ok can i or what is required to run an msd box? preferably can i run say an msd 6al box on my hei system?
msd box how to
- Thread starter mebe007
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HEI is compatible with all except MSD5, which is points only. The 6 series is good for street and some strip with HEI. You need a fat 12 volts from the battery to power it,10 gauge wire at least, 8 is better. You can get a harness that uses the HEI module but I prefer to remove the GM module ( 4 pin) and hook the MSD up right to the pickup coil and let the MSD do the thinking. 5 or 7 pin modules (CCC) cars you must use the module.The purple/green connector goes to the pickup coil and an extension is required. The red wire goes to your ign "run" wire, or "pink" on GM cars. Black and orange go where the 3 wire module connector went, black left, orange right, middle goes to a dedicated ground. They say NOT to put a switch in the batt line but I do anyway. Otherwise the MSD is allways hot and a short will blow the unit internally. I just use a heavy duty marine type on/off switch with a 30 amp fuse and have no trouble or voltage loss. This is how I set up my non- computer cars and MSD has a book that shows wiring diagrams for every concievable situation, speed shops sell it.
MSD boxes have an internal relay so there is no need for a switch/kill on the main power line. The small "red" wire is the signal wire.
I do recommend putting a capacitor inline on the main power lead. MSD recommends this on all the unit above the 6 series. Don't know why the don't on the 6 series , Crane does on thier "6" as well as small ones on transbrake. line lock etc.
Have solved many an ignition problem using one along with the tips below.
I bought a bunch from the original supplier so I you want one send a PM.
Also, routing of the wires is also very,very important.
The pick up wires should be as far away as possible from any electric source, including other wires.
Mount the box inside the car using the firewall as an electric shield.
Run seperate/direct grounds with braided wire.
Crimp and solder all connection, use heat shrink to protect the connections.
Last on screw type connections use Nolaox under the connection and die electric grease on the outside.
I do recommend putting a capacitor inline on the main power lead. MSD recommends this on all the unit above the 6 series. Don't know why the don't on the 6 series , Crane does on thier "6" as well as small ones on transbrake. line lock etc.
Have solved many an ignition problem using one along with the tips below.
I bought a bunch from the original supplier so I you want one send a PM.
Also, routing of the wires is also very,very important.
The pick up wires should be as far away as possible from any electric source, including other wires.
Mount the box inside the car using the firewall as an electric shield.
Run seperate/direct grounds with braided wire.
Crimp and solder all connection, use heat shrink to protect the connections.
Last on screw type connections use Nolaox under the connection and die electric grease on the outside.
will i benefit from running the 6al besides being able to set a rev limiter? i def want a rev limiter, i can set the car up to a lower rev and take the old lady to the track. let her get a couple passes under her belt and hooked.
I bought one a few years back for a monza I used to have. It was new but hot, so all I had was the MSD (6AL) and no connections or instructions. So I went to my parts store and bought the wires I needed, downloaded a set of instructions from the MSD site, and got to work. It only took about an hour or two to install all of it.
Now, the rev limiter was very nice for sure. But did the box make much of a difference? Well there was little to no difference in power. But I did notice that my trips to the gas station were getting farther apart. The biggest difference was in the starting. I used to have to crank it for a good 5-10 seconds before the MSD. Only had to tap the key after the MSD.
But, something to think about. I was still running the 25 year old stock distributer module.
Now I recently overhauled (kinda lol) my ignition on my Malibu. New cap, rotor, plugs, wires, and I replaced the module. I can tell you I got pretty much the same effect as with the MSD.
So unless you have a 450HP or more engine, is it worth the $200-$300 to have a rev limiter? When a new module is only like $35.
Basically, if you have the money to burn. Then yes buy one. But if you are on a budget, just replace your module, buy a rev limiter, and spend your extra cash on something else you 'need' for your car.
Now, the rev limiter was very nice for sure. But did the box make much of a difference? Well there was little to no difference in power. But I did notice that my trips to the gas station were getting farther apart. The biggest difference was in the starting. I used to have to crank it for a good 5-10 seconds before the MSD. Only had to tap the key after the MSD.
But, something to think about. I was still running the 25 year old stock distributer module.
Now I recently overhauled (kinda lol) my ignition on my Malibu. New cap, rotor, plugs, wires, and I replaced the module. I can tell you I got pretty much the same effect as with the MSD.
So unless you have a 450HP or more engine, is it worth the $200-$300 to have a rev limiter? When a new module is only like $35.
Basically, if you have the money to burn. Then yes buy one. But if you are on a budget, just replace your module, buy a rev limiter, and spend your extra cash on something else you 'need' for your car.
i have a 400maybe more horse sbc. im running a brand new mallory HEI dist. who makes just a rev limiter? the reason i was asking is cuz i found a 6al box locally for $140. didnt know if it was a good deal
Is it new? If it is $140 is a good deal. I would stay away from used ones because they are a gamble.
I'm not sure who makes rev limiters, but I know they are out there.
I'm not sure who makes rev limiters, but I know they are out there.
mebe007 said:
MSD makes a rev limiter box that uses chips or a modulator for an HEI which has a built adjustable rev limiter
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