MSD Ignition Performance Module
MSD ASY11216 6000 RPM Rev Limiter Module Chip for Ignition Boxes and Rev Controls
Representative Photo, actual item may vary
MSD Ignition Performance Modules: Race-Proven Control Technology
When it comes to Ignition Performance Modules, few names carry more weight than MSD. The brand's very name — Multiple Spark Discharge — tells you everything about its founding mission: deliver more spark energy, more reliably, at every engine speed. That philosophy is baked into every ignition performance module MSD produces, from entry-level street builds to all-out drag racing applications.
The Technology Behind MSD's Ignition Modules
MSD's ignition performance modules are built around capacitive discharge (CD) technology, a design philosophy the company helped pioneer. Rather than relying on a standard inductive coil charge, CD ignition stores energy in a high-voltage capacitor and releases it in a rapid, powerful burst at the precise moment of spark. The result is a hotter, faster spark that more completely ignites the air-fuel mixture — translating to improved throttle response, smoother idle, and stronger power output across the RPM range.
A key feature that sets MSD's modules apart from ordinary ignition controls is their multiple sparking capability. At engine speeds below approximately 3,000 RPM, MSD modules fire the spark plug multiple times per combustion event — not just once. This multi-spark approach ensures the fuel charge is fully ignited even under demanding conditions like forced induction, high compression, or aggressive cam timing.
Product Lines Built for Every Application
MSD's ignition performance module lineup spans a wide spectrum of performance needs. The iconic 6-Series — including the legendary 6AL and the digitally programmable 6AL-2 — represents the cornerstone of the range, offering adjustable rev limiting, multiple spark delivery, and compatibility with 4-, 6-, and 8-cylinder engines. For drivers who demand even more control, the 7-Series builds on that foundation with features like start retard, multi-stage timing retard, and RPM-activated switches tailored to the rigors of drag racing.
At the top of the performance ladder sits the Power Grid system, a fully programmable ignition platform that data-logs launch times, RPM activation events, and timing functions — all tunable through MSD's proprietary MSDview software. For racers who want precise, repeatable ignition management, the Power Grid represents the state of the art in module-based ignition control.
MSD also offers purpose-built modules for niche applications: the 6CT for circle track racing, the 6M-2L for UL-certified marine use, the Digital 6 Offroad for trail and off-road environments, and the Street Fire series for enthusiasts who want proven MSD performance at a more accessible price point. The Module Selector accessory even allows drivers to program two distinct RPM limits that can be activated independently — ideal for launch control and burnout strategies on the strip.
Why MSD Dominates the Ignition Module Category
MSD's ignition modules are trusted across virtually every form of motorsport — from NHRA drag racing and NASCAR to World of Outlaws sprint car racing and land speed records. That credibility comes from decades of real-world validation at the highest levels of competition. Hot Rod Magazine inducted MSD's 6A ignition into its Speed Parts Hall of Fame, and the brand has earned SEMA Manufacturer of the Year honors multiple times. Whether you're building a weekend street machine or a dedicated race car, MSD's ignition performance modules offer the precision timing control and multi-spark reliability that serious builders demand.