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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MOUNTING
MSD Ignition Controls are designed to withstand
underhood temperatures but should be mounted away
from direct engine heat sources such as headers or mani-
folds. The ignition control can be mounted in most po-
sitions except upside down. Mounting the unit in an
enclosed area such as the glovebox is not recom-
mended. When running, the housing of the MSD will
be hot to the touch.
When a suitable location is found, make sure the wires
and harness will reach the coil and battery. Use the ig-
nition as a template and mark the mounting hole loca-
tions. Remove the ignition and drill the mounting hole
locations. If extremely high vibrations and shocks are
expected, use a set of MSD Vibration Mounts to help
protect the ignition. The mounts come in sets of four;
PN 8823 for the Blaster Ignition, MSD 5 and 6 Ignitions,
PN 8800 for MSD 7, 8 or 10 Ignitions.
Sealing MSD Units
While applying some type of sealant between the
MSD case and base plate would seem to be smart, it is
not recommended. All MSD Ignitions have a special
water resistant treatment to prevent water damage. By
sealing the base plate to the case the condensation and
water that seeps past the cables is trapped in the unit
which may result in corrosion. Always allow the unit to
drain by not sealing the base plate.
WIRING TIPS
When making permanent electrical connections it is
imperative that proper terminals, connectors and sol-
dering be used. Using connectors such as MSD's
Weathertight or Deutsch connectors provide positive
locking, sealed connections. Never simply "twist and
tape" wires together. Faulty wiring will result in ignition
and electrical problems.
MSD Power Cables
The Power Cables of the MSD 6, 7, 8 and 10 Ignitions
are the heavy (12 gauge) Red and Black wires. The Black
wire connects to battery negative (-) or ground and the
Red goes to battery positive (+). No switch or fuse
should be used.
The Red wire must be connected directly to the bat-
tery positive terminal or to the constant positive side of
the starter solenoid.
The Black wire must be connected to the battery
negative (-) terminal or to a good engine or chassis
ground.
MSD offers a Noise Filter, PN 8830, for the Power
Leads. This Filter goes inline on the power cables and
will protect the Ignition from voltage spikes or battery
failure. The Filter will also help eliminate a major cause
of radio noise that may affect engine or other on-ve-
hicle electronics.
NOTE: If you ever need to turn the engine over with
out starting it, disconnect the small Red wire
on the MSD 6, 7, 8 or 10 Series.
Grounds
A poor ground connection can cause many frustrat-
ing problems. When a wire is specified to go to ground
it should be connected to the battery negative termi-
nal, engine block or a common solid ground on the
chassis. Always connect the ground to a clean, paint
free metal surface and always have a ground strap be-
tween the engine and the chassis. Do not rely on solid
engine mounts as a ground between the chassis
and engine.
Wire Length
The power leads and the wires of the MSD can be
shortened, however the correct connectors should be
properly installed and soldered in place. If the wires of
your MSD Ignition are not long enough for your appli-
cation, they can be lengthened if properly done. If
lengthening the heavy Power Cables, the next size larger
(10 gauge) must be used. For the 14 gauge wiring, use
the same size or 12 gauge. Always take the time to
solder and insulate these connections. Doing it right
the first time will save you frustration later!
Ballast Resistors
When using an MSD 5 or Blaster Ignition, if a ballast
resistor was originally used in the coil wiring, it should
be bypassed. If a ballast resistor was not used, it is not
necessary to install one. When an aftermarket coil is
used with the Blaster Ignition or MSD 5, follow the coil
recommendation for a resistor. A factory ballast resistor
does not need to be bypassed with an MSD 6, 7, 8 or
10 Ignition.
GENERAL INSTALLATION TIPS