MSD install...

JeffW · 06-13-2002, 12:19 PM

I just bought an MSD 6a, blaster coil, and a pertronix ignitor for my car. Pertronix has a wiring diagram on their site for this setup but I was wondering where you guys were getting your +12volts from for the msd box. Are you running to the battery or is there somewhere in the engine compartment to get power?

Thanks,
Jeff

EWPurdy · 06-13-2002, 02:54 PM

I ran a wire from the starter to the MSD box for power. Makes it simpler than running a lead all the way from the batery.

JeffW · 06-13-2002, 05:24 PM

Has anyone used one of these ignitor modules? do they work well and are they fairly easy to install?

jkeyzer · jkeyzer's Garage

I wired over to the fuseblock in the engine compartment. There is both constant and switched 12V available there.

The Pertronix Ignitor I have has worked fine for six months now, it was a huge upgrade from finicky points. I used to have problems with a bouncing tach with the points and they are totally gone now.

Exactly how you wire the MSD and ignitor depends on your engine and car but it follows the diagram for the most part. On the 72, for example, the tach connects directly to the ignitor output just like it did for the points, instead of connecting to the MSD tach output as suggested.

Al G · 06-14-2002, 02:25 AM

Jeff,

I have this upgrade planned for my '76 Carrera so please keep us updated on your progress. In particular I am interested in where you place the MSD box, what 6A and not a 6AL, if you need the MSD tach adaptor thing, how you rate the end result?

Keep the info coming...

Al G.

JeffW · 06-14-2002, 02:53 AM

My parts will be in tommorrow morning so I should be done tommorrow evening or saturday depending on how lazy I am...

si2t3m · 06-14-2002, 05:31 AM

Jeff,

Be aware that the "Blaster coil" isn't made to go upside down but the "High vibration " unit is...

Don't do like me... Read the instructions BEFORE installing the coil! Better yet, get the info before buying the coil!

If you plan to run the OEM plug wires, be ready to order a set of magnecor units in a real near future!

Oh one more thing! Do yourself a favor and time or check the timming of the engine before installing the MSD. This is especially true when using a magnetic pickup and the green and violet wires on the MSD. The right polarity is the one giving no advance (reverse polarity will give alot of advance).

HTH

Marc-Andre

JeffW · 06-14-2002, 10:17 AM

I changed the plugs and put magnecor wires on a few weeks ago. I saw that about the coil being upside down. I wish I would have ordered the other but I'll figure some way to mount it. Job doesn't look to hard. I have a diagram from pertronix with ever wire color and where it goes. All I need outside of the ciruit is ignition and power (+ and - sides) .

EWPurdy · 06-14-2002, 05:58 PM

Here's a pic of my MSD Digital 6 Plus install. Note I moved the rear window defog relay to the left a bit and cut a notch in the metal to allow the unit to fit in the original box location.

RoninLB · 06-14-2002, 10:55 PM

...I think Purdy has nice flame/fire control with his design...especially if carbs are installed. I want the
carbs and IMO, have to tolerate the, possisssability, of an explosive mix...neurotically speaking of course..
..........and this is my first reply from la la land......Ron

CamB · CamB's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Al G
In particular I am interested in where you place the MSD box, what 6A and not a 6AL, if you need the MSD tach adaptor thing, how you rate the end result?

6AL has a built in rev limiter, and generally speaking so does the rotor. Hence, the rev limiter function may be unnecessary (and you can save some $$$). Curiously, the 6AL also comes with rubber mount feet which are extra cost on the 6A (and a good idea).

Matt Smith and I installed MSD boxes within weeks of each other. My '69T needed a tach adaptor, his 72T didn't - he used the MSD tach output I think. It appears the tach adaptor is needed where the tachometer was originally connected directly to the coil (ie on a 69T and pre 69 cars, or on my BMW 2002tii, which is where the MSD is now installed).

JeffW · 06-16-2002, 04:40 PM

What a pain to install. The igniter module wasn't to bad but I had to pull the distributor out, which I didn't want to do, to get to a screw that released the gromet that the connector went through. After I got that all back together I started to look for places to mount the msd box. I ended up making a bracket that mounted to the stock holes and pushed the unit out about 1 1/2 inches. Now its all mounted and I need to run cables. I got the wrong coil so I need to order the one that will mount upside down. I guess I'm going to power the MSD box off the starter and I found the ignition wire already so It should be all down hill from here. I just hope it runs after I messed up the timing since I don't have a timing light.

JeffW · 06-17-2002, 12:51 PM

Well lucky for me I marked the distributer when I pulled it. The car fired right up and runs so much smoother. Turns out all I probably needed was a coil but the car sure does run good with the msd. Only problem...

I don't have a black w/violet wire for the tach. I have the 3 wire CD box with a ground. I guess I'm going to have to look at the back of the tach and see what all is there. plug has white, red, white. Does the tach hook up to the tach output on the msd?

runs like a champ though. Little cleanup work with my wireing and I'll be done.

304065 · 06-17-2002, 01:41 PM

"If you plan to run the OEM plug wires, be ready to order a set of magnecor units in a real near future! "

What do you mean? Does the combo of the MSD and High-Vibration coil break down the stock wires?

I know I can't expect a performance improvement over the stock wires, but if they are a bottleneck in the system or a potential failure point they will be replaced immediately.

Thanks!

JFC

1971 911E Club Racer
2.2 MFI with MSD 6AL and HVB Coil

CamB · CamB's Garage

Anecdotal evidence (the best kind

) suggests the MSD will toast Berus nearing the end of their useful life.

After swapping to an MSD, I had one go out almost immediately and another go out in a few weeks.

I couldn't say how long new(er) OEM wires will last. They could be fine.

JeffW · 06-17-2002, 03:33 PM

well the car is still missing. I guess the timing must be off because it is worse then before. I need to find a timing light. How are you guys using a timing light since the battery is in the front?

304065 · 06-17-2002, 03:44 PM

Get power off the 3-fuse block on the console.

emcon5 · emcon5's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by JeffW
How are you guys using a timing light since the battery is in the front?

To attach the timing light,

Clip the ground wire to the moter mount bolt. Thanks to EWPurdy for the pic.

EWPurdy, is it me, or is that top red wire's insulation fried?

Tom

JeffW · 06-17-2002, 04:02 PM

awsome. Thanks guys. I'm so sick of working on this car that I'm almost ready to yank the motor and trans out and get ready for a 3.6L upgrade. This motor gives me nothing but problems.

EWPurdy · 06-17-2002, 04:53 PM

That wire goes nowhere. I'm not sure why it's discolored. It's always been attached to nothing and just sitting there. I need to remove it properly one of these days.