Help with MSD install, please or Help For Dummies??
 

I received the new MSD Ignition this afternoon and came home to install it but ran into a few issues and would like some guidance.

I purchased the MSD 6AL and the Blaster coil. I have an '83SC with a relatively stock 3.0L. According to the instructions I need to do the cylinder select. Easy.

Now find mounting location. I put the unit up against the old Bosch and PermaTune mounting location and feel this would not be a good location to mount. The Rear Window Defogger Relay is mounted on one side and the fuel filter is on the other. I can get two screws into the aluminum panel on one side of the panel only. This would leave the MSD hanging off on one side.

I thought briefly about mounting it above the motor, but the location has the number 2 cylinder fuel injector line contacting with the MSD unit and the manufacturer clearly states to not mount upside down.

Where would yall suggest mounting the unit? I was thinking about behind the driver's seat but I do not want to drill holes into the floor.

Should I go the route of wiring the unit with spade connectors and slide them into the original wiring harness or should I connect to the starter, connect the the ground to the ground strap, and then connect the remaining wires directly in line?

I could create a wooden holder behind the driver's seat. Velcro some wood to the floor, screw the MSD Unit to the wood, and run the wires out the tunnel. Is there room in the holes going out the tunnel?

Thanks in advance, this will be my weekend project. I gotta stop driving the schtinkin ford!!

David,
Not that long ago a member posted his nice MSD install.
He mounted the MSD unit on a home made "adapter plate". It mounted to the original Bosch holes. A good idea.

I mounted mine in place of the permatune. Put rubber stoppers on the two end bolts, since I didn’t want to drill/modify the wheel well on the other side. Mine was out of warranty by time I installed it. Once mounted it worked great for 3 months then something went out inside (Failed the recommended troubleshooting checks) I sent it to MSD and they fixed for free and had it back to me in 5 days. Works great since then. May want to write down and mark some of the original wiring encase you have to put the original back in while getting it’s getting worked on. Once you feel/see the difference you probably stay with the MSD.

Doug,

I saw the installation location hints, but there is so very little room for me to mount anything. Maybe this unit is larger than the other units installed? Maybe if I can create some standoffs and attach them to the wood? Hmmm, measurements to be taken.

I wanted my MSD in a air movement area. MSDs can need air.
Hot to starter hot and ground directly to inner wheel liner stock ground lug. Solder everything. Clean MSD circuit is important, IMO.

One of the biggest negatives for switching to the MSD unit; mounting & it looks ugly
and also looks like your Porsche is waiting for its' Chevy engine conversion.

I have the 6AL on my 80SC. I made a mounting bracket out of aluminum and mounts to the stock location using the stock bolt holes. The surface area of the bracket is the same size as the MSD, with 'Z' bends on the end to serve as a stand-off and to have a place to mount it. Mounts via bolts thru holes drilled in the 'ears' of the 'Z' bend. MSD mounts to the bracket, drilled a hole in each corner and uses the rubber feet.

Also, per the other threads, I'd recommend not splicing any of your stock wires, but rather use spade connectors on the MSD wires and plug them into your 6-pin connector. This way you just need to unplug/plug to get back to stock. I do not believe I cut the cylinder selection wire cuz the 6 cylinder selection is for funky American cars...

You'll also want to (probably) get new wires and definetaly re-gap your plugs..

With better gas mileage, better performance and no smoke after letting sit for a day or so. I'm sure I can get over the rather small red box tuck off to the side. Don't recall anyone getting to excited about my permatune. MSD 6AL aren't that much bigger.

l made some aluminum adapter straps that allow use of the factory mounting points.l then mounted the coil to the MSD unit.Very tight,clean install and if l do say so,the best solution l`ve seen so far.l can send you some pics and measurements for the mounting straps if you like.They allow you to maintain the MSD rubber mounts as well.My car is an 84 though,so there may be some difference.

i put it right on the old mounting plate on the left side of the engine bay and used a longer bolt and stopper to mount the one corner hanging off. i can still put the plastic cover on the plate as well so you cannot see the msd box. the wiring appeared straightforward but i ran into one simple problem, the green wire off the dizzy with the other wire encased inside it. didnt know which was pos and which was neg. that was about it.
in the next few weeks i plan on moving the fuel accumulator and filter farther forward in the engine bay and deleting most of the mounting plate and putting the MSD directly on what would be the fender well inside the engine compartment to clean things up.

the new MSD mounting will put it in contact with more good air circulation. I was even thinking of tapping into an already existing, thou not presently used, shroud mounted nipple on the left fan side. Then use a piece of hose to channel under shroud air to MSD for some added bumper to bumper traffic air.. whatever

Interesting comments. My MSD 6AL is slightly more than twice the size of the PermaTune. I have never seen the old Bosche unit. I have some old aluminum strips lying around I could cut a corner for. This would give me three mounting locations.

My current preferred location is to completely remove the A/C and put the MSD in its place. My wife is not happy with me on this one. I figure the weight savings is good for another 15 hp ;-)

Hmmm, wonder if the hood will close with the MSD mounted on top of the A/C??

I definately want to be able to step back to Bosche so I do not plan to splice any existing wires unless I absolutely have to.

Brad - can you post any pics of your intall? Thx!

Now I just don't know why... but I hope you're taking care to guard against any shortcuts that could ignite a BBQ :D

BBQ good. I still have some of the last deer of the season left over. mmmmmmmmm BBQ!!!

OK, BBQ venison good, as long as it's not prepared in the engine nacelle.

mmmmm, stomach starting to grumble.....don't know if I can hold out til next Friday for the BBQ meet.

David,

The best choice would be away from the engine compartment ... since a 30-minute heat soak in the summer puts all of the electrical components at 200°F or above -- something the industrial/consumer-rated components are NOT up to, if long-term reliability is desired!

Two locations that come to mind are above the torsion bar tube on the firewall, and inside the passenger compartment ...

MSD
 

Hello !
this is my instalation... Here in Quebec ,the summer is two days long !!! and this two days we are working...
i don't have problem with the temperature...


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1084578163.jpg
Raynald

Re: MSD
 

Hello !
I like your instalation...

do you have a high bit copy of that pic you could send me ?

Hello Ronin !
Send to me PM with your e-mail i will send it to you !
Ray