MSD 6430 6ALN Ignition Control Installation - Manual (Page 2)

 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
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
MsD 6T, 6TN
These Ignitions feature a special 4-wire connector which plugs directly into an external rev limiter; the
MSD PN 8738 Rev Control or the Soft Touch Engine Control, PN 8968. The PN 8738 is a single rev
limit only, while the PN 8968 features two rev limits and an RPM Activated Switch.
gENERAL iNFORMATiON
BATTerY
An MSD 6 Series 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 9 - 18 volts and will operate
with a supply voltage as low as five volts.
If your application does not use an alternator, allow at least 15 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 are used, the amp/hour rating should be higher.
COILs
The MSD 6 Series Ignitions can be used with most stock coils and aftermarket coils designed to
replace the stock coils. There are some "race only" coils such as the MSD Pro Power Coil, PN 8201,
that cannot be used with a 6 Series MSD Ignition Control. For more information on recommended
coils, consult the supplied Coil Application Chart or check with the manufacturer of your 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 side of the
unit. 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.
Some vehicles with factory 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 7.
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.
FOreIgN vehICLes
Due to the fuel injection systems, some foreign vehicles may require a
special Tach/Fuel Injection Adapter to use an MSD Ignition. See pages
7 for wiring and Tach Adapter information.
Note: Vehicles originally equipped with a CD ignition control cannot use an MSD.
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 Wire.
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.
Figure 1 Tach Terminal