Talked with MSD coupla minutes ago. They said 6AL (model 6420) is the answer. 6AL will feed through the HEI module and if it craps out, I still have the HEI internal module to fall back on (to keep the car running). I like the redundant feature because I guess the 6AL has a history of failure at the worst times - leaving you stranded with no spark. Cool! Also, I can order a buncha different chips for rev limiting points, although I'm cool with the 6500 that comes with it - probably get a 6800, 7000, and 7200 as well.

Best,

I'd like to know what options there are too. When I bought my 6A it said it was compatible with MSD's rev control, but when you get it, they tell you it's not. I shoulda popped for the 6AL. :(

zz69: Looks like the 6AL is the only way to go, but the benefits seem worth the dough. Look at my original post - I edited it after I talked with MSD.

Is this using the MDS HEI too?

When installing a 6AL on a normal HEI, you must remove the module.

Yeah, that's my problem, I already have the 6A and don't wanna pop for another one. Maybe once I get working again I can put the 6A on one of the Camaros and got a better setup for the Velle.

Mark M - MSD says module removal not necessary with their HEI unit - has a pass-thru mode or something like that. Anyway, the 6AL will be here Friday. I'll know more then.

Best,

Mike H.

I wasn't aware that the 6AL is so prone to failure. That's bad news since I'm running one on my Camino and drive a few hundred miles per day on the highway.

I'd hate to be stranded in South Texas at 3am. I guess I'll keep the old points-style ignition and a timing light in the toolbox so I can run with just a coil if I have to.

Originally posted by cjlandry:
I wasn't aware that the 6AL is so prone to failure. That's bad news since I'm running one on my Camino and drive a few hundred miles per day on the highway.

I'd hate to be stranded in South Texas at 3am. I guess I'll keep the old points-style ignition and a timing light in the toolbox so I can run with just a coil if I have to. I don't think that's true. They've sold millions of them. There are bound to be a few that fail but I suspect that this is one of those snowballing rumors.

Rod

i had one fail on me after about 8 months. luckily i wasnt too far from home. i bought it from summit and they shipped me a new one right away.

Danny

<I don't think that's true. They've sold millions of them. There are bound to be a few that fail but I suspect that this is one of those snowballing rumors.>

I was paraphrasing almost EXACTLY what the guy on the MDS tech line told me. "Prone to failure at the worst times" - his exact words. After the crate motor debacle, I tape all conversations with hi-perf parts suppliers.

So what did he really mean? He obviously meant that ~when~ they fail, they do so in a rather inconvenient manner - like 200 miles from home in a rainstorm. He was an MSD representative for goodness sake! He wasn't slamming his product - he was simply giving me an added benefit of coupling the 6AL with their Pro HEI. If the 6AL does fail, I have the HEI as backup.

I LIKE the fact that I have a redundant system. I listened to the tape again and the guy was certainly NOT saying anything like, "Hey, the 6AL's suck so if you're gonna buy one make sure you use it with our HEI....".

Snowballing rumor for sure - let's put it to bed now. My 6AL will be here Friday - up and running by Saturday afternoon. I doubt I will have any failures to report :D

MSD says module removal not necessary with their HEI unit - has a pass-thru mode or something like that. Anyway, the 6AL will be here Friday. I'll know more thenThat's a cool feature then, graemlins/thumbsup.gif .

I think the MSD boxes are pretty reliable, but just like anything electronic, they can and will fail in time. It's just a matter of when.

Ever notice how NASCAR's run 2 of them, ;) .

I guess the easiest thing would be to carry an extra MSD around with me. That thing's so easy to wire that it would be the quickest roadside repair.

Just carry the module you removed, and if running points, you could carry a dist, and a timing light. :D