Is the MSD HEI Ignition Module Worth the Money?

I’m Upgrading the 1981 Monte Carlo’s ignition with the MSD 83647! I’ll walk you through how to replace the original HEI ignition module in a GM HEI distributor. Some of the benefits of the MSD ignition module include improved performance and reliability. This is going to be a game changing upgrade for keeping this car reliable.The MSD ignition module offers several benefits, including increased spark energy, improved throttle response, better fuel efficiency, and offers a built in Rev limiter. Additionally, it provides a more consistent and reliable ignition system, which can lead to smoother engine performance and reduced maintenance time. By upgrading to the MSD ignition module, you can enhance your vehicle’s overall performance and reliability.

Here’s an affiliate link to get one for your car: MSD HEI Module 

The MSD Ignition Module is a direct bolt in that requires no real modification to your distributor. It bolts in place of the original HEI ignition module and looks identical when the distributor cap is back on. 

To start out, I’ll take the distributor cap off and disconnect the wires to the coil. Next is the rotor, 2 screws and it’s off. A nice thing about the HEI is that the rotor is indexed so that it can only go on one way. Once the rotor is removed there are 3 screws, 2 hold the module and 1 holds an electrical noise filter. You may need to bump the starter to move the rotor mounting tabs out of the way to get the module out. Once the old one is out, the new one mounts using the same 2 screws with heat paste on the bottom and connects to the magnetic pickup like the original unit. The third screw holds a ground to the inside of the distributor’s body. 

Put the rotor and cap back on and connect the wiring up to the coil like it did with the original parts. There are 2 extra wires for this install. One is a ground that needs to go to a good ground. The other is a combination tach signal wire and rev limiter signal wire. The instructions go into how to hook up a tachometer and set the rev limiter. 

The result is a more reliable ignition system that will rev better and be more reliable that the original parts!

Here’s some links to stuff I like to use! These are affiliate links and I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

PWRCORE 12 Brushless 12V Drill Driver & Impact Driver

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