can someone expain ignition mods like "MSD DIS-4"

[SuprSpdDB7]

can someone explain these to me and what is there that i can do?
i have a 96 3.8L

[MrCoffee]

they send more electricity, and give you control over ignition timing and advances.

[AMinor65]

Yes, it will give you some control over timing. It will allow you to retard the timing, but not advance it. It generates multiple sparks under 3000 rpm giving your car a better chance at combustion of the air/fuel mix. Over 3000 rpm, it generates one big powerful spark. This type of ignition system would be a real benefit when generating power in the upper rpms. I for one, notice a performance increase from 1500 rpm on, with a noticeable "jolt" at 3000rpm.

It is commonly believed on this board that the MSD DIS-4 offers no benefit on a naturally aspirated 3.8 Series II engine. This may be true on a basically stock car. I personally believe that once you start performance mods (i.e. air intake work,porting and polishing, performance chips that supply more fuel, etc.) the stock ignition will perform at a nominal level at best.

I could go on and on about this mod and others, but it really depends on what you expect from basic "bolt-on" modifications. This is not a mod that's gonna snap your neck back like nitrous or a torque converter, but it helps if your goal is all-around performance. Shouldn't be done as a start-up mod.

[ December 24, 2002: Message edited by: AMinor65 ]</p>

[SuprSpdDB7]

hmmm... cuz i have B&B exhaust, SLP CAI, i just ordered Dee's TB Spacer
so do u think it will help performance any?

[AMinor65]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by SuprSpdDB7:
hmmm... cuz i have B&B exhaust, SLP CAI, i just ordered Dee's TB Spacer
so do u think it will help performance any?<hr></blockquote>

Couldn't hurt. This is how I analyze a mod. CAI=More Air/Velocity. B&B exhaust=better exhaust evacuation, more air coming in. Throttle body spacer. Cooler air=denser air=more air molecules. TB Spacer also equals an extention of intake plenum, which equals higher air velocity, which provides better atomization of fuel mix. More air coming in=more fuel added by PCM. Light that mixture with a bigger spark, more combustion. More combustion, bigger push on the cylinders. Bigger push, more power! That's the theory anyway. ;) To be honest with you, I would have never have gotten the MSD DIS-4 if I hadn't planned on upgraded coils, wires and plugs. I have the wires and plugs, but haven't installed them yet. Can't wait.

I think my chip is helping also, with the richer mix. You gotta look at your whole system, and the principles behind a mod.

[Dojo2000]

http://mods.firebirdv6.com/msd/

It's been sitting in our Modifications Encylopedia
http://mods.firebirdv6.com/

:( Sure would be nice if it got used ;)

[ December 25, 2002: Message edited by: Dojo2000 ]</p>

[AMinor65]

I used it way back.

[SuprSpdDB7]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Dojo2000:
http://mods.firebirdv6.com/msd/

It's been sitting in our Modifications Encylopedia
http://mods.firebirdv6.com/

:( Sure would be nice if it got used ;)

[ December 25, 2002: Message edited by: Dojo2000 ]<hr></blockquote>

woah... i have never seen it in there b4... it must be new
(no.. i am being serious)