MSD 8970 Three Stage Retard Control Installation User Manual
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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
The Retard Control wires activate the corresponding retard stage. The retard amount is activated when its
wire is
removed from ground. If you do not plan on using each stage, the corresponding wire must
be grounded or a Zero degree module must be installed.
When more than one are activated, the retard is the sum of the modules (6°+4°+8°=18°). The
maximum retard is 25°.
WIRING
RED
This is the On/Off wire. Connects to switched 12 volts.
BLACK
Connects to Ground.
YELLOW
Trigger output. Connects to the MSD Ignition's White Wire.
TRIGGER INPUTS
WHITE
There are two input trigger circuits.
The wires will never be connected at the same time.
Connects to points or the amplifier trigger wire.
GREEN/VIOLET
2-Pin Connector
Connects to the magnetic pickup of the distributor or crank trigger. Green is
negative, Violet is positive.
BROWN
Retard 1, Activated when removed from ground.
RETARD CONTROL WIRES
ORANGE
Retard 2, Activated when removed from ground.
GRAY
Retard 3, Activated when removed from ground.
START RETARD WIRES
VIOLET
This wire activates the start retard. When 12 volts are supplied, the timing is
retarded during cranking.
VIOLET LOOP
This programs the start retard for either 10° or 25° of retard. The unit is
set for 10° at the factory and this loop must be cut to obtain 25°.
Figure 3 Wiring an MSD 6 Series Ignition with Points/Amplifier.