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Dead Digiplex

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by bshaw, Nov 11, 2005.

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  1. bshaw

    bshaw Karting

    Nov 3, 2003
    65
    Connecticut
    Full Name:
    Bill
    #1 bshaw, Nov 11, 2005
    Solving my rotor problem lead me into my next problem. The Digiplex for the forward bank isn't working. I'm thinking it's time to move to an aftermarket ignition. Any suggestions? Any to stay away from? Is this going to be a cut & splice deal, or is there one that will just plug in?

    Bill
    '80 308i
     
  2. Bryan

    Bryan Formula 3

    Nov 1, 2003
    1,310
    Montrose, Colorado
    #2 Bryan, Nov 11, 2005
    Do an FCHAT search on Digiplex or ignition. Lots of info out there.
     
  3. speedmoore

    speedmoore Formula 3
    BANNED Professional Ferrari Technician

    Apr 15, 2003
    1,541
    Austin, Texas
    Full Name:
    D Moore
    #3 speedmoore, Nov 11, 2005
    MSD-6AL.....very nice. Inexpensive, better spark, easy to install, do them both. You can buy online the cheapest price at Summit Racing products
     
  4. bshaw

    bshaw Karting

    Nov 3, 2003
    65
    Connecticut
    Full Name:
    Bill
    #4 bshaw, Nov 12, 2005
    The subject is an '80 308i where the advance curve is provided by the Digiplex units. Does the MSD-6AL provide the advance curve? Can the curve be modified to the Ferrari's specs? I have wandered around the archives for hours and have not found this information. I've found a number of discussions of MSD's used with older models where the advance curve is provided by the distributor, but none with the newer fixed advance distributors.

    I have an email in to MSD but am hoping someone here can provide some real world Ferrari experiences.

    Thanks,

    Bill
     
  5. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 26, 2001
    14,461
    Canada
    Full Name:
    Newman
    #5 Newman, Nov 12, 2005
    Any MSD 6AL Ive installed did not advance timing, its done in the distributor like you said. You can get ones with boost retard for blower applications though.
     
  6. speedmoore

    speedmoore Formula 3
    BANNED Professional Ferrari Technician

    Apr 15, 2003
    1,541
    Austin, Texas
    Full Name:
    D Moore
    #6 speedmoore, Nov 13, 2005
    Sorry, I had carb on the brain, just did one in the shop.

    If you could adjust the mechanical advance,the MSD Programable Timing Control Unit PN 8981 in conjunction with the 6Al or 6ALN would work. Maybe MSD has something similar that advances like this one retards. Please let us know what MSD has to say.

    Maybe it's time for an adjustable distributor base to be manufactured. It does not look that hard to make, the three holes that mount it would have to be slotted enough to advance it to maximum advance.
     
  7. martin-uk

    martin-uk Karting

    Feb 24, 2007
    183
    uk
    Full Name:
    martin
    #7 martin-uk, Apr 8, 2007
    GIVEN A PATTERN I COULD TURN ONE UP, ON LATHE
     
  8. ROLOcr

    ROLOcr Formula Junior

    Oct 25, 2005
    619
    Costa Rica
    Full Name:
    ROLO
    #8 ROLOcr, Apr 8, 2007
    go with the MSD unit but also use the coil suplied by them, they work GREAT!!
     
  9. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 24, 2006
    15,811
    Cerritos, CA.
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    Mike
    #9 miketuason, Apr 8, 2007
    For what I understand MSD only gives you Multi Spark up to 4K RPM after that it becomes Single Sparks, but Mallory I believe gives Multi Sparks all the time. Can anyone confirm this?
     
  10. snj5

    snj5 F1 World Champ

    Feb 22, 2003
    10,213
    San Antonio
    Full Name:
    Russ Turner
    #10 snj5, Apr 8, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    The Digiplex also supplies a timed trigger to the coil off of the flywheel sensors; MSD requires a trigger and advance curve.

    I used an adaptor with a Mallory Unilite electronic distributor to fire an MSD coil & 6AL to replace the Marelli ignition unit on my 3.2 - inexpensive & very reliable now for several years; search tech section for "Mallory Unilite" for installation details.

    Good luck with whatever you do!
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