One of the more frustrating things with making modifications to a polution-controlled vehicle, specifically in California, is that any modification that is not CARB approved can automatically fail you at the smog check station. Some components aren’t a big concern for many shops, but other shops are a stickler for details and anything that isn’t factory stock needs to have CARB approval or you fail on the spot. That executive order that comes from the California Air Resources Board means they have approved that item to be installed on a pollution controlled motor vehicle.

Each year, tens of thousands of dollars are spent by aftermarket parts manufacturers seeking this approval, and MSD is one of those companies. For years, their older version (Part #6420) carried CARB approval, but with the introduction of their new 6AL (Part #6425)  and 6A (Part #6201), it means that the process needed to be repeated, and approval needs to be granted to receive CARB approval.

What this approval means for California performance junkies is that they can upgrade their ignition system and remain California smog-law compliant. For anyone with a late ’70s or newer muscle car, this is great news. While many of us don’t think that a smog shop would see this as detrimental to the smog check program, with the increasingly stringent rules that the EPA has laid out more and more shops are paying closer attention to what you have installed under the hood.

For years, that bright red ignition box has been an integral part of many hot rods and muscle cars. The new 6AL and 6A have some great features and enhanced capabilities.

The 6AL has a new dual dial for the incorporated rev limit – and that means no more chips! The addition of a weatherpak plug and harness system makes it easier to remove the box when working in the area, and the rev-limit notification on the 6AL is a nice added feature as well.

For the budget-minded enthusiast, their Street Fire ignition control (Part #5520) has also recieved approval, with EO#D-40-43, and is also available at many automotive parts and performance stores.

So if you’ve been waiting for CARB approval to get an MSD ignition control installed on your ride, the wait is over.