7AL or Digital?

buzzinhalfdozen · 08-27-2009, 06:20 AM

Well besides the obvious price difference, the Digital contains every thing in one package. Timing control, rev limiters, output ability. I've had both set ups, they both work well, obviously the 7al is easier to install however if you require timing retards or any output controls they would need to be added. Besides the installation wiring you can pretty much have all the features with a 7al but you need to add alot of extra modules. If $ is not an issue I'd recommend the Digital, once it's in you can pretty much do any thing you'de want to with it. Joe

Chris Williams · 08-27-2009, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buzzinhalfdozen

Well besides the obvious price difference, the Digital contains every thing in one package. Timing control, rev limiters, output ability. I've had both set ups, they both work well, obviously the 7al is easier to install however if you require timing retards or any output controls they would need to be added. Besides the installation wiring you can pretty much have all the features with a 7al but you need to add alot of extra modules. If $ is not an issue I'd recommend the Digital, once it's in you can pretty much do any thing you'de want to with it. Joe

We use the 7AL-3 and it does most of that stuff (rev limits, retard, etc.). Works like a charm. And you don't need a programmer, just pop in chips.

DIAPERMAN · 08-27-2009, 05:49 PM

I bought a car with a programable in it so far it is a pain in the butt.I think this winter we will put a 7 al -3 in

buzzinhalfdozen · 08-27-2009, 06:35 PM

Yes the 7al3 does have quite a few functions. I hadn't considered the 3 box, every one I know that has one has had it to the MSD trailer more than once, not saying their no good just I've heard of alot of issues with them. I've found the Digital to fairly user freindly, though it does require a little experience using a laptop or the hand held programmer. Diaperman if you decide to sell your unit shoot me a message. Either way good luck with whichever one you decide on. Joe

Chris Williams · 08-27-2009, 08:58 PM

There were -3 issues at one point, but as far as I know they were largely nailed. I and several people I know use them without issues.

voltdr · 09-11-2009, 07:12 AM

I have been using the MSD 7 (75301) for over 2 years. Only had one issue. All I did was reinstall the software and all was OK. I use my laptop to program with. I have set up different settings in the computer (SC, BRKT, Hot track, etc.) and just download at the track for each scenario. It takes less than a minute to install each program. Plus if you have to chenge out the box.......everything just plugs in.

Rick Blake · 09-11-2009, 04:34 PM

FWIW I have seen too many Digital 7 and 7AL-3 problems....have run the 7AL-2 for years without a problem and really haven't heard anyone else complain. I think the Dig-7 would be the cats azz if they were as dependable....?????

craig addis · 09-14-2009, 07:39 PM

If you do buy the digital 7 dont get the one with traction control. Bought it by mistake. It goes into a fail mode for no reason. Then you have to get it unlocked by leaving the ignition on for 24 hours to unlock it. MSD says that it cant happen. It has happened twice now, once using the msd tester and last friday. Just forked out 800.00 for a new digital 7 without TCD. Its a great unit when it works.

buzzinhalfdozen · 09-15-2009, 08:35 AM

Most of the digital units I'm aware of that go into traction lock mode have been traced down to the crank trigger pickup, you need to run the shielded one with the ground strap. For some reason it seems to get stray signals from the older non shielded ones. Joe

craig addis · 09-15-2009, 08:57 AM

Thanks for the info. I will check into the crank trigger. You never knew when the box would lock up. Did it to me friday fifth round at ten grand nationals. Is that crank trigger a three wire unit?

08-27-2009, 06:20 AM	#1
buzzinhalfdozen Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bellevue Ohio Posts: 984 Likes: 0 Liked 11 Times in 8 Posts	Re: 7AL or Digital? Well besides the obvious price difference, the Digital contains every thing in one package. Timing control, rev limiters, output ability. I've had both set ups, they both work well, obviously the 7al is easier to install however if you require timing retards or any output controls they would need to be added. Besides the installation wiring you can pretty much have all the features with a 7al but you need to add alot of extra modules. If $ is not an issue I'd recommend the Digital, once it's in you can pretty much do any thing you'de want to with it. Joe __________________ Joe Buchanan SS/BX 3117

08-27-2009, 05:49 PM	#3
DIAPERMAN Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: ILLINIOS Posts: 715 Likes: 2 Liked 21 Times in 6 Posts	Re: 7AL or Digital? I bought a car with a programable in it so far it is a pain in the butt.I think this winter we will put a 7 al -3 in

08-27-2009, 06:35 PM	#4
buzzinhalfdozen Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bellevue Ohio Posts: 984 Likes: 0 Liked 11 Times in 8 Posts	Re: 7AL or Digital? Yes the 7al3 does have quite a few functions. I hadn't considered the 3 box, every one I know that has one has had it to the MSD trailer more than once, not saying their no good just I've heard of alot of issues with them. I've found the Digital to fairly user freindly, though it does require a little experience using a laptop or the hand held programmer. Diaperman if you decide to sell your unit shoot me a message. Either way good luck with whichever one you decide on. Joe __________________ Joe Buchanan SS/BX 3117

08-27-2009, 08:58 PM	#5
Chris Williams Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 401 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 7AL or Digital? There were -3 issues at one point, but as far as I know they were largely nailed. I and several people I know use them without issues. __________________ Chris Williams 6304 SC, TD, ET

09-11-2009, 07:12 AM	#6
voltdr Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 706 Likes: 77 Liked 100 Times in 51 Posts	Re: 7AL or Digital? I have been using the MSD 7 (75301) for over 2 years. Only had one issue. All I did was reinstall the software and all was OK. I use my laptop to program with. I have set up different settings in the computer (SC, BRKT, Hot track, etc.) and just download at the track for each scenario. It takes less than a minute to install each program. Plus if you have to chenge out the box.......everything just plugs in.

09-11-2009, 04:34 PM	#7
Rick Blake Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: SW FLORIDA Posts: 208 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: 7AL or Digital? FWIW I have seen too many Digital 7 and 7AL-3 problems....have run the 7AL-2 for years without a problem and really haven't heard anyone else complain. I think the Dig-7 would be the cats azz if they were as dependable....????? __________________ Rick Blake 2395 SG, SC, SP

09-14-2009, 07:39 PM	#8
craig addis Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: clinton, ohio Posts: 7 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 7AL or Digital? If you do buy the digital 7 dont get the one with traction control. Bought it by mistake. It goes into a fail mode for no reason. Then you have to get it unlocked by leaving the ignition on for 24 hours to unlock it. MSD says that it cant happen. It has happened twice now, once using the msd tester and last friday. Just forked out 800.00 for a new digital 7 without TCD. Its a great unit when it works.

09-15-2009, 08:35 AM	#9
buzzinhalfdozen Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bellevue Ohio Posts: 984 Likes: 0 Liked 11 Times in 8 Posts	Re: 7AL or Digital? Most of the digital units I'm aware of that go into traction lock mode have been traced down to the crank trigger pickup, you need to run the shielded one with the ground strap. For some reason it seems to get stray signals from the older non shielded ones. Joe __________________ Joe Buchanan SS/BX 3117

09-15-2009, 08:57 AM	#10
craig addis Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: clinton, ohio Posts: 7 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 7AL or Digital? Thanks for the info. I will check into the crank trigger. You never knew when the box would lock up. Did it to me friday fifth round at ten grand nationals. Is that crank trigger a three wire unit?