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INSTALLATION 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

GENERAL INFORMATION

BATTERY

An MSD-8 Plus Ignition Control will operate on any negative ground, 12 volt electrical system with a 

distributor. The MSD can be used with 16 volt batteries and can withstand a momentary 24 volts in 

case of jump starts. The Ignitions will deliver full voltage with a supply of  10-18 volts.

If  your  application  does  not  use  an  alternator,  allow  at  least  30  amp/hour  for  every  half  hour  of 

operation. If the engine is cranked with the same battery or other accessories such as an electric fuel 

or water pump, the amp/hour rating should be higher.

COILS

The MSD-8 Plus Ignition must be used with an MSD Pro Power Series Coil. The Pro Power HVC, PN 

8251, Pro Power HVC II, PN 8261 or for short duration racing, the PN 8201 Pro Power Coil. If you 

have any questions concerning coils, contact our Customer Service Department at (915) 855-7123.

TACHOMETERS

The MSD Ignition features a Tach Output Terminal on the terminal strip. This terminal provides a 

trigger signal for tachometers, a shift light 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 Core spark plug wires cannot be used with an MSD Ignition.

A  helically,  or  spiral  wound  wire  must  be  used.  This  style  wire  provides 

a  good  path  for  the  spark  to  follow  while  keeping  Electro  Magnetic 

Interference (EMI) to a minimum. Excessive EMI, such as the amount that 

solid core wires produce, will interfere with the operation of the MSD and 

other electronics on your car.

MOUNTING 

The MSD can be mounted in most positions. It can be mounted in the engine compartment as long 

as it is away from direct engine heat sources. It is not recommended to mount the unit in an enclosed 

area such as the glovebox. 

When you find a suitable location to mount the unit, make sure the wires of the ignition reach their 

connections. Hold the Ignition in place and mark the location of the mounting holes. Use a 1/4” drill 

bit to drill the holes. Install the vibration mounts to the ignition and mount the unit.

TACH

TERMINAL

Figure 2 Tach Terminal.

Содержание MSD-8 Plus

Страница 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...

Страница 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...

Страница 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 ...

Страница 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 ...

Страница 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...

Страница 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 ...

Страница 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...

Страница 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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