MGB Technical - How many of you run an MSD 6a?

A friend of mine who just completely renovated his '71 roadster (that he's owned since '74) was over the other day adjusting the air flow on his SU's. He adjusted to spec and as I listened to it idle it reminded me of the reason (part of it anyways) that I put an MSD 6a on my '70 GT. MSD (Multiple Spark Discharge)is an electronic ignition (for those who dont know) that emit's multiple triggers to the spark plugs in extremely rapid succession. So, every one spark on a normal plug is replaced by multiple sparks that happen so fast that it appears as a longer single spark. This burns fuel more efficiently, raises fuel economy, extends the life of your rings and cylinder walls and smooths out the idle noticably. So, I'm wondering how many here use MSD ignitions and if they find them as much of a necessity on MG's as I do.
D.A. Abbott

I'm using an MSD in my '77 roadster except that the car is powered by a Rover 3.5 V8. I know this doesn't fit into the stock category but thought I'd mention it.

I installed it to clean up some emissions as we have testing here in Vancouver. I had the car on a dyno last fall and then installed the MSD. I want to get it tested again to see if it makes any difference.
Simon Austin

I've been runing MSD 6a in my '73 GT for about a year now. It does seem to perform a bit better, although I may not be taking full advantage of it because I only opened my plugs up to about .040. One of these days I'll experiment and open them out to .050 as per the instructions. ' Suspect I'll then have sparks jumping all over the place! It does freak one out to check the ignition timing and see four or five lines.

This seems like a good product, although I don't notice smoother idle. My gas mileage is excellent: 30-32 mpg, but it's always been quite good on this car.

FWIW,
Allen
Allen Bachelder

I forgot to ask my own question: what do you use to trigger your MSD? I'm using pertronix.

Allen
Allen Bachelder

I use a 6AL with a Pertronix. It works a treat, but the rev limiter with carbs isn't the best. That's no fault of either part, though.
Kemper

Im running pertronix as well with a rebuilt 25d and an accel Super coil. The most noticable thing about the MSD is the affect it has on the idle....it smoothe the idle so she purrs....But, You dont really notice unless you take the msd OFF. IMHO, A Pertronix ignitor, a new disributor bushing and an MSD 6a should be at the top of every MG rebuild list. It was money well spent and I'd recommend it to anyone.
D.A. Abbott

This thread was discussed between 05/10/2006 and 06/10/2006

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