MSD Install.. what can I delete from my 76?

calling911 · 01:13 PM

I bit the bullet and bought a full MSD system. There is PLENTY of installation data here.. so I should not need any help with the wireing..

I removed my Permatune and there is still not enough room left. Can someone tell me if I can remove any or maybe all of the components I marked with color coded lines?

Also, if someone wouldnt mind.. for future reference what is each item and what is the purpose?

If it matters, I am leaving my mechanical points in for right now..

EDIT: I just realized how embarrassingly filthy my car is.. my excuse: I just bought it.

RoninLB · 01-02-2008, 02:07 PM

I may not be the best example to follow for the MSD install?

I have that over-kill install mentality..

this is a 1976 panel

calling911 · 01-02-2008, 03:00 PM

You are da man! Thanks! I will need to relocate the regulator I fear.. I'll look for pictures of your install and see if I am inspired.

RoninLB · 01-02-2008, 03:35 PM

I will need to relocate the regulator I fear..

-------- I have alternator with internal regulator

I'll look for pictures of your install and see if I am inspired.

------ MSD box can become too hot to touch at ambient temps over 80F. I believe they should be kept as cool as possible. The engine forward bulkhead is another option. The coil doesn't get as hot but engine vibrating the coil bothers me.

Your noise suppressor is easily removed and you're better off without it if you are running an external regulator for the alternator.

I backdated and removed engine mounted blower for cabin heating.

I removed rear window relay for defogger and deice. I don't need it.

Many small details that are beyond a basic MSD install.

Steve@Rennsport · 01-02-2008, 03:36 PM

JP:

One can also mount the MSD vertically by adding a small aluminum plate to anchor the upper end of the CD unit.

calling911 · 01-02-2008, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve @ Rennsport Systems

JP:

One can also mount the MSD vertically by adding a small aluminum plate to anchor the upper end of the CD unit.

Thanks guys.

The place I bought it from sold me a Blaster 3 coil even though I told them I needed to high vibration coil.. so now I am delayed.. as far as I can tell you have to mount the blaster 4 vertical.. and its not vibration resistent.. not to mention you arent supposed to mount it sideways I dont think. doggone it..

I'll get the 6a mounted in the mean time with all this help.. I'll try a vertical mount... it just barely fits vertically..

I can tell you from racing experience that this unit can take EXTREMELY high temperatures WAY beyond what you will see in the position we are mounting it.. I used to run a SCCA Gt1 car and that motor was VERY VERY hot.. never had a problem.. this is why I went this route.. the MSD is bulletproof.

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

post pics if you mount it vertically...

calling911 · 01-02-2008, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RWebb

post pics if you mount it vertically...

Will do.. there are a bunch of pics on here though.. search around a bit.. its doable.

RoninLB · 01-02-2008, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calling911

.. so now I am delayed..

.. the MSD is bulletproof.

I used www.waytekwire.com double wall heat shrink. It looks like stock black plastic wire covering. If you don't completely shrink it and lay it out before heating it'll look formed. A couple 4' pc for a 10/12 ga red to starter lug looks clean and neat.

they work great on small ocean racers

only a rant

al lkosmal · 09:13 PM

Here is a pic of mine mounted vertically in my 77S. I fabbed a mounting plate that bolts to the stock CDI mounting holes on 1/2" spacers, added vibration mounts to the plate, that are installed to adapt to the MSD bolt pattern. Excuse the mess. Freshly installed 2.7RS, wires not routed or cleaned up properly. runs good though.

good luck with your MSD install.

regards,

al

PS...Roninlb...Your install is very sanitary...wow

Steve@Rennsport · 01-02-2008, 09:52 PM

Nicely done, Al.

The only thing I'd do differently is mount the MSD with the wires at the bottom to prevent possible water entry into the MSD unit when you wash the car.

calling911 · 01-03-2008, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve @ Rennsport Systems

Nicely done, Al.

The only thing I'd do differently is mount the MSD with the wires at the bottom to prevent possible water entry into the MSD unit when you wash the car.

On my 6a there is a wire on both sides.

calling911 · 01-03-2008, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoninLB

I used www.waytekwire.com double wall heat shrink. It looks like stock black plastic wire covering. If you don't completely shrink it and lay it out before heating it'll look formed. A couple 4' pc for a 10/12 ga red to starter lug looks clean and neat.

they work great on small ocean racers

only a rant

A thought.. if you were concerned about heat why not heat sink it to the aluminum mount?

RoninLB · 01-03-2008, 04:13 AM

The shrink tubing is a wire or harness protector that uses a heat gun or hair drier to shrink it.

calling911 · 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoninLB

The shrink tubing is a wire or harness protector that uses a heat gun or hair drier to shrink it.

?????????

Are you responding to my heat sink comment? When you heat sink something you use a compound that transmits heat from one metal to another.. so my thought was why not heat sink the bottom of the MSD to the aluminum mount? That way all the heat is transmitted to the rather large aluminum plate that everything is attached to.. the downside: not vibration dampers.

Im dieing here.. its 30 degrees out in Charlotte NC! and I am renting a house with no garage while I wait to close on my new house!! Ahhhhhh I want to install this thing but damn its cold.. maybe I should hunker down, grin and bear it!

EDIT: sorry, I see I quoted you and responded.. no wonder you were confused.. ignore the quote! Sorry bout that.

fred cook · fred cook's Garage

This is what I did to make room for the MSD box. In the case of my car, I already had an alternator with the internal regulator. I simply rotated the rear window defrost relay 90 degrees to the right so that it is now horizontal.

If you could move the voltage regulator to the right some, you probably could fit the MSD in like I did.

calling911 · 01-04-2008, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fred cook

This is what I did to make room for the MSD box. In the case of my car, I already had an alternator with the internal regulator. I simply rotated the rear window defrost relay 90 degrees to the right so that it is now horizontal.

If you could move the voltage regulator to the right some, you probably could fit the MSD in like I did.

Wish I had seen this yesterday.. I added more aluminum and mounted it just to the right of the window defrost delay. The voltage regulator was disconnected so it got removed. I'll post pics when I am done.