DIY: MSD Ignition System Install

[beeza]

Disclaimer: The following is provided as a GUIDE ONLY, and neither myself nor Ozhonda take any responsibility for the outcomes of someone else doing the following. You follow these steps at your own risk!

Any additional/relevant information gained from this thread has been added to the first 2 posts.So all the info you need is in the first 2 posts.No need to look through the thread for any additional information.

MSD Ignition Website!

Aim:

To Install the aftermarket ignition system/MSD Ignition system.This DIY is universal and applies to any and all cars.I am installing the system on my d16y4 Automatic.

Many of you know I have had this system in my car for a couple of years.It recently was causing misfire (settle down all you MSD haters ) BUT that was because of a sub par install due to lack of knowledge in this area on my behalf So I ripped it out,fixed up the wires and installed it and did a DIY while I was at it

The MSD system,gives 'Multiple Sparks',so instead of 1 or 2 sparks every rotation of the crankshaft,you get 6 or 7 sparks,when it is above 4000 rpm it gives 1 BIG spark.

Different cars,different engine setups,different results.

I have had the system hooked up and I have had the stock system hooked a few times each and I can tell you on my d16y4 automatic it made my car run smoother.It revs smoother and just feels better with the system hooked up.I think being an automatic it makes a difference.On BIG setup's it would definitely be a good mod,promoting good combustion.On these setup's I would imagine a gain in performance,there maybe on mine but without a dyno,you would never know BUT certainly my car is more enjoyable to drive,smoothly revving out each gear,there's more response in my auto with it too.The note the exhaust makes is far better,it's deeper and fuller,purring even.Tops!

Required:

* MSD Ignition box (You will have to check what one is the correct one for your car.
* External coil.
* MSD distributor cap OR modify your stock cap with as I have done.
* 47,000µ capacitor optional

* 20A Fuse
* 2 metres of Red and black wire + connectors
* Some knowledge in the electrics helps.If you aren't too confident having a go yourself,I would ask a friend to help.

I used:

* MSD-6AL box Link

The blurb on the MSD-6AL box is worth quoting:

"MSD 6AL, PN 6420 The 6AL shares the same proven circuitry of the 6A with the addition of a built-in adjustable rev limiter. The combination of powerful sparks with the safety of a Soft Touch Rev Control is what makes the 6AL the most popular ignition control in the world. MSD first developed the Soft Touch rev control to prevent over rev damage to your motor in the event of a missed shift or driveline failure. The rpm limit is adjustable in 100 rpm increments with MSD’s plug-in modules. When the engine reaches your selected limit, the Soft Touch circuitry begins dropping the spark to various cylinders. On the next cycle, these plugs are fired again to prevent fuel from loading up in the cylinder. The result is a smooth and accurate limiting action without backfires or roughness. The Soft Touch Rev Control also opens the door for you to add rpm accessories such as a Two Step Rev Control. A Two Step allows you to set two rpm limits, one for a holeshot rpm and another for over rev protection. The 6AL is supplied with rubber shock mounts and modules for 3,000, 6,000, 7,000 and 8,000 rpm."

* Crane cams LX-91 external coil.'dsp 26' has conducted tests and concluded this coil is superior to other coils like MSD blaster coils
* 47,000µ capacitor
* Modified my stock distributor cap

Firstly,an overview of the system,all hooked up:



And installed:



Steps:

If your gonna spend sometime breaking ya back leaning in the engine bay,put it on jacks!



Firstly,on the side of your MSD 6AL box there's a small black plug that's screwed in place.You'll have to remove that plug and cut the two wires that are looped together,the blue and red.These are used for the box to recognize your engines size in cyl numbers.With those two red and blue wires connected,the box thinks that you have a 8 cyl,cutting just the red wire makes it think you have a 6 cyl and finally the blue and red being cut makes it recognize just 4 cyl's.

We need to mount the MSD.Find a suitable spot,not easy but it fits suprising well,right here!:



The rubber mounts:



From underneath,make sure you use lock nuts or double up on the nuts to lock them:



I wedged a piece of rubber in here,locks it in real good:





Next,mount the capacitor.The capacitor protects the MSD box from any surges or spikes in electrical current:



Then the 20 Amp fuse.This protects the MSD box from blowing up! $15 from Jaycar.Just cut the wire and join to both ends:



Then mount the coil somewhere,here is good:



From behind,as you can see,2 bolts was enough.I cabled tied the other side,it's strong as.



Modifying the stock distributor cap.If MSD does not have a distributor cap for your application,then you will have to modify your stock one.

Here is the full DIY - Modifying the stock distributor cover to accept an external coil

MSD sell a 'MSD power tower' Here's what they look like:



I bought one and had to modify it to suit my dizzy but you can see in the pics,you don't need to buy it and can make it up ya self,just as good,better,from these 3 parts:



It's just the tip of a sparkplug:



You will need to find the appropriate thin drill bit for the job.Then you need to drill a hole straight through the cap and screw the screw through there,like so:



Put the other bits on:



Use some gasket sealant or silicone to seal it up/insulate it,or you'll get zapped,like I did



Inside aswell:



You will need to file a section out so that the 2 wires can run through there:



John had a better idea -

"I used a razor to cut some rubber away from the seal where the main loom enters the dizzy. Only remove enough rubber to allow the MSD wires not to get crushed by the cap."