MSD Ignition – Ignition Boxes, Coils & Spark Plug Wires
Which MSD boots do I use to connect a high-voltage wire to an MSD Smart Coil?
MSD Smart Coils need the correct coil-side boot and terminal; general-purpose boots such as 3321/3322 are not always the right fit. Tell us your coil part number and we will specify the correct boots, or build the wires for you.
Which coil works with the MSD DIS ignition box 6214?
The MSD 6214 box works only with the MSD 8240 coil pack.
Do I need to modify my distributor to fit a special MSD kit?
Some kits for specific engines require a modification on the bottom of the distributor to fit. We will tell you when your kit needs it, and we ask you to confirm the exact engine model so we send the correct spark plug wires.
MSD wires for my Honda Integra don't fit my distributor cap. Why?
MSD wire sets 32349 and 32343 are both for the Integra; the only difference is colour (black is no longer produced, only red). These wires are made for the MSD distributor cap, not the stock cap. Send us a photo of your cap. If needed we can supply the correct boots and terminals (e.g. MSD 3321) to adapt the wires.
After fitting an MSD 8241 coil pack (e.g. Fiat Punto 1.2 8V) the car won't start or shows P0351/P0352 misfire codes. What should I check?
The 8241 is a wasted-spark pack with two coils. If the engine doesn't start, try swapping the leads going to cylinders 1-4 with those going to 2-3; the firing pairs are probably reversed. P0351/P0352 (ignition coil A/B circuit) codes are rarely caused by the coil itself: check that the pack's shape and terminals match the original and that the spark plug wires and their ends are in good condition. Send us photos of the wire ends and connections if the problem remains.
After installing an MSD coil kit only 2 cylinders fire. How do I check the coil?
Measure the coil with an ohmmeter: primary resistance between the pins (typically around 0.5–0.6 Ω per coil) and secondary resistance between the paired outputs (e.g. 1–4 and 2–3, typically in the kΩ range). If the values are normal, check the wires, plugs and connector before blaming the coil. A bad spark plug wire can damage a coil. If the coil is confirmed faulty under warranty, we replace it using our photo-and-destroy procedure (mark with a code, photo, destroy, photo).
How long are MSD coils guaranteed, and how do dealers claim a replacement?
MSD coils are covered by our warranty (2 years, or longer for loyal dealers). The procedure: replace the coils for your customer from your stock, then write the code we give you on each coil with a marker, photograph them together, destroy them (e.g. with a hammer) and photograph them again. Send us the photos and we will ship replacement coils, preferably with your next order.
What's the difference between the MSD 8228 and the equivalent Accel coil?
The MSD is slightly stronger, but for normal setups there is no big difference. We have tested the MSD more.
There is no plug-and-play MSD kit for my engine (e.g. Peugeot 309 GTi 16V). What does the "custom racing solution" involve?
It involves modifications: cutting the vehicle harness and fitting a new connector for the ignition, making a mounting plate for the new MSD coil, and terminating a universal spark plug wire set to the right lengths. We supply the parts and guidance; the installation needs a competent technician.
Can you supply an MSD coil pack to replace the ignition cassette on my car (e.g. Citroën C4 VTS 2.0 16V)?
We need the vehicle's ECU wiring diagram and the number of coils inside the existing cassette before we can recommend a solution. With that information we can suggest an MSD coil pack, a driver if needed, and custom wires.
The MSD coil pack wiring diagram for my Ford Zetec differs from the Motorcraft one (cylinders 2 and 3 swapped). Which is correct?
Always follow the firing order/wiring of your own engine and ignore the generic drawing. Also verify that the wires have the correct boots on the coil side.
Do you have MSD spark plug wires for the Mini Cooper S R53?
Yes, the MSD Super Conductor wire set 32879 (red) fits the R53 Mini Cooper S.
Can I buy MSD Super Conductor 8.5 mm spark plug wire in bulk?
Yes. We supply MSD 8.5 mm Super Conductor wire in bulk lengths (e.g. 30 m / 100 ft rolls, part 34049 red), as well as MSD boots, terminals and retainers. Colour availability depends on MSD stock; red has sometimes been out of stock for long periods, so ask us first.
Do you have an ignition upgrade kit for the Fiat Punto GT?
Yes, we offer a Stage 1 ignition upgrade kit for the Punto GT. You can add an MSD ignition box to improve the spark further.
How do MSD ignition boxes work?
MSD boxes are capacitive discharge (CD) ignitions: they increase the voltage delivered to the primary of the ignition coil and discharge it as a high-energy capacitive output, producing a stronger spark (multiple sparks at lower rpm). The programmable versions can also control the engine's timing advance. See the product user manual for details.
Does the MSD 5520 work with an electronic distributor (e.g. Accuspark/Powerspark) or points?
Yes, it works with both points and electronic distributors. Send us your engine setup and vehicle use if you're unsure which MSD box to choose.
My car's factory coil has a built-in igniter (4-wire plug, e.g. Opel Corsa B X16XE). Can I use an MSD Ford coil pack?
The MSD coil pack has no internal igniter, so it needs a driver. We normally reuse the igniter from the old coil if it can be separated. If the igniter is not detachable, you need an external coil driver such as the AEM 3-channel coil driver (30-2843). You may also need new spark plug wires if yours don't fit the MSD coil.
Which MSD parts fit a Pontiac Firebird 3.4 V6 with waste-spark coil packs?
3 × MSD 8224 GM 2-tower coil packs, an 8.5 mm Super Conductor 6-cylinder wire set (we can adapt it to your engine) and an MSD ignition box such as the 6A (6201) or Street Fire (5520).
Should I buy the MSD Street Fire 5520 or the 6AL for my street car (e.g. classic Mini)?
For street and everyday use, the 5520. Both have the same main functions (including a rev limiter). The 6AL has a bit more energy and is designed for track use (e.g. running on the limiter for a long time); for a street Mini it is money wasted. A proven Mini setup is: MSD 8222 coil + 5520 box + race-tailored MSD spark plug wires. For launch control, choose the 6AL-2.
Which MSD box should I choose for a distributor engine: 5520, 6425 (6AL) or 6530 (6AL-2)?
(1) 5520 Street Fire: the bestseller, ideal for boosting the ignition to the maximum with a strong spark. (2) 6425 Digital 6AL: race edition with rev limiter, ideal if you use the engine near the rev limit for long periods. (3) 6530 Programmable 6AL-2: adds the ability to control timing retard according to RPM or boost, without removing the distributor. Note: if the engine uses two separate ignition signals from the ECU (wasted-spark), these boxes cannot control the timing advance.