How to Install the MSD 6AL Digital Ignition Box | 1995 Ford F150

[@Skitter302]

Got home from work and got to watch the video. I like how you got yours installed, looks clean and it wasn't a ton of work. MSD is a great upgrade for these trucks. Hotter Spark for what I have found to be a smoother idle and a bit more grunt.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Thanks Skitter! I’ve definitely noticed a difference. My truck definitely idles smoother than before, acceleration is smoother, and it also feels like it has more stamina during higher RPM accelerations.

[@cameron.carranza]

I ran mine under the passenger seat on top of the metal tray, you can hear it a little at idle with no music and the vents off but not too bad. Good idea with the adapter harness, never know if it'll fail and it makes checking easy!

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Nice!🤙 I thought about mounting the box in the cab. Yup, a lot of the MSD box haters, talked about how it would just fail and leave you stranded. By using adapter harness, you can easily revert to stock.

[@imjulyy]

hey question for you man. i have a 93 f150 and everytime i give it gas it accelerates real slow but it’s get there and it starts jumping like a death wobble kind of and it wastes a lot of gas fast. i changed the spark plugs and spark plug wires.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Hi, sounds like a transmission issue. I would check your fluid and make sure it’s that translucent pink/red and it’s at the right level. Then I would check your engine codes. There could be a sensor or something not working properly. Lastly, I would check your fuel pressure and change your fuel filter.

[@datawizard8194]

Any idea what you do with the gray wire and such if you do have a tach? Plan to build a hotter 302 for my 95 and considering getting one but I do have a tach.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

I don’t know exactly but the directions detail its installation.

[@robspiker1725]

Do you have a link for the wiring harness adapter?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

amzn.to/3Z19mPI

[@robspiker1725]

Thank you. I ended up calling an audible. My son’s truck won’t start and I didn’t want to wait but I decided we’ll wait now to make it better long term. I appreciate it sir!

[@MxliRunners-ko5gz]

Did you disconnect the original Ignition control module ? The one located on the passenger side fender

[@TheMinuteMasters]

I didn’t.

[@cristhegearmonkey]

R.I.P to my 1990 man I got tboned by a drunk driver at the gas station parked man. Driver door comepletely caved in 💔💔 I'm so heartbroken rn the door frame is warped on the bottom and the new door I put on won't line up on the bottom do yk if I can push the hinge assembly forward like a quarter inch? Or are they not able to move like the holes in the door that go onto the hinge?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

I haven’t done much collision work. I would try to get an opinion from a collision shop.

[@cristhegearmonkey]

@@TheMinuteMasters waiting on his insurance company to send the assurer out. Pretty sure they're gonna total it probably just gonna upgrade to a 96 after this. 💔 still breaks my heart.

[@ice4332]

out of subject but do you know what causes the ac fan to stop blowing but only defrost? i’m thinking a vacuum leak but i’m not sure

[@TheMinuteMasters]

The vacuum line to the blend door actuator is broken. If you watch my vac line replacement video, I point it out.

[@nickengel5971]

You're going to love that set up

[@TheMinuteMasters]

All ready love it!

[@danielmiller3967]

What exactly does it do? Just improve the power of the spark?

[@danielmiller3967]

Nevermind lol I read the other comments, thanks for all the great videos

[@TheMinuteMasters]

@@danielmiller3967 Yes, longer spark duration and super charges coil at higher rpm.

[@ddzn80]

Does this kit work only on the 5.0 or also on the 4.9

[@TheMinuteMasters]

This kit should work on 4.9.

[@Skitter302]

I had one of these Boxes installed on my 88 EFI 300 I6, ran amazing. I had a noticeable difference in power from 700-2800 rpm.

[@ddzn80]

@@Skitter302 cool, I got a bone stock 95 efi might give this kit a try

[@Stoney429b]

Did this kit bypass or eliminate any of the factory equipment (ignition module etc), or is it all still in use in some capacity?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

It still uses all the factory components. Consider it an “add on”.

[@Blakecolts8956]

We’re the best place to buy brake lines for these trucks I blew my line that runs from my master cylinder

[@TheMinuteMasters]

If you aren’t gonna go for stainless steel, braided brake lines, I would just pick up anything from an auto parts store.

[@Vodnik110]

So ive been seriously contemplating this conversion. I got the stupid stock icm (86 f150) which is notorious for toasting itself and i want to run the 6al to eliminate that being my issue all together, with the adapter harness i noticed the msd plugs back into the trucks' original icm, do you know why that is? Is there any way the stock icm tells the msd what to do? Cause thats the last thing i want

[@TheMinuteMasters]

So yes, this does plug into the ICM, but there could be a way to bypass it. I’m not entirely sure.

[@hungaro73]

Have you done a fuel injector up grade on 5.8 w

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Not yet but it’s on my list.

[@SaulMartinez39]

Where can I get those battery cable connectors?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

I have a separate video showing how to install those and the link for them is in the description.

[@mustangGT500boy]

Does this eliminate the stock ignition control module?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Nope, you can keep all of your stock ignition parts. This is an extra piece between the dizzy and ignition coil.

[@braiden2773]

Would this work on 97 5.8 since it doesn’t have the maf witch sucks

[@TheMinuteMasters]

I don’t see why it wouldn’t work on a non-MAF engine.

[@braiden2773]

@@TheMinuteMasters just wondering wasn’t sure

[@ashleyshavers4374]

So what does this box do?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

I think I’m gonna get this question lot. Lol Anyhow, this box length is the duration of your spark at your plug, which in theory shouldn’t completely burn all of your fuel. It also make sure your coil charges completely at higher RPMs. Sometimes I Stock coil can’t keep up at higher RPMs and you don’t get as much spark to the plug.

[@LordKenjii]

@@TheMinuteMasters So to be clear, this makes your truck more efficient? Save more gas on startup? Get more MPG? I’m afraid I’m not seeing the end goal. How much gas/power are you really using on ignition?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

@@LordKenjii To be honest, this is my first experience with one of these boxes, so I’ll have to test a lot of the theories. I can definitely tell you, I have noticed a difference at higher RPMs while accelerating. I think at higher RPMs, your engine is less efficient at burning fuel. As far as a goal, I can’t say I necessarily had one for installing this box. It’s something I wanted to try and see for myself.

[@Vodnik110]

If there's something else you want to test, I heard on a forum online that a guy set his timing like two or 3 degrees ahead of stock to get a little bit more of a complete burn, this was specifically the 7.5l 460 I believe. If your Interested I could try n hunt down the forum again

[@TheMinuteMasters]

@@Vodnik110 I’ve heard of different timing adjustments. The 6 liter tune is 1-2° adjustments BTDC.

[@jhrsmail]

Ok.. that was easy.. I have 2 of these , I want to install this and a msd coil on my 93 lightning, cause, well .. that's what people do. 😂. Can u explain what exactly this upgrade does ? Is there a tuning advantage for speed density engines? Thx James

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Hi James, you’ll see the most performance gains at higher RPMs. This box lengthens the duration of the spark at your plug, which, in theory should completely burn your fuel. It also charges your ignition coil faster. This is important because it higher RPMs your ignition quit doesn’t have a chance to reach full charge, which means your spark plugs aren’t getting the full spark benefit of the coil.

[@jhrsmail]

@@TheMinuteMasters awesome thx for the reply

[@larryborlie837]

So in theory this box increases performance and fuel mileage?

[@Bamf23]

Did you leave the stock ignition module? Or did you remove it?

[@Bamf23]

BTW I love your videos! Super informative and super helpful!

[@TheMinuteMasters]

I sure did! The way I set this up, I can unplug all the MSD related components and go back to stock.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Thanks man! I appreciate it!

[@Bamf23]

@TheMinuteMasters Bro! Your videos are awesome and super informative. I'm restoring my dad's 95 f250 w/ the 351w 5.8l and have been hitting a hard wall getting her to run right. If I could send you a video of what I'm dealing with, maybe we can go from there. I could use someone like you to bounce ideas off of.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

@@Bamf23 Thanks man! I appreciate it. I have an IG that goes by the same name. You can always message me there or even Tik Tok.

[@MrSwag028]

i have a 1996’ f-150 with the 4.9l straight 6. is this something i could run or is this only for v8’s ??

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Yup! This will work for a 4.9🤙

[@Adrian6_6]

@@TheMinuteMastersyour f150 is 5L ?

[@Adrian6_6]

Is it the same for 250?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

@@Adrian6_6 yes

[@doctorantivirus.]

Does this come to replace the Ignition Module OEM ?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Nope, you keep your stock ignition module.

[@calebnezat8418]

You should do the “6 liter tune up” from the old ford truck forums and do a 0-60 comparison between that and stock

[@TheMinuteMasters]

My current tune up is a mixture of the 6 liter tune up. My plugs a gapped a tad over stock. I didn’t upgrade the wires though. Time is bumped a degree heavier than stock as well.

[@calebnezat8418]

@@TheMinuteMasters I have timing set at 16 btdc on my i6, I think you could push yours to 14-15 without any issue, you should do a complete video on it since I don’t think anyone else has

[@TheMinuteMasters]

@@calebnezat8418 I’ll keep that in mind since I’ll be upgrading the coil and wires.

[@Vodnik110]

​@@calebnezat8418question for you man, is yours the 300? Or the small one?

[@calebnezat8418]

@@Vodnik110 300

[@adtp-adogthepro6751]

"Decent-sized flat surface" My brain- USE THE HOOD

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Yes! Lol I thought about mounting it to the underside of the hood. I’ve seen guys do that with other accessory’s.

[@nestr2007]

Have you noticed a change in power or efficiency? I know some people use ford explorer injectors since it has 4 nozzles to atomize fuel better so I wonder what’s cheaper and more effective with power fuel or economy or both. Any who thanks for making these videos it helps me understand my 4.9 better

[@TheMinuteMasters]

I haven’t necessarily notice an increase in power. I’ve noticed I am smoother acceleration of a higher RPMs and more stamina if that makes sense. Before my truck would feel out of breath at higher RPMs especially while accelerating to make a pass. I’ve heard of the 4 hole injectors and that seems like a solid mod. I’m told the best bang for the buck are aluminum GT40 or GT40 P heads.

[@QuikModsOBS]

yep gt40p heads will completely change your truck. almost the first mod i really recommend @@TheMinuteMasters

[@2dorkstv]

@@TheMinuteMasters Oh man. Looking forward to that GT40 head upgrade video ;). I've heard the same thing about those.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

@@2dorkstv that video is not exactly on my calendar but it’s definitely on the wish list.

[@nestr2007]

@@TheMinuteMasters i have a 4.9 6banger so I think my only option is the updated injectors and there’s cams on summit

[@BLueFeaTHeRedOliVeS]

Amazing video! I'm having a "get up and go" issue after replacing my distributor. I'm sure it's timing related. Would you say at your 10-11 TDC gives it a good amount of power? Especially from off the line?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

So that’s the factory timing for my truck. I can go toward 11 TDC, because my spark plugs are gapped a little more.

[@BLueFeaTHeRedOliVeS]

@TheMinuteMasters I can't believe I forgot about my plugs. I keep trying to put my truck back at the timing it was at before the tune up & distributor replacement. But I bought pre-gapped plugs and wires during my tune up and my old timing isn't giving me the right power. I forgot to re-gap the plugs 🤦‍♂️ thank you

[@saleenmustang9793]

​@TheMinuteMasters I am curious how you like those new terminals on your battery? Since you've had them have they given you any problem with the Allen head screws loosing up or anything like etc? Would you happen to have a link or remember where you might have gotten them thanks.

[@BLueFeaTHeRedOliVeS]

​@saleenmustang9793 I actually am using a very similar type of battery terminal with accessory ports with Allen keys. They haven't slipped in 2 years. I have a set of quick connect ones on my OBS and I have a set of ones very similar to this in the video on my brother's jeep. Would you like the link to the quick connect ones or the ones that are in the video?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

@@saleenmustang9793 I do like the new terminals a lot. I haven’t noticed them coming undone.

[@zachw.1617]

Make a video on a distributor replacement! Love the vids😎

[@turkfebruary5836]

Sweet G Shock. Also, do you have any plans of installing electric fans? I’ve been thinking about doing it to mine.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Thanks man!🤙 I’ve thought about it. Not sure about taking the plunge yet. It’s a great mod that frees up the parasitic HP lost from the mechanical fan. However, the reliability and longevity of electric fans varies quite a bit.

[@kustomking101]

Having run plenty of ignition boxes in my time and currently running two of them in my cars, please try and mount them in the cab/interior of the vehicle. Heat is not! Friends with ignition boxes, don’t do it.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

I was going to try and mount it in the cab but could find the right spot. I’m not opposed to moving it once I find the right spot though.

[@Travis-hl3oz]

Msd 6al everything else stock I just have a big WHY .......

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Base for future mod but I also I was curious as to what benefit the box had for a stock engine. I plan to do a video about that soon.

[@marcush4966]

Am I the only one who is wondering what to do with the grey wire if you have a tachometer??💀💀💀

[@TheMinuteMasters]

I believe the directions have that wire splicing into the dizzy or into the back of the gauge cluster.

[@jhrsmail]

Cant wait to learn this. Thx

[@TheMinuteMasters]

It’s a good one! 👌

[@zjtr10]

👎🏿👎🏿 I’m saddened to see you have to use click bait to get views.. title Says ignition install. Video shows how to remove a knob

[@Trevcj101]

​@@zjtr10this isn't the video. It's just a place holder until the video comes out

[@TheMinuteMasters]

@@zjtr10 click the video again. That’s just a preview until the video premieres..

[@fmm1979]

Nobody talked about how he started it with no key

[@TheMinuteMasters]

I know right!!🤣 It’s an OBS thing. The key cylinders wear out and turn by themselves.

[@iHeartOiSkanks]

Why add this?

[@TheMinuteMasters]

I think I’m gonna get this question lot. Lol Anyhow, this box length is the duration of your spark at your plug, which in theory shouldn’t completely burn all of your fuel. It also make sure your coil charges completely at higher RPMs. Sometimes I Stock coil can’t keep up at higher RPMs and you don’t get as much spark to the plug.

[@iHeartOiSkanks]

@@TheMinuteMasters Thnx for the reply. Im gonna have to do more research on it. Would have loved a detailed explanation on why you were ADDDING it and why I should add it to my rig.

[@marks93cobra]

I like your videos, but IMO, this is a waste of money on a truck 5.0. These engines are cammed to make max torque down low, you're not going to rev it high, and even if you do, it's not doing anything but making noise, you are well past the hp and torque peaks. You'd be better off spending your money on a true dual exhaust and 1.7:1 roller rockers to try to get the most out of the weak-ass truck cam.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Thanks man!🤙 So I’ve heard varying things. I’ve heard the VA is rev higher than the street sixes. I’ve heard that the 5.0 likes higher RPMs. I have noticed I’m more smooth and efficient response to throttle at higher RPMs especially on the highway. Off the line it’s smooth too. Not a power add for sure. Definitely agree with exhaust and roller rockers.

[@marks93cobra]

@@TheMinuteMasters I'm not sure if MSD's quality is better these days, but back in the late '90s/early 2000s I had 2 of them die on me on my supercharged Fox mustang (when they worked, I could increase the plug gap and not blow out the spark)...hopefully they have come around these days. Oh, one other thing, those things HATE heat...if you're going to leave it under the hood, you might want to consider shielding it from the hot air coming directly off the radiator.

[@TheMinuteMasters]

@@marks93cobra I’ve heard people talk about some of the questionable MSD products. I hope they have gotten better too. That’s one of the reasons why I got that harness that makes the install plug and play good tip. I’ll have to look into how I can shield. I’m glad I didn’t put it somewhere close to the engine.

[@marks93cobra]

@@TheMinuteMasters With that jumper harness, if the MSD box poops out, at least it's an easy swap back to just the factory setup.

[@jayward7536]

what is the real bennifit of this box

[@TheMinuteMasters]

Longer spark duration and super charges ignition coil so coil has a full spark at higher RPMS.