MSD gave its factory-style...
MSD gave its factory-style Blaster TFI coil a bit of a new look (left) by doing away with the black isolator ring that surrounds the unit (right). However, despite the facelift, the coil is internally unchanged and still features the same 85:1 core-turn ratio and 48,000v maximum output of the original Blaster (and lower primary resistance than a stock coil).
"With a stick car and racing on a pro (0.400) light, it's really hard to try and launch at the exact same rpm every time unless you have a rev limiter," says Sal. "Even though I could have installed a Two-Step (MSD launch-rev limiter) on my 6AL, I wanted to use an all-inclusive unit and really needed to get with the newer technology. With the enhancements and features that are built into the 6AL-2, especially the spark increase over a 6AL's output and the boost-retard, I'm confident that adding it will make a noticeable difference in the way my Mustang performs. It definitely will have the right ignition if I ever decide to install a power-adder."
We spent a morning with Sal as he performed the ignition transition on his coupe. On the hard-parts side of the project, all of the MSD pieces are bolt-in ready and can be installed in about two hours. On the computer side, the ignition system's Pro-Data software (PN 9608, included) is easy to manipulate, and allowed us to create and store all types of potential killer-launch (rev limit) and top-end (timing retard) tune files that will hopefully help Sal reach the winner's circle the next time he goes racing.
Read on for photos and additional details on this project, and consider making this upgrade on your stock (or non-digitally ignited) Mustang, especially if it sees a fair amount of action on the dragstrip.
Using hardware that is included, Sal installs the new coil in the same spot as the old Blaster. One of the bolt holes for the coil's bracket is difficult to access, so Sal uses a telescoping magnet to hold the bolt in position and secure the coil to the strut tower. Since we're using all new pieces with this project, a fresh MSD wiring harness for the coil (PN 8874; $24.40) is also added during this step. The harness simplifies the process because it plugs directly into the OEM wiring for the coil; then its four color-coded wires are plugged into the corresponding connectors of the 6AL-2.
The 6AL-2 is mounted in the same location along the driverside inner fender where the original 6AL box was attached.
Hooking up our project's new ignition is plug-and-play. Harnesses are provided for power and ground (left; heavy red/heavy black), the coil (center; orange/black) and all of the box's features that are triggered by rpm (launch limiter, dark blue; burnout limiter, light blue; retard, pink; tach, gray; PCM, white).