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MSD-8 Plus Ignition

PN 7805

Cylinders Loops to Cut

8

None

6

One

4

Two

2

Three

Cut loops

Remove cap

WARNING:  Before installing the MSD Distributor, disconnect the battery cables. When disconnecting 

the battery cables, always remove the Negative (-) cable first and install it last.

Figure 1 Cylinder Programming.

1 - PN 8830 Filter

1 - Coil Harness

1 - Power Harness

1 - Parts Bag, Mounts, Terminals, etc.

ONLINE PRODUCT REGISTRATION: Register your MSD product online and you’ll be entered 

in our monthly 8.5mm Super Conductor Spark Plug Wire give-away! Registering your product 

will help if there is ever a warranty issue with your product and helps the MSD R&D team create 

new products that you ask for! Go to www.msdperformance.com/registration.

Note:

 Solid Core spark plug wires cannot be used with an MSD Ignition.

Parts Included:

1 - MSD-8 Plus Ignition

1 - Mag Pickup Extension Harness, PN 8860   

4 - Vibration Mounts and Hardware

4 - RPM Modules: 3K, 7K, 8K and 9K

FEATURES

SINGLE OR DUAL COIL OUTPUT

The MSD-8 Plus Ignition Control is intended for racing use only. The Ignition has the ability to be 

used with single or dual coil systems. Note that when using a single coil, both coil positive wires must 

be connected to the coil.

RPM LIMITERS

The MSD-8 Plus Ignition is equipped with a 2-Step Rev Control. The Ignition will accept two rpm 

modules so two different rev limits can be set. One rev limit can be used for over-rev protection while 

the second limit can be activated on the starting line for a lower rpm limit to assist in staging and for 

consistent holeshots. When 12 volts are applied 

to the 2-Step terminal (2’S’), Module 1 is active. 

Module 2 is active when there is no 12 volts.

CYLINDER SELECT

This ignition can be used on 2, 4, 6 (even-fire) 

or  8-cylinder  engines.  The  ignition  is  set  for 

8-cylinder  operation.  To  program  the  unit  for 

other engines, remove the one screw that holds 

the  cover  to  reveal  three  wire  loops  (Figure 

1).  Cutting  a  wire  loop  determines  the  cylinder 

selection.

SPARK LED

When the coil fires, current is sensed and this LED will flash. These LEDs confirm that the ignition 

has received a trigger signal and that the ignition is working properly. Each time a coil fires, current 

is sensed and the corresponding LED will flash. (If the coil is not connected, the LED will not flash.) 

When the engine is running, it will appear solid.

M S D  

•   W W W . M S D P E R F O R M A N C E . C O M   •   ( 9 1 5 )   8 5 7 - 5 2 0 0   •   F A X   ( 9 1 5 )   8 5 7 - 3 3 4 4

Summary of Contents for MSD-8 Plus

Page 1: ...tems Note that when using a single coil both coil positive wires must be connected to the coil RPM LIMITERS The MSD 8 Plus Ignition is equipped with a 2 Step Rev Control The Ignition will accept two rpm modules so two different rev limits can be set One rev limit can be used for over rev protection while the second limit can be activated on the starting line for a lower rpm limit to assist in stag...

Page 2: ...ht or other add on rpm activated devices The Tach Output Terminal produces a 12 volt square wave signal with a 20 duty cycle SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES Spark plug wires are very important to the operation of your ignition system A good quality helically wound wire and proper routing are required to get the best performance from your ignition such as the MSD Heli Core or 8 5mm Super Conductor Note Solid...

Page 3: ... only wire that makes electrical contact with the coil negative terminal COIL 2 HEAVY BLACK This wire connects to a good ground either at the battery negative terminal or to the engine BAT HEAVY RED GRAY BAT TACH TACH 2 STEP IGNITION Connects to a switched 12 volt source Such as the ignition key or switch RED WHITE This wire is used to connect to the points electronic ignition amplifier output or ...

Page 4: ...If you experience a problem with your MSD our research has shown that the majority of problems are due to improper installation or poor connections The Troubleshooting section has several checks and tests you can perform to ensure proper installation and operation of the MSD If you have any questions concerning your MSD call our Customer Support Department at 915 855 7123 7 6 mountain time MISSES ...

Page 5: ...in the Off position 2 Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and set the terminal approximately 1 2 from ground 3 Disconnect the MSD White wire from the distributor s points or ignition amplifier 4 Turn the ignition to the On position Do not crank the engine 5 Rapidly tap the White wire to ground several times the first 3 4 times will not spark When the wire is pulled from ground a spark sh...

Page 6: ...shes check for a coil problem The following wiring diagrams illustrate numerous installations on different vehicles and applications If you experience difficulties when installing your MSD contact our Customer Support Department at 915 855 7123 7 6 Mountain time or e mail us at msdtech msdignition com COIL TERMINALS MSD supplies heavy duty nickel plated terminals for the connections There is also ...

Page 7: ... TO BATTERY NEGATIVE HEAVY RED TO BATTERY POSITIVE BLUE GRAY MSD SYSTEMS With an MSD Timing Control COIL 1 COIL 1 COIL 2 COIL 2 TO SWITCHED 12 VOLTS PN 8261 PN 8261 BLACK ORANGE BLACK ORANGE TO CHASSIS HEAVY BLACK TO BATTERY NEGATIVE HEAVY RED TO BATTERY POSITIVE BLUE GRAY NOTE WHEN USING A SINGLE COIL BOTH COIL POSITIVE TERMINALS MUST BE CONNECTED TO THE COIL EITHER CONNECT BOTH ORANGE WIRES TO T...

Page 8: ...n lieu of all other warranties or representation whether expressed or implied including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness In no event shall MSD or its suppliers be liable for special or consequential damages Intended normal use means that this item is being used as was originally intended and for the original application as sold by MSD Any modifications to this item or if it is us...

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