Instead of replacing the cap and rotor on my 1st gen B16, would there be a good reason to do the whole MSD setup? From what I've read, it seems like you only need to do that when adding a a turbo or supercharger. Would there be any other good reasons to do it?

Also, in kind of a related question...is there any reason to add a fuel pressure regulator if I'm not going to go turbo?

Thanks in advance

 

no for the cap and rotor.. just replace with stock parts..

and yes on the FPR.. it isn't needed, but it's a nice little "tuning" option.. i haven't had a need to yet, though.

 

Actually, I already bought the cap and rotor. I bought the cheaper aftermarket ones though. Are they just as good as Honda OEM?

 

 

naaa, save the $$ for something else

 

super street did an article on this in it's test pages, and found that there is really almost no benefit to adding a ignition system to a N/A engine, turbos and SC react well to them though.

 

bump...curious if there's other opinions

 

I have the MSD ignition setup on my all motor B16 and the only real advantage I have gained from it was adding the 2 step rev limiter. Helps at the track a bunch for me, I am too inconsistent on my own. I dont know for sure though, I did put down 147 at the dyno with MSD coil, 6AL, exhaust, and a header.

 

MSD won't do a damn thing.

 

The only way you'd need an "upgraded" ignition is if you had some big cams, reworked head, and much more fuel coming in as well.

See the main reason for getting an aftermarket ignition is to get better spark, but why would you need more spark if you have no additional air or fuel coming in?

 

NA-no.
Turbo or sc-yes/
fpr-good to have.

 

to answer the question about aftermarkets parts being as good as OEM Honda. Thats a BIG NO!!!! Auto Zone/Pep Boys parts suck and will not last as long as Honda parts. Do yourself a favor and get the OEM parts.

 

Yeah, I found that out the hard way, man. About 6 weeks ago died while driving, and after pulling off the dizzy cap, I discovered the button and coil had burnt up. The cap was only on for about 2 months too. Now I have OEM on there

 

if any of you are familiar with a blaster cap for a stereo system, the msd does the same thing. the msd 6A ensures that the coil has a full charge to fire a fully energized spark. at high rpms there is not enough time for the coil to store a full charge to fire a full and complete spark. and that is why the MSD is good. you may not register much on the dyno, but emissions will be lower, and the throttle response will be quicker.

 

yeah but most people have found that the cost outweighs the benefit.
One thing I remember about MSD ignition systems is that they can help smooth out rough idles.