What does MSD Ignition stand for?
Andrew Henderson
Updated on March 18, 2026
What does MSD Ignition stand for?
Multiple Spark Discharge
If you’ve been involved in hot rodding for any length of time, you’ll know these infamous letters: MSD. They stand for Multiple Spark Discharge, a patented design by MSD Ignition that fires your spark plug multiple times rather than the single time that the factory ignition does.
Does Holley make MSD?
Holley Performance Products is pleased to announce the acquisition of the El Paso, TX based MSD Group. The MSD Group includes iconic brands such as MSD, Mr. Gasket, Accel, Superchips, Edge, Racepak, Mallory, Hays, Quick Time and Lakewood.
How do you test for MSD 7al?
With a small jumper wire, short the MSD’s Green and Violet magnetic pickup wires together. Each time you break this ground (rapidly), a spark should jump from the coil wire to ground. If spark is present, the ignition is working properly.
Who makes MSD ignition?
Autotronic Controls Corporation
MSD Ignition
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | El Paso, Texas , United States |
| Area served | Worldwide distribution, North America, Western Europe, Australia |
| Products | Multiple Spark Discharge for ignition systems |
| Parent | Autotronic Controls Corporation |
What does a MSD rev limiter do?
A rev limiter works by using a module or a switch on the ignition that will hold the RPM at a desired limit. It does this by monitoring the engine’s RPM and once it reaches the limit it will drop the sparks to different cylinders in order to hold the RPM at the given limit.
What is the difference between MSD 6A and 6AL?
The on-board soft touch rev control is one of the main differences between the 6A and 6AL. This means no external rpm modules to plug in anymore, simply adjust the rotary dials located on top and you are ready to go. Like the 6A box, the 6AL has a primary voltage of 520 – 540 volts and secondary of 45,000.
Who owns Mallory ignition?
MSD announced on January 4, 2015, that they had acquired the Accel Performance Group, which included Mallory, Mr. Gasket, Lakewood, Quicktime, and Hays, and this move aims to solidify the company’s ignition products under one brand, while continuing to provide service for legacy customers.
Where are MSD distributors made?
The distributors are produced in China, however it took over a year to get a product that we were confident in. We put them under a different brand to clearly set the two designs apart. For the record, there is also a Street Fire CD ignition and spark plug wires as well – both made in the USA.
What is a soft rev limiter?
Soft-cut limiters are a type of rev limiter that partially cuts off fuel to the engine. These limiters may also retard the ignition timing. If using a soft-cut rev limiter, the engine will start to cut fuel or retard ignition timing before the set RPM until it slowly reaches it and remains there.
