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Old 02-11-2015, 08:16 AM
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Default Thunderbolt or MSD

I blew an engine last summer and am having Dave Wesseldyke build me a couple of 540s out of my old HP500s. Should kick out around 600hp per side. I'm trying to figure out what to do about the ignition – whether to keep my existing thunderbolt or to go with MSD. I've heard strong opinions on every side of the issue, but am wondering what you guys think. If I go with MSD, am I going to run into lots of problems?
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Old 02-11-2015, 08:24 AM
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Daytona sensors. Hands down way better system than msd
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Old 02-11-2015, 08:28 AM
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ask dave and go with what he recommends.
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Old 02-11-2015, 08:30 AM
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I would use a stock GM Hei b4 I used MSD. MSD has left me sitting in the water. And not only that but I've had RF noise problems with MSD that was a nightmare figuring out.
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Old 02-11-2015, 08:40 AM
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Msd=suck
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Old 02-11-2015, 09:52 AM
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Stick with the TB IV. If you need more initial timing, run the V6 module. Yes, MSD sucks.. and no need to further complicate a simple build.
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Old 02-11-2015, 12:52 PM
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Does a Gen 4 Mercury ignition work in a Gen 5/6 application. If so, would you guys also stick with a Gen 4 Merc Mag ignition over a GM HEI or other?
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Old 02-11-2015, 12:55 PM
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MSD = my spark died
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Old 02-11-2015, 01:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Flightplan
Does a Gen 4 Mercury ignition work in a Gen 5/6 application. If so, would you guys also stick with a Gen 4 Merc Mag ignition over a GM HEI or other?
Gen 4,5,6 can all use the same parts. I have 2 dist and v6 modules I'll let go fairly cheap.
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Old 02-11-2015, 07:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Black Baja
I would use a stock GM Hei b4 I used MSD. MSD has left me sitting in the water. And not only that but I've had RF noise problems with MSD that was a nightmare figuring out.
then you didn't have your connectors set up right.I posted a long time ago a diagram laying out the connectors.If and when the msd crapped out,switch a couple connectors and you were up and running on the HEI igntion.
Btw ,I ran my engines on a stock HEI and other on msd (560hp 454's) didn't notice any difference in performance.
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