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Note:

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

Note:

 An MSD cannot be used on vehicles with CD ignitions or distributorless ignition systems.

Parts Included:

1 - MSD 7AL-2 Plus Ignition 

1 - White Wire

1 - Mag Pickup Extension Harness, PN 8860    1 - Red Wire

1 - Mag Pickup Adapter Harness, PN 8859     

4 - Vibration Mounts and Hardware

1 - Coil Harness, PN 8863 

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

FEATURES

RPM LIMITERS

The 7AL-2 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 overrev 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. This confirms that the ignition 

has received a trigger signal and that the coil 

and ignition are working properly. (If the coil is 

not connected, the LED will not flash.) When the 

engine is running, it will appear solid.

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.

MSD 7AL-2 Plus Ignition

PN 7222/72223

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

ONLINE PRODUCT REGISTRATION: Register your MSD product online. 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.

Summary of Contents for 7222

Page 1: ...n 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 This confirms that the ignition has received a trigger signal and that the coil and ignition are working properly If the coi...

Page 2: ...y tachometers may require a Tach Adapter to operate with the MSD For more information on Tachometers and MSD Tach Adapters see the Tachometer Section on page 6 If your GM vehicle has an inline filter it may cause the tach to drop to zero on acceleration If this occurs bypass the filter SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES Spark plug wires are very important to the operation of your ignition system A good quality...

Page 3: ...tall a new distributor cap and rotor when installing the MSD Ignition Control The cap should be clean inside and out especially the terminals and rotor tip On vehicles with smaller caps it is possible for the air inside the cap to become electrically charged causing crossfire which can result in misfire This can be prevented by drilling a couple vent holes in the cap The holes should be placed bet...

Page 4: ... to the positive terminal of the coil This is the only wire that makes electrical contact with the coil positive terminal COIL BLACK Connects to the negative terminal of the coil This is the only wire that makes electrical contact with the coil negative terminal COIL HEAVY BLACK This wire connects to a good ground either at the battery negative terminal or to the engine BAT HEAVY RED BAT TACH TACH...

Page 5: ...quipment to the terminals PRESTART CHECK LIST The only wires connected to the coil terminals are the MSD Orange to coil positive and Black to coil negative The small Red wire of the MSD is connected to a switched 12 volt source The MSD power leads are connected directly to the battery positive and negative terminals The battery is connected and fully charged if not using an alternator The engine i...

Page 6: ...use the MSD receives power directly from the battery it does not require much current to keep the unit energized If you are experiencing run on it is due to a small amount of voltage going through the charging lamp indicator and feeding the small Red wire even if the key is turned off Early Ford and GM To solve the Run On problem a Diode is supplied with the MSD in the parts bag By installing this...

Page 7: ...ry high voltage will be present and no test equipment should be connected Make sure that the battery is fully charged and the connections are clean and tight If you are not running an alternator this is an imperative check If the battery voltage falls below 10 volts during a race the MSD output voltage will drop WARNING Do not touch the coil terminals during cranking or while the engine is running...

Page 8: ... Green and Violet magnetic pickup wires together Each time you break this ground rapidly a spark should jump from the coil wire to ground If spark is present the ignition is working properly If there is no spark skip to step 6 below 6 If there is no spark A Inspect all of the wiring B Substitute another coil and repeat the test If there is now spark the coil is at fault C If there is still no spar...

Page 9: ...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 MSD SYSTEMS Installing to Points Amplifier Style Ignition On dual point setups it is recommended to remove the trailing set of points NOTE MSD SYSTEMS Installing to an MSD Distributor Crank Trigger TO 12 VOLTS ...

Page 10: ...LLATION INSTRUCTIONS 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 MSD SYSTEMS Installing to an MSD Ready to Run Distributor MSD SYSTEMS With an MSD Timing Control ...

Page 11: ... 5 7 5 2 0 0 F A X 9 1 5 8 5 7 3 3 4 4 GM IGNITIONS Wiring with an MSD to GM Wiring Harness Harness PN 8876 Dual Connector Coil Harness PN 8877 1996 on GM Vehicles FORD IGNITIONS Wiring a Ford TFI with Harness PN 8874 NOTE Installation of a Timing Control with the Harness see page 12 ...

Page 12: ... of the following diagrams fit your specific application remove the distributor cap and rotor and locate the ignition module at the base of the distributor Count the number of terminals on both ends of the module and follow the corresponding diagram GM used 4 5 and 7 pin modules in these distributors NOTE Some 5 pin models may experience a hesitation or stall on deceleration If this occurs contact...

Page 13: ...esis tance Bushing PN 8412 The GM Ignition Module is removed and replaced with the MSD PN 8861 Wire Harness GM IGNITIONS Wiring an HEI 5 or 7 pin Module Amplifier Trigger NOTE NOTE The stock rotor button must be replaced with an MSD Low Resistance Bushing PN 8412 Some 5 pin models may experience a hesitation or stall on decelera tion If this occurs contact MSD Tech Line for the required bolt in di...

Page 14: ... 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 FORD IGNITIONS Wiring a Ford DuraSpark using Magnetic Pickup Trigger HONDA IGNITIONS Wiring a Honda with Internal Coil NOTE When used with 4 cyl Honda cut 2 loops on Cyl Select ...

Page 15: ...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 CHRYSLER IGNITIONS Wiring a Chrysler Electronic Ignition using Magnetic Pickup Trigger AFTERMARKET COMPONENTS Wiring a Mallory Unilite or 9000 Series using Points Trigger ...

Page 16: ...ct the warranty will be void It is the sole responsibility of the customer to determine that this item will work for the application they are intending MSD will accept no liability for custom applications Service In case of malfunction this MSD component will be repaired free of charge according to the terms of the warranty When returning MSD components for warranty service Proof of Purchase must ...

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