MSD 6AL vs StreetFire CDI

I've had a few people ask me about the CDI box and what it does and is it necessary etc etc... Its basically the next step in scavaging whatever power is to be found in an engine. You can help an engine breath by putting more air and fuel in and getting it out thru compression, induction, cams.. etc.  but the another way to fine tune the process is thru timing and burn efficiency. The MSD 6AL is a standard for drag and other applications, but the StreetFire is perfectly fine for a 4 banger with supporting components. 

What are supporting components? Well the rest of the ignition system needs to be able to support the extra coil winding power. Here's my set up in addition to the StreetFire CDi 

1) low impedence (ohms) spiral wound copper core (radio supression) wires. I have Magstar Racing 100, but Magnecor, Accel,  MSD, VMS (claim the lowest ohms in indistry), or others should work fine too. 

2) non resistor spark plugs.. the resistor, and fine electrode iridium tips are perfectly fine on normal ignitions, but only hinder the performance of a cdi. the best sparkplug conductor is copper. however they dont last as long, especially when over gapped and running more current than expected. expect to change these plugs from every 10k miles, up to once a month depending on usage. - platinum, iridium, or more tips or different shapes do not increase spark or power, just the longevity and increased change intervals.

3) heavy duty distributor. (see previous post for install pics) the AIP DragonFire is really the only option we have for an aftermarket dizzy. Its listed as being high heat capable and heavy duty. Not sure what that means exactly compared to the oem unit, but no performancr ignition set up is complete without one. You're now distributing up to 45k volts (if you get the MSD Blaster 2) between the cap posts and rotor brush. Its a good idea to get a system that is better than stock which is only meant to handle up to 20k volts.

4) Upgraded Ignition Coil. MSD Blaster 2 max 45k volts. Its a cool upgrade that gives the engine bay an old school look, but also has way more power potential than OE. but to get the MOST out of it. you will need other components like plugs wires and CDi box which will keep it spinning near max power thru rpm range, but cut off where you want at redline (or before) via onboard rev limiter. the 6AL has multiple step capabilities, while the StreetFire only has a single rev limiter.