Is a MSD 5200 worth buying?

[SHO-Z]

I have a late 260Z with a 280 motor, I looks like whoever put the 28O motor in used the 260 distributor and took off the air pump and EGR. Right now I have dual down draft webers on the car as the only modification to the motor. It has high HC when emission tested and fails, I read on line that multi spark ignitions will help this condition. At a later date I am planning on installing a set of 45mm Triple sk racing carbs that I picked up, and posibibly force induction.

 

I will not be racing the car, it is strictly a street machine.

 

IS the MSD 5 series multi spark and a blaster 2 coil worth getting?

 

Also I have searched and could not find the thread showing how to wire one into 260Z, I am sure that I saw one but couldn't find it, this 24k connection is just to slow.

[280Zone]

I run the MSD6AL on my V8 car and will be installing one on the turbo car as well. The MSD's come with detailed wiring schematics. I also have some "extra" coils, 2 Allisons. I am not sure how well it might help with emissions though.

[Zmanco]

If your goal is to get the car to pass emissions, then I'd suggest you find someone with an exhaust gas analyzer who can tune the car to meet the test levels. Basically they put the probe in your exhaust and then can set the mixture to get to a passing level. I had to do that when I bought my Z. It drove like crap, but I only had to go a few miles to the test center. I drove right back to the mechanic and he set things back to make it drivable again.

 

If you're looking to put a new ignition in, then maybe you should try it. But if your carb is set too rich, which helps with drivability, then I doubt there's anything you can do with the ignition system to get it to pass.

[jnjdragracing]

We run an older style msd box a 6400T, they are used in circle track / nascar. They have a lot of extra stuff you can hook into them. If I was going to buy another I would buy a 6al2, or if I had the extra money a 7al2. If you are planning on running a supercharge / turbo charger then get the msd with the boost control ends in btm if I remember correctly.

 

I have never used a mds5, but I would spend the extra and get the 6al2.

[SHO-Z]

I forgot to mention that is at idle that I have any problem with high HC. At cruise it passes great.

 

I think I might as well get a MSD 5A box, it couldn't hurt.

[260DET]

Those Blaster coils are rubbish, the stubby Bosch coil is far better.

[Zmanco]

I forgot to mention that is at idle that I have any problem with high HC. At cruise it passes great.

How far off were you on the unburned HC at idle?

[SHO-Z]

Here are the numbers

 

Reading Standard

 

Load HC 81 Pass 400

 

Idle 1360 Failed 400

 

 

I also am thinking of installing a 2 stage cat with air input.

 

If you have any ideas please give me what you think.

 

Really no one in this part of Phoenix will even look at it.

[Zmanco]

Load HC 81 Pass 400

 

Idle 1360 Failed 400

I'm guessing that your idle mixture is just too rich. You might get away just turning the idle mixture down to lean it out, or you might have to go down a size or two on the jets. But without an exhaust gas analyzer you're going to be doing this trial and error, and I'll guess that you are only allowed one more try at the test station.

 

I very much doubt that the multiple spark ignition will make that much of a difference. Perhaps you can find an indendent shop that specializes on early british cars, or even early Hondas and Toyotas. They ran on carbs, and the analyzer is the only way to set them to pass. Look for a mechanic who is in his 40s or 50s. Younger than that and he probably has little experience with carbs. That's where I'd put my efforts. Good luck!