d16rice

How do I go abut installing the MSD 6A ignition?
Does any one have a write-up (step-by-step) on how to do this?

I have:
The MSD distributor cap,
6A ignition box,
a blaster coil
and all the wires, but no instructions.

From what I have read (on other threads), I’ll have to remove the O.E. coil from the distributor, but then everyone’s talking about some two wires that have to be added on.
Can some one post the instructions or a write-up for this install?


This is how I’m planning on mounting everything.
I’m making an aluminum shelf to go in that corner.

mike1114

iTrader: (1)

I went to MSD website and downloaded instructions.

It is still kinda hard to follow though, just take you time and go over the directions until your sure where each wire goes.

I had to download a second set of instructions that showed how to wire up the distributor. There are two wires that need to come from the box to up inside the distributor. You need a two pole thing from radio shack (has side with two positives and side with two negatives, it just a way to connect the wires from inside you dist to the two you just added.)

mrbsponge

yes they have installations for internal and external honda/acura too

very simple tho box has power and ground for itself. then it has 2 wires going into the box from the dizzy and 2 wires from the box to the coil

d16rice

I found the MSD 6A instructions on their web-sire.
I read through it and I think I understand where each wire goes to,
but does that mean that I have to cut the MSD distributor cap to route the two (violet and green) wires from the ignition box to the factory magnetic pickups (O.E. coil connection)?

Can some one who has done this post some pictures of how it’s supposed to look like (up close)?

mike1114

iTrader: (1)

yes, cut a small hole in the dist on the bottom so condensation can drain if it gets in. Run the wires through there.

Make sure you route them AWAY from the rotor, you don't want the rotor destroying the wires.

I don't have mine hoooked up anymore so I can't take any pics, sorrry.

d16rice

Just to make sure, on Honda Civic, I’m supposed to use the MAGNETIC PICKUP (violet and green) wires, NOT the ELECTRONIC IGNITION AMPLIFIER (white wire to original coil negative wire), right?
If so, where can I get the adapter that plugs into the MSD harness, or should I just cut the plug off and use my own plugs?

Eclpze97

msd is good, for at least a month, then plan on spendin some cash, man i wish i would have never installed mine. a part that burns out yearly because of the msd ignition is the ignitor, thats a part that costs more than 200.00(retail) and it sucks trying to figure out if its bad or not. otherthan that its pretty easy to install. make sure all of your connections are good, you dont want to loose alot of spark where you dont have to!

crucian

Here's a good write-up. I used this same write up a couple years ago and mine is still running fine!
http://www.c-speedracing.com/howto/msdbtm/msd.php

As for Eclpze97, you must have did something wrong cause my ignitor is still running strong after 3 years of running the MSD ignition. I have the Digital 6.

d16rice

Oh, ok, so I'm not using the magnetic connector.
Cool, makes it that much easier.

Is it possible to adjust timing on a 6A ignition? Probably not, but I figure it couldn’t hurt to ask.

Thanks for every one’s help. I think I’m set now.
The only thing I’m planning to do different than written in here is I’ll route the two (red and white) wires through the distributor (aluminum) casing, not the distributor cap. This should make maintenance a little easier.

Neutex22

Do not drill holes. DO NOT! Just run the wires along with the factory wires through the rubber grommet. Looks good and you will not have condensation problems. If you get any condensation at all in the cap your car will not run at all. You will have to remove the cap and wipe all of it out. Drilling a hole allows condensation and water to naturally set in. Also you can forget about washing your motor if you drill a hole. Trust me do not do it.

d16rice

I don't know, seems very hard to do.
To star with, there’s already nine wires gong through it and each one has a hole that’s made specifically for it.
It would be next to impossible to feed more 16-18 gauge wires through there.
This would also require me to route the wires right next to the rotor, in which case I’d be in danger of clipping them when the car’s running.

I’ll definitely look into it a bit more and check if its doable.

What I was initially planning on doing is making a small hole on the underside of the distributor, and:
A) Putting in a little tab tube, routing the wires through there, and then filling the tube with silicone to prevent moisture getting in.
B) Putting a tight fitting groomer and running the wires that way.

DaZman69

two things

just drill a hole, i had mine that way for two years, never once had condensation in there...just dont make it sloppy

you know honda ignitions are good for like 500-600 hp right? and that msd will do next to nothing with levels below that

d16rice

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DaZman69 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">you know honda ignitions are good for like 500-600 hp right? and that msd will do next to nothing with levels below that</TD></TR></TABLE>

I know MSD doesn’t add any hp, but it does prevent miss-fire, thus maintaining hp (and improves m.p.g.).
The reason I got MSD is because I’ll be running 75shot N2O.

Better to be safe than sorry


Modified by d16rice at 7:12 PM 3/23/2005