Technical information

AUTOTRONIC CONTROLS CORPORATION • 1490 HENRY BRENNAN, EL PASO, TEXAS 79936 • [phone] • FAX [phone]
www.msdignition.com email: [e-mail]
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This section covers the MSD 8 Series Ignition Controls. The MSD 8, PN 7800, is a race only ignition
system. The MSD Pro Power Coil, PN 8201 is the only coil recommended for the MSD 8 Ignitions. A
current filter, PN 8830, is also recommended to help suppress EMI noise and voltage spikes.
There is not a rev limiter built into the MSD 8 Ignitions. MSD offers an Engine Saver, PN 8978,
that will provide an overrev limit as well as a launch rpm limit.
Operating Specifications
Operating Voltage: +12 - 18 volts
Current Requirements: 36 Amps @ 12,000 rpm
RPM Range: 15,000 rpm with 14.4 volt supply
Spark Duration: 20° Crankshaft
Primary Voltage Output: 480 Volts
Spark Energy: 315 - 345 milliJoules per spark
Weight and Size: PN 7800; 7lbs., 10"L x 3.75"W x 5.75"H
Note: The Dual Coil MSD 8, PN 7802, has been discontinued. This Ignition fires two coils at the same
time, for use in dual plug heads. (Two distributor heads are required.)
Wire Functions
Power Cables: The heavy Red connects to the battery positive (+) terminal.
The heavy Black connects to the battery negative (-) terminal or other
good engine ground.
Red (IGN): Connects to a switched 12 volt source.
Orange (COIL +): Connects to the positive (+) terminal of the coil. This is the only wire
that makes electrical contact with the coil (+) terminal.
Black (COIL-): Connects to the negative (-) terminal of the coil. This the only wire
that makes electrical contact with the coil negative terminal.
Green (Mag-): These wires are routed into a 2-pin connector. It connects to the
Violet (Mag+): magnetic pickup of an MSD Distributor or Crank Trigger. The
Violet is mag positive (+) and the Green is negative (-).
Note: If using a points/amplifier trigger signal, connect it to the Mag + terminal.
MSD 8 SERIES IGNITION CONTROLS
WARNING: When using a capacitive discharge ignition control, there is high voltage present
at the coil primary terminals. Never touch the coil or connect test equipment to
these terminals.
WARNING: During installation, disconnect the battery. When disconnecting the battery al-
ways remove the negative cable first and install it last.