Hey, guys, I was just wondering where the stock ignition box us located on my '89 IROC-Z 350 TPI??? I am planning on an MSD 6a(l) soon and I just don't know where the stock one is. Pictures may help. Thanks for the help guys! -89IRO

 

Well the electronic spark control os mounted to the firewall just off to the driver side from the dist, almost square, flat box. The rest of the ignition is handled by the module in the dist.

 

If you are looking for the stock ignition box you are going to be looking for a long time because you're original ignition doesn't have an external box like an MSD 6AL or a Crane hi6. An aftermarket ignition box is an add on not a replacement.

 

O.K., now I'm really confused. If there is no igniton box, (which I couldn't seem to find myself) what controls it all? If someone else can more clearly explain all of this I would really appreciate it! Or is the black thing on the firewall like Morley described? Does it do the same thing as the msd but just not in the "box" form? I need help! Thanks guys. -89IRO

 

The ignition system is controlled by the electronic spark control module and Ignition module which are "commanded" by the ECM.

 

sorry, didn't mean to post this. I couldn't figure out how to delete it.

 

so the "electronic spark control" is the black think on the firewall, right behind the driver side valve cover right? So if I wanted to do the msd box, I couldn't remove that thing? So it the point of the msd box just to amplify the esc? Now would doing this screw up my computer? -89IRO

 

The ESC is what controld the ignition timing, the coil and associated electronics are what determines the power, saturation & dwell of the spark. The ESC needs to be left in there as far as I know, the add on ignition boxes increase the spark power as a basic function, some have other functions too.

 

Yeah I wasn't trying to be a wise guy. An aftermarkt igniton box is an add on to your existing ignition system. I have the Crane Hi-6 and it upgrades to multiple sparks per cycle as opposed to just one with the OEM setup, has a provision for some boosted applications and also has a rev limiter and came in kit form. The kit came with a coil and all the necessarywiring. I have an 89 Trans Am which has a remote coil and it came with every connector to make it a totally plug in installation. You simply mount the box, run a ground wire, and install connectors from the oem wiring harness into the box and from the box to the coil. Again it is all plug in and really quite simple.

 

O.K.- sounds easy enough, the hardest part I think is finding a place to put the box. My only concerns are having a problem with burning out the distrib. module because I've heard guys saying they've had probs. with their modules by screwing with the ignition. My other concern is the computer itself. I don't have an aftermarket chip, and don't want one since everyone says they are a waste of money, but will my stock computer (and module) be able to deal with the msd box and coil? Well, aside from all the nasty stuff, what kind of differences in power/feel/econony could I expect from the msd box/coil? And would it be O.K. to use AC/Delco cap/rotor and plug wires? I know the msd wires are better but I can't see spending $50-$70 on wires. Plus, right now I got AC wires (only 7mm) and love them. I hope they make 8mm because I'd like to upgrade to those. Well I wrote a lot, but can you guys tell me what you think? Oh and one last though, I originally wrote this because I was just curiouse about the ignition box thing, not really because I need it. If it is going to cost $200 (for the 6AL) plus screw other stuff up, would I be better off just going with the msd coil and cap/rotor? I mean is this "multiple spark" thing good for a mostly stock engine with 200,000 miles on it? By the way, when I say 200,000 miles, don't freak out because this car has been babied all its life so I know what it can take and the thing runs outstanding. Jees, O.K., I think I wrote enought for one night, thanks! -89IRO

 

"Multiple Sparks"- how many sparks does this mean? Like more than 2, or just 2? Would I need special plugs? -89IRO

 

Be careful and sure of the wiring (sounds like they made it murphy proof though, not like the old days) The stock Delco ignition module should be just fine in that application. The computer will be fine, no need for an aftermarket chip.

About the biggest thing you'd probably notice with a stock engine is slightly better mileage from a more complete burn, maybe a mile or two at most per gallon.

You can use the stock cap and rotor, but I would think about upgrading to one of the high dialectric plastic caps with brass terminals the next time you change cap and rotor. Accel, Moroso, Mallory..they all make a pretty good cap, better than a stock Bakelite (sp) ones.

 

Doesn't AC make that kind of cap? I guess I should just go with an msd cap/rotor just to finish it off huh? And do you think 8mm AC wires will be ok? And do you know how many sparks the "multiple spark" box puts out? I can use regular plugs still right? Well, I'm just still debating wether or not I should put in the msd box. I'm thinking if I just go with msd coil/cap/rotor, 8mm AC wires and the higher performance AC plugs, that should give me a much hotter spark than stock. I just don't know if the box is going to be worth the money. Damn, it would look cool under the hood though! -89IRO

 

Oh and not that I'm not trusting or believing Morley, but I would like some more opinions on all this stuff from others. Anyone??? Thanks. -89IRO

 

Anybody?