MSD DIS-4 Ignition System Installation and Evaluation

Author: Bill Spano
E-mail: phantmm97@hotmail.com
Test Vehicle: 1997 Firebird L36 3.8 V6

REQUIRED TOOLS:
Standard/Metric Socket Set, 7/32 deep socket (socket is about 1 ½ inch long, found at Sears), solder iron, thin solder, electrical tape, wire cutters, power connectors (found at local Radio Shack), 14 gauge red and black electrical wire.

REQUIRED HARDWARE:
MSD DIS-4 system (MSD part number 6215, typical price $330)
Three MSD Coil Interface Modules (MSD part number 8870, typical price $26 each, also called Coil Interface Units)

INSTALLATION ISSUES:
Prior to start of installation confirm that the provided two-inch mounting screws could be used in your factory coil mount. Remove one screw from your front coil. Measure the length of the provided screws against your coil and a Coil Interface Module. Confirm the length of the screw is correct and that the tread pitch is correct.
Screws sent with the evaluation system were too short and had incorrect pitch (too thin for thread pattern). Correct screws can be found at a local hardware store or you can contact MSD directly. They will send you the correct screws at no cost.

QUARTER MILE RACE TEST RESULTS:
The DIS-4 provides multiple sparks at low RPM's to provide quicker throttle response and better mileage per gallon.
During field-testing of the DIS-4 system, nine quarter mile runs were conducted on motor alone in 90-degree temperature and 90 percent humidity.
The first three test runs were conducted to create a benchmark ET. With the DIS-4 in bypass mode an average ET of 15.4 was measured.
The second groups of three test runs were conducted with the DIS-4 in line; operational and configured in default mode as shown in the option switches section of this report.
A consistent .20 (two-tenths) reduction in ET was measured. An average ET of 15.2 was measured.
The final groups of three test runs were conducted with the MSD in bypass mode. An average 15.4 ET was measured.
Best reduction in ET was measured as .21

RECOMMEDATIONS:
Installation of high performance spark plugs and spark plug wires is recommended to enhance performance of the DIS-4 system.

WIRING ISSUES:
MSD provides wireless crimp connectors with the DIS-4 and the Coil Interface Modules. It is recommended that you solder the harness wires to the Coil Interface Modules. This will prevent connections from coming loose due to vibrations.
Please note that the wire color codes on your Coil Interface Modules may be different then shown in the provided wiring diagram. If so just connect the harness wires as shown to the physical Coil Interface Module wire locations (i.e. Harness #H-1 green wire to Channel-2 CIU lower left wire, etc.).

MILEAGE RESULTS:
The test vehicle measured an average of 23.0 miles per gallon street/highway with the DIS-4 in bypass mode.
The test vehicle measured an average of 25.5-26.0 miles per gallon street/highway with the DIS-4 in line and operational.

CONCLUSION:
The DIS-4 system is designed to work with most distributorless vehicles. It is designed to work with vehicles equipped with nitrous, turbocharger, and supercharger systems. The system is well designed and has not failed in 12 months of field evaluation. It is believed that the DIS-4 system provides an excellent yet affordable improvement for distributorless vehicles.

TO CONTACT MSD:
To find more information about MSD products consult their website at www.msdignition.com. If you're having problems, a good starting point is their online troubleshooting guide. If you check that and still can't find what you're looking for, contact their tech support department. Their e-mail addresses and phone numbers are listed on their site.

The following section shows pictures of the MSD DIS-4 system, MSD wiring harness, MSD Coil Interface Modules, and factory 3.8 coil mounts.



MSD DIS-4 System



MSD Wiring Harness



MSD Coil Interface Modules



Factory 3.8 Coil Mounts

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The following section provides installation diagrams, wiring diagrams and option selections. Click on each image to enlarge. For best results, copy and save the enlarged images to your hard drive and then use a graphics program to print them out.

Installation Diagram - Click on Image to Enlarge



Wiring Diagram - Click on Image to Enlarge



Option Switches - Click on Image to Enlarge

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The following section shows each installation phase.



Installed Coil Interface Modules



Installed Coil Interface Modules with coils



Installed Coil Interface Modules (note the MSD wiring harness connector lower right, split tubing over wiring, and that the coils still clear the strut tower brace)



Another view of the installed system



Front view of installed MSD DIS-4 system

DISCLAIMER
This install guide and review was written by an automotive enthusiast, not a professional mechanic. This review is merely his opinion and should not be considered professional advice. IN NO WAY WILL THE AUTHOR OF THIS REVIEW OR THE HOSTS OF THIS WEBSITE BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENCES RESULTING FROM ADVICE GIVEN IN THIS REVIEW. FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS AT YOUR OWN RISK.