msd enhancer

[aqua]

Considering getting an msd enhancer but have to wonder if the performance increase is really worth what these cost. What is everyones take on it. I have heard some say that there is a significant increase and some say that it was not noticeable.

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

not worth the price to me.

I run them in 2 boats.
I bought them a couple of years back for like $50 each.
they are worth THAT much.

otherwise, remove the limiter and advance the stator a bit. almost the same.

 

[Mark44]

t

not worth the price to me.

I run them in 2 boats.
I bought them a couple of years back for like $50 each.
they are worth THAT much.

otherwise, remove the limited and advance the stator a bit. almost the same.

X2 :biggthumpup:

Mark44

 

[FLY6584]

I started a similar thread to this a while back also and I got some different responses so I was unsure whether it would be worth it or not.

Anyways I found a good deal on a new one so I figured I would give it a try.

I had been running a stock cdi previously and then added the MSD by itself without adding any other mods at the same time to see how much of a difference there was(there was already a bpipe, head, and prop on the ski).

This is what I noticed about the MSD Enhancer:

1. The ski started much easier(not that it was hard to start before, but with the MSD enhancer it started much quicker)

2. The throttle was much crisper and had absolutely no lag(I especially noticed this when reving the ski out of the water)

3. The ski sounded different

4. I noticed a slight gain on the bottom, but it really didn't make the ski pull any harder. Once again the throttle response just improved a lot on the very bottom, but once you were past the initial throttle hit you couldn't tell the difference until the pump unhooked or you were in the chop.

5. I definitely noticed a difference when running wide open or messing around in choppy stuff due to not having a rev limiter anymore. I didn't realize how much I was actually on the rev limiter with my stock cdi(modifying the stock cdi will prodice the same result though).

Ultimately I am very pleased with the enhancer. I feel the $190 I spent was worth it and really allowed me to get the most out of my ski being that I already had a bpipe, head, and prop.

I would recommend it, but just don't expect a knock your socks off difference like you would with Total Loss. You will notice a difference and improvement, but you have to decide for yourself if that slight improvement is worth $200-250.:biggthumpup:

 

[FL-cracker]

nice review :biggthumpup:

 

[EvanB85]

I installed the Enhancer and an MSD coil at the same time, so I noticed strong results. I agree with what Fly says - well put. Easier starts, tad quicker response, love the 8K rev limit.

 

[tom21]

saved me the trouble to type the same thing. good review Fly.

And I still have one left- new in the box, PM if you decide to do it I can save you some money.

 

[Matt_E]

I'll have one for sale soon. It's not worth the 100 bucks over a free stock one for me if I personally can't tell a difference.

 

[Speedfreak]

I noticed a big difference with the MSD mainly off the bottom but well worth the coin. If mine peterd out on me I will definiteally buy another.

I have a graph at home on my puter that shows the timing advance over stock. If you advance your static timing that far your ski won't make it across the lake.

I will post it up when I get home.

 

[WAB]

What about MSD + static advance?
Playin with fire? :cheer:

 

[Speedfreak]

Found the graph online.

Maybe a few degrees static advance but any WOT shots with high compression and you will need pistons.

 

[botizzle]

I just switched to total loss, but I think after you add the head, pipe and prop, it's a must have. However, I noticed they raised the price again to $275 on the riva web site. I'd rather spend another couple hundred on a used T/L than almost $300 for a new enhancer. JMO

 

[SUPERJET-113]

I just switched to total loss, but I think after you add the head, pipe and prop, it's a must have. However, I noticed they raised the price again to $275 on the riva web site. I'd rather spend another couple hundred on a used T/L than almost $300 for a new enhancer. JMO

Ya really... You can get a used Analog system for that price(250-300) and have 10 times the throttle response and a awesome timing curve compared to a Enhancer.
Personally I was expecting to notice something when I switched, but didnt.
I mean obviously its better than stock(look at the chart), but not by much. I had a OEM with the rev limiter mod(by Pro-tec) before i went to a enhancer. MSD played it too safe with the Enhancer curve IMO, but hey thats what they had to do in order to be safe for dummies.

 

[just joe]

I went from stock to enhancer to digital TL. Riva 62T/61X motor, Type IV.

It's like going from Mandy Moore to Gwen Stafani to Angelina Jolie... in many dimensions, I presume urr:

In my experience:
Enhancer brought easier starting, easy rev limit control, and better throttle response. Found the ski generally more responsive. Drop in it and go (10 minute install).

MSD cons: a bit pricey I guess (but it's all relative), one died on me at 2 years old.

TL will practically start my ski without fuel, I think about throttle and it's already there, felt a huge bottom end improvement (when set with loads of fuel and timing, moderate compression) and I like visual appeal of a well routed/installed TL system.

TL Cons:
1) $$$
2) No charge. Don't like having to be concerned about it and running all day with bilges. Especially when we go out with friends on boats and ski's, and everyone wants to ride mine, and some fall all the time and are restarting it often. Have odyssey though, and couldn't imagine TL without one. Had to swim a ski back for MSD failure, but not for dead battery yet.

Also, TL is not for everyone. It brings a dimension of complexity, potential failure modes, and engine knowledge requirements an average rec user may not be prepared for.

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

this is how my black boat is set up WAB.

You are welcomed to ride in GA and see.
its a 650 with a pipe and head ( 185 psi), LPW lightened flywheel 2.5mm static advance, msd enhancer, jetted FAT.

It is VERY brisk for a 650, and I have no problem holding it WOT.

ive held it for 45-60 seconds when I can find water that smooth, otherwise it beats me to death.

NOTE:

this advance + msd is MUCH snappier than stock timing + MSD.

but yes it IS playing with fire.

I like fires.

:biggthumpup:

What about MSD + static advance?
Playin with fire? :cheer:

 

[aqua]

2.5mm.....is that the distance that you have rotated past the alignment mark.

this is how my black boat is set up WAB.

You are welcomed to ride in GA and see.
its a 650 with a pipe and head ( 185 psi), LPW lightened flywheel 2.5mm static advance, msd enhancer, jetted FAT.

It is VERY brisk for a 650, and I have no problem holding it WOT.

ive held it for 45-60 seconds when I can find water that smooth, otherwise it beats me to death.

NOTE:

this advance + msd is MUCH snappier than stock timing + MSD.

but yes it IS playing with fire.

I like fires.

:biggthumpup:

 

[guiness92]

When I added my msd it was with alot of other mods too so I cant really say if it helped alot or not

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

yes,

and honestly, I think its probably a bit further than that mybe 3mm or so, Ill look back and see if I took photos before installing the flywheel.

2.5mm.....is that the distance that you have rotated past the alignment mark.