Mounting the MSD Ignition System

RSWiser · 06-04-2009, 06:13 PM

Well yesterday my new MSD 6AL arrived in the mail.

Tonight I studied the 101 Projects and the MSD instructions to mount the unit. First off in the MSD instructions it talks about the anti vibration mounting hardware (missing from my kit) but no big deal I have lots of rubber pad around so I can make that.

The 101 Projects book says to mount it where the current Control Unit is mounted on the left side in the engine bay.

I removed the current control unit and tried every which way to fit the MSD into that area. I don't see how it is going to fit and allow access to changing the fuel filter in the future.

Does anyone have photos of how they mounted their MSD unit. I need so help here. I am at a loss. Manual say 4 hours to install. I guess a mechanic could do that but I spent 2 hours tonight removing the control unit, trying to fit the MSD and then re-installing the control unit. At least next try won't take so long on the removal. I know what tools to use.

Photos of you mounting location would be very helpful.

Thanks,

cole930 · 06-04-2009, 07:11 PM

RS,

Do a search for MSD or MSD Install. Lots of info.

Cole

RoninLB · 06-04-2009, 10:14 PM

you can go from a simple install to a great one for not much more than time invested.

depending on circumstances MSD generated heat may become an issue imho

when ambient is over 80F the box is hot enough to limit the length of time you can hold it

this is overkill

these also make sense to me

sc_rufctr · 06-04-2009, 11:23 PM

This is how I mounted mine. Tight fit but all good... Also don't forget the MSD Rotor mod.

I used the "standard" MSD coil so I couldn't install it up side down. (The oil inside coil will leak out if you mount it up side down)

RSWiser · 06-05-2009, 12:49 AM

Thanks for the photos. From these photos I can see that our cars are different.
On my let side on top of the aluminum box/fuse/relay holder there is the relay for the rear window defrost. This unit is in the rear position and makes it very tight. I'm thinking if I can move that to the rear I will have plenty of room.

Thanks again, I can see some modification is in order.

MBruns · 06-05-2009, 03:17 AM

Rob, don't forget to clip the wire to calibrate the rev limiter for a 6 cyl.(in the instruction sheet) Your wires are on the way they left thurs.

Mike Bruns JBRacing.com

T77911S · 06-05-2009, 04:04 AM

i mounted mine like the green car. take the big relay and mount it laying down. very easy to do. mine is below the MSD now.

RSWiser · 06-05-2009, 05:11 AM

I noticed in some pictures the relay laying on its side. I think that is how I will go.

Getting a 1/8" aluminum plate today. Mount the plate to stock location and mount MSD to plate.

I think I have it figure out now.

Thanks.

RSWiser · 06-06-2009, 09:15 AM

Okay, the MSD box is installed (very nicely if I might add) in the stock control unit location.

The 101 Projects book says to connect the red wire to the positive side of the starter solenoid. Problem is, I can't see any way to get the wire over to that point and even if I do I don't think it is long enough. Do I need to go buy some 12 gauge wire to extend this, and how do you get it to the solenoid?

Help.

Thanks,

RSWiser · 06-06-2009, 09:43 AM

Found a way. Just slid it between the rubber on top of the engine to body area and it fits. Just long enough.

rbuswell · rbuswell's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSWiser

... First off in the MSD instructions it talks about the anti vibration mounting hardware (missing from my kit) but no big deal I have lots of rubber pad around so I can make that.

MSD has a good reputation of making things right. If your parts list included the anti-vibe stuff and it was a new kit, I bet they'll send them to you.

RoninLB · 06-07-2009, 07:46 AM

I had to buy 2 kits

1 for box
1 for coil

RSWiser · 06-18-2009, 08:05 PM

My MSD 6AL is installed, Tach Adapter Installed, High Vibration Coil Installed, New Cap and Rotor installed. New Plug wires Installed.

Car starts way better than before but when I hit 3200 RPM it lurches and acts like it is cutting out.

I figure it could be a couple things.
1. Fuel Pressure
2. Mixture
3. Rev limiter in the MSD.

Haven't had time to check the limiter in the unit because I will have to remove the unit to access the plug in module.

Will running to lean cause it to lurch at a certain RPM.

Thought?

RoninLB · 06-18-2009, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSWiser

Car starts way better than before but when I hit 3200 RPM it lurches and acts like it is cutting out.

Thought?

does it continue cutting out above 3,200 rpm

T77911S · 06-19-2009, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSWiser

My MSD 6AL is installed, Tach Adapter Installed, High Vibration Coil Installed, New Cap and Rotor installed. New Plug wires Installed.

Car starts way better than before but when I hit 3200 RPM it lurches and acts like it is cutting out.

I figure it could be a couple things.
1. Fuel Pressure
2. Mixture
3. Rev limiter in the MSD.

Haven't had time to check the limiter in the unit because I will have to remove the unit to access the plug in module.

Will running to lean cause it to lurch at a certain RPM.

Thought?

dont forget advance.
also plug wires

carbs or CIS?

is 3200 where it changes from multi spark to single spark?

JohnJL · 06-19-2009, 04:05 AM

Did you read the instructions and remember to cut one of the little wires in the MSD window?

MBruns · 06-19-2009, 04:29 AM

Rob, also check to be sure you dont have the 3000 test chip in the limiter, the single spark happens around 4500, looking thru a windowed cap on the dyno with the lights off you can see the width of the spark at the pin/rotor tip shrink when it changes.

Mike Bruns JBRacing.com

RSWiser · 06-19-2009, 05:13 AM

You guys are awesome.
Last night after my last post I got thinking "What rev Limit chip is installed?"

Oh yeah NONE because there were none in my box. I called Summit they are sending me a new one. So when I get home from my Rally with my Sunbeam Alpine it will be here waiting for me to put it in.

I will post a follow up a week from tomorrow when I get home.

Thanks again.

sc_rufctr · 06-19-2009, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSWiser

Car starts way better than before but when I hit 3200 RPM it lurches and acts like it is cutting out.

You need to check your new rotor. Does it have a resistor built in?

If it does search on here for "MSD rotor mod"...

scarceller · scarceller's Garage

Don't want to hi-jack this thread, so just a simple question:

I have bought a MSD 6600 pro unit with matching MSD 8250 coil and am going to install this into a 84 Carrera Motronic injection. Has anyone installed MSD boxes into the 84-89 Carrera cars?

Thanks.