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MSD 7AL-3, Ignition Control

PN 7230

Important:

  Read the instructions before attempting the installation.

Parts Included:

1 - 7AL-3, PN 7230

1 - Parts bag (wires and connectors)

4 - RPM Modules 3000, 7000, 8000, 9000

4 - Retard Modules 2°, 3°, 4°, 4°

4 - Zero Degree Modules

4 - Vibration Mounts

WarnIng

:  During installation, disconnect the battery cables. When disconnecting the battery, 

always remove the Negative  cable first and install it last.

note: 

The MSD 7AL-3 will retard the ignition timing approximately 4° compared to other MSD Ignitions. 

After installation, the timing should always be checked and adjusted at idle and total timing.

note:

  This unit is designed for 8-cylinder engines only.

CoIL ReCoMMeNDAtIoNS

The  MSD  7AL-3  can  be  used  with  a  variety  of  coils,  but  to  receive  the  best  performance,  it  is 

recommended to use an MSD Coil. For drag racing and “short duration” applications, the Pro Power 

Coil, PN 8201, is the best choice. For street applications or long duration racing events, the HVC Pro 

Power Coil, PN 8251 is recommended. The 7AL-3 may be used with a GM HEI Distributor with an 

internal coil, however the Rotor bushing 

must

 be replaced with an MSD Low Resistance bushing, 

PN 8412.

MoUNtING

The 7AL-3 can be mounted under the hood, but should be mounted in a position away from direct 

engine heat sources. Use the ignition as a template and mark the location of the mounting holes. 

Remove the unit and drill the holes using a 1/4" bit. Install the vibration mounts to the 7AL-3 then 

mount the ignition using the supplied lock washers and nuts.

WIRING

Wiring the 7AL-3 will be simple by following the instructions. There are several color coded  wires 

supplied with the 7AL-3 and should be used as noted to avoid confusion or wrong connections. This 

section is also broken down into two sections; Primary Wiring and Optional Wiring. 
•  The Primary section designates the wires that must be connected to run the engine. 

•  The Optional Wiring section explains the wiring of optional built-in features such as the Rev Controls, 

RPM Activated Switch and Retard Controls.

WarnIng

: The 7AL-3 produces very high voltages. Never short the battery or coil terminals. Use 

caution during installation and while working near the ignition.

M S D   I G N I T I O N

  •   w w w . m s d i g n i t i o n . c o m  •   ( 9 1 5 )   8 5 7 - 5 2 0 0   •   FA X   ( 9 1 5 )   8 5 7 - 3 3 4 4

Summary of Contents for 7AL-3 7230

Page 1: ...ith a GM HEI Distributor with an internal coil however the Rotor Bushing must be replaced with an MSD Low Resistance Bushing PN 8412 MOUNTING The 7AL 3 can be mounted under the hood but should be mounted in a position away from direct engine heat sources Use the ignition as a template and mark the location of the mounting holes Remove the unit and drill the holes using a 1 4 bit Install the vibrat...

Page 2: ...om the distributor One terminal is for points style applications and the other two are for use with a magnetic pickup trigger such as an MSD Billet Distributor or Crank Trigger Note The Points and Mag Pickup terminals will never be connected at the same time Points If you are using a Points style distributor or electronic amplifier only the Points terminal will be used Connect the supplied WHITE j...

Page 3: ...oints or Magnetic Pickup RETARD 0 1 2 3 OR GREEN VIOLET DISTRIBUTOR WITH MAGNETIC PICKUP NOTE THIS DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATES HOW TO INSTALL ANY MSD TIMING CONTROL MSD CRANK TRIGGER WHEEL MAGNETIC PICKUP CONNECTOR WHITE NOT USED RED YELLOW INHIBIT RAS OUTPUT RAS IGN TACH START RETARD PNTS M M RET 1 RET 2 RET 3 RET 4 LAUNCH BURNOUT COIL TRIG DIAG COIL BATT BATT TM TO BATTERY NEGATIVE TO BATTERY POSITIVE M...

Page 4: ...d total timing The following diagrams show the installation to a Mallory and an Accel BEI distributor Figure 3 Primary Wiring to an Accel BEI Distributor Figure 4 Primary Wiring to a Mallory Unilite Distributor NOTE ALL 3 WIRE MALLORY DISTRIBUTORS CONNECT THIS WAY GM HEI DISTRIBUTOR The 7AL 3 can be wired to the GM HEI Distributor You must identify which module your distributor has to determine wh...

Page 5: ...START RETARD PNTS M M RET 1 RET 2 RET 3 RET 4 LAUNCH BURNOUT COIL TRIG DIAG COIL BATT BATT TM TO BATTERY NEGATIVE TO BATTERY POSITIVE 4 PIN MODULE NOTE A LOW RESISTANCE HEI ROTOR BUSHING PN 8412 MUST BE USED WITH AN MSD 7AL 3 IGNITION PN 8861 HARNESS THIS HARNESS IS AVAILABLE FROM MSD GREEN M VIOLET M BLACK RED BLACK RED 18 BLK ORANGE ORANGE KEY CONNECTOR WHITE JUMPER TO ENGINE OR CHASSIS GROUND H...

Page 6: ...n When the switch is released 12 volts is removed and the timing returns to run timing B Constant 12 Volts In this setup whenever the ignition is turned On 12 volts is applied and the retard function is activated The retard will be deactivated when the engine reaches about 1 300 rpm and will not occur again until the ignition is turned Off Connect the supplied jumper from the Start Ret terminal to...

Page 7: ... rpm to your specified launch rpm module Note The Launch rpm limit is designed to override the Burnout limit This way if you activate the line lock on the starting line when the Launch terminal is activated through the trans brake or clutch switch the Launch rpm not the Burnout limit will be in effect After the car launches the Race rpm limit is activated to protect the engine from over revving RP...

Page 8: ... the light 3 Place a 7 000 rpm module in the RAS plug When the engine reaches 7 000 rpm a ground path for the shift light will be supplied and the light will turn on Note The light will remain on until the rpm falls 5 below the amount of the module When you shift the rpm drops and the light turns off until 7 000 rpm when a ground path is again provided and the light turns on Incorporating the RAS ...

Page 9: ...oving ground from the corresponding module The controlling terminals are listed as RET 1 through RET 4 and are located on the third terminal strip The modules can be activated in any order and are cumulative unless deactivated The maximum amount of retard allowed is a total of 20 even if the modules add up to more than 20 Note If a Retard function is not going to be used the corresponding terminal...

Page 10: ... it to the Tach terminal strip Figure 13 If your tachometer reads erratic or does not operate properly a Tach Adaptor may be required If you are using the white wire to trigger points input you will need Adapter PN 8910 If you are using the magnetic pickup PN 8920 will be the right Adapter Contact your MSD dealer RETARD WITH THE RPM ACTIVATED SWITCH The MSD 7AL 3 has both an RPM Activated Switch R...

Page 11: ...LED is a safety or warning function If it turns on a problem within the ignition is occurring If the Red Led is on inspect the wiring and connections If everything checks okay the ignition needs to be sent to the factory for inspection repairs MSD offers an Ignition Tester PN 8998 that will check the Ignition and Coil s operation The obsoleted Tester PN 8995 can only be used on the points input Wi...

Page 12: ... will be repaired or replaced at the option of MSD Ignition Any item that is covered under this warranty will be returned free of charge using Ground shipping methods This shall constitute the sole remedy of the purchaser and the sole liability of MSD Ignition To the extent permitted by law the foregoing is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties or representation whether expressed or implie...

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