Your thoughts on msd's grid system?
 

I went to the MSD seminar and am intrigued by this ignition. a lot more involved in it than I would ever need. The output seems to be even better than a 7 digital. (my other choice). is anyone out there using one? please give me your thoughts good and bad. thanks in advance, Keith

Re: Your thoughts on msd's grid system?
 

Keith I have a Grid controller hooked to an MSD 7al3 and have had it for 2+years.

I had some problems at one time but it was no big deal really as it needed to be sent in for firmware updating. MSD did that for free and covered the shipping back to me.

I don't use it for all the features it has. I was mainly interested in timing control and run recording and that is exactly what I use it for.

I can retard the timing anywhere during a run and was doing that with injection to reduce the chance of spinning the tires.

I also used it to retard the timing for starting when I was running a gas primer plus system along with injection.

It works fine and I replay all my runs usually after a race to look them over and evaluate things. T-Stop racing in particular.....

It's not a data recorder but does give you some feedback and is more accurate than just a replay tach....

Re: Your thoughts on msd's grid system?
 

thanks Rich, I thought the same thing. My ignition now has the retard, start retard, and rpm and window switch. just need a backup and would like to try this one and keep the one in the car as a backup. does same things I would want but the output is way more than even the old 7 series. some times I think there may be too much in the grid and I might do something stupid by mistake. (never happens) lol. was hoping to hear more info from anyone running the new ign. with the grid on top. I have heard of a lot of problems with them but want to hear user input. thanks for the input, anybody else?

Re: Your thoughts on msd's grid system?
 

It is much more user friendly than the Digital 7 stuff. IMO that is a big selling point.

Re: Your thoughts on msd's grid system?
 

I have the Grid & Controller on my Nova, easy to use, does more than we will ever need. Kick *** spark. I lost a controller after the first 2 weeks, replaced under warranty and have had no issues.
I recommend if upgrading.

Re: Your thoughts on msd's grid system?
 

thanks Gary, I am going to upgrade. Had ign. in my car for 15 years since I built it. not broke but wonder if I may be leaving anything on the table. my decision is between the 7 digital or the grid. only slight diff in $. leaning on the grid. just wanted to here some hero or horror story's first.

Re: Your thoughts on msd's grid system?
 

Thanks for your reply.
please explain, I thought the dig.7 had all dials on side of box to use i.e.. last min. adjustments.
I do know you can add rpm adj modules to the grid to do same but that's more cash.
seems kind of a hassle to have to take laptop out to car to make adj....
I do like the point of having an ignition data loger. isn't that on the digital 7 also?

Re: Your thoughts on msd's grid system?
 

I run the Grid connected to my Digital 7 box. My reason is that if the controller would go bad, I can reconnect the digital 7 and keep racing. There are no controls on the side if the Digital box. The Grid has rev limiters in 50 RPM increments. I like that adjustment better for TS racing.
The data acquisition is better than the Digital boxes.
Dan

Re: Your thoughts on msd's grid system?
 

ive been reading on this as well...I plan on buying the complete grid system,and installing it over the winter..im my eyes its a good system,and I like the fact you can tune everything with a lap top! pretty soon there will probably be an iPhone app!

Re: Your thoughts on msd's grid system?
 

[QUOTE=voltdr;438065]I run the Grid connected to my Digital 7 box. My reason is that if the controller would go bad, I can reconnect the digital 7 and keep racing.

Very good point. thanks

Re: Your thoughts on msd's grid system?
 

I use a small Acer Netbook to program the MSD grid as well as my Autometer data log dash. It's small enough I keep it on the passenger seat in the car and can make adjustments in the drivers seat in 2 minutes.

Re: Your thoughts on msd's grid system?
 

I was referring to the programmable digital 7 boxes vs the Grid system. I thought that was the 7 box you were referring to my bad. I have never really considered the non programmable ones personally. The Grid system is much easier to navigate and use than the programmable(7530T etc)boxes out there. Those are programmed usijng a laptop or a handheld controller can also change some parameters.

Re: Your thoughts on msd's grid system?
 

thanks. I was talking with a fellow racer this weekend said his issue was the grid seemed to be inconstant on the launch rpm and would vary a little, and was enough to go from an .00-something green to a redlight. it was something to ponder....I have a few weeks before picking mine up, I would love to here about anymore issues to be aware of
Another question: how is the 2 step on low side? is it much smoother than old units? did they get rid of all the popping and banging? the Mallory that I was using before is very smooth and I use it on the "street/strip" car.

Re: Your thoughts on msd's grid system?
 

As far as inconsistencies go, I don't see it. A runner up and a win in 1st 3 races this year with 2 different drivers. That's top bulb full tree.

Re: Your thoughts on msd's grid system?
 

I have never seen any inconsistency issues. We are putting one in the Top Sprotsman car now.

Re: Your thoughts on msd's grid system?
 

lol. thought your s/st car could run t/s with your mph!
Anyway, thanks for the replies, as I was told @ the msd seminar, all future development will be towards this system. and will be able to update new features, mine will be here next week.

Re: Your thoughts on msd's grid system?
 

For anyone following this, I just put it in last week. basic setup, didn't have time to try pulling timing out down track. but for now I am very happy with the results! I think what I had in the car was a little week for this engine combo.
Thanks for all the input guys

Re: Your thoughts on msd's grid system?
 

How small is the acer net book, is it like a tablet. Trying to find some really small for making changes. Does the netbook have a keyboard?