INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
AUTOTRONIC CONTROLS CORPORATION
• 1490 HENRY BRENNAN DR., EL PASO, TEXAS 79936 • (915) 857-5200 • FAX (915) 857-3344
PROGRAMMING
CYLINDER SELECT
The MSD is programmed for
operation on 8-cylinder engines.
If installing the Ignition on a
different style engine, the number
of cylinders will need to be
selected on the Cylinder Select
Rotary Switch (Figure 2).
START RETARD
The Start Retard will be activated during cranking only when the Cylinder Select dial is in the 4, 5, 6
or 7 position (Figure 2). During cranking the timing will retard 20° until 800 rpm when it returns to the
mechanical setting. If engine speed drops below 500 rpm, the start retard is activated again.
MAGNETIC PICKUP COMPENSATION
Note: If your application uses the MSD's White wire for the trigger input, the magnetic
compensation circuit is not used.
The Green wire loop of the MSD provides a timing compensation for different style trigger pickups.
Having the ability to program for the style pickup being used provides a more accurate timing signal.
This compensation is used primarily with crank trigger or locked out timing applications.
The Digital MSD is programmed at the factory for use with an MSD Crank Trigger or GM magnetic
pickup. If you are using an MSD Billet Distributor or the magnetic pickup of a Ford or Chrysler
distributor the Green Loop should be cut and sealed (Figure 3).
Note: It is recommended to check your total timing to ensure the setting for your application.
Figure 2 Programming the Number of Cylinders.
Note: Positions 8 and
9 cause the ignition
NOT to run. Use as a
theft deterrant.
Cylinder Select Cyl.Select w/ 20° Start Retard
0 - 4 cyl
4 - 4 cyl
1 - 6 cyl
5 - 6 cyl
2 - 8 cyl
6 - 8 cyl
3 - 6 odd
7 - 6 odd fire
Grounds: A poor ground connection can cause many frustrating problems. When a wire is
specified to go to ground, it should be connected to the battery negative terminal, engine block
or chassis. There should always be a ground strap between the engine and the chassis. Always
securely connect the ground wire to a clean, paint free metal surface.
Ballast Resistor: If your vehicle has a ballast resistor in line with the coil wiring, it is recommended
to bypass it.
Routing Wires: The MSD wires should be routed away from direct heat sources such as exhaust
manifolds and headers and any sharp edges. The trigger wires should be routed separate from
the other wires and spark plug wires. It is best if they are routed along a ground plane such as
the block or firewall which creates an electrical shield. The magnetic pickup wires should always
be routed separately and should be twisted together to help reduce extraneous interference.
Figure 3 Programming the Compensation Circuit.
CUT LOOP
DO NOT CUT
MSD Distributors Points (Stock, Mallory, Accel)
Factory Ford
Electronic Amplifiers
Chrysler
GM HEI
MSD Crank Trigger
GREEN LOOP
