it just basically increases the intensity of the spark, so its useful for very high horsepower and forced induction applications where a stock spark may not hack it.
The crane H1-6 worked VERY well on my 90 mustang GT. Hate to break up the party but I don't know why. It pulled harder off the line, all the way through the RPM range - past the 4200 RPM drop off on stock. The car was totally stock. The only reason I haven't bought one for my stang is that everyone else says it doesn't work on our cars.
The old ignition stuff was likely weak and the new box and coil only helped (kinda like what Tom said before). Otherwise, the stock induction should start wheezing before spark becomes an issue. That said, you are not the first to notice a difference with the addition of a box on a stockish application. While I have my thoughts about why, all that matters is that it helped. You had an issue at 4200 RPM and were able to fix/circumvent it.
I`ve read that those MSD coils make a buzzing noise that drives a lot of people nut`s. Look at the Moroso Pro Coil HO instead. Moroso claims their coil outperforms all the rest,especially when the rpm`s go up and it doesn`t make noise.
just put a msd coil on my stock 95 5.0. only reason i went with it is because i had to have a new coil anyway. my stocker was physically wore out ( coil wire wouldnt stay on ). a stock replacement is $16 but since i eventually will do a ignition upgrade, i went ahead and got it. as far as a noticable difference....well, the car runs crisper and smoother but that is because i replaced the plugs (platinum), wires ( fms 9mm ), distributor cap / rotor ( msd ) and fuel filter all at the same time with the coil. that coil on a stock ignition is ok, right? not 'too much' coil ( if thats possible )?
You might notice an even crisper response with copper plugs. The extra resistance of plat can cause some folks some issues (low idle, cutting out at 4K RPM, etc). And the coil should be fine. Good luck.
8950Ho, That would be alright. I need more noises to match my sucking noise I get from the BBK throttle body, LOL. Smitty