Just curious if I can extend the wires from the MSD module to the distributor??? Where I want to put the box in no way gives me a direct route to run the wires, and I like to keep it clean. Is extending the wires asking for problems?
No problem extending the wires. I believe the directions say that you can, but you should go up 1 gauge size. If you want it to look real clean, I can supply original GM connectors. Also, I just put on e in my car and I made a bracket that puts the box up under the driver side fender right behind the support. can't even see the box, but you can get in there to change the rev limiter. What a difference the msd maked. Don;t forget to go 2 plug ranges colder on the plugs and gap them to .055 or .060. Bob
It's in my 69 Riv Bob. No access to the inner fender. BUT! I have a perfect place on the front of the core support. Plenty of room, too. I'm using Ignitionman's distributor, so I don't know what connectors I'll need. I have some OEM GM connectors from when I rebuilt my wiring harness. But if I need some I'd like to get some. Thanks all! I'll get one tomorrow! Local speed shop has it for $210. Summit for $196. I believe it is worth $15 to: get personal service, get instant delivery, and support the local little guy. Cool.
Jeff, No problem extending the wires on the MSD box. I mounted mine in the cowl, had to extend the battery leads. Go up in wire size like Bob said. The battery leads were 12 ga, I extended them with 10 ga.
What plug are you guys recommending for the MSD setup? I have a 6AL, but never changed plugs. Hopefully I can get an answer tonight. I'm taking the car out tomorrow night and would like to see if there's a difference. Phil
hey guys.. I'm watching csi righ now.. I'll go down on a commercial and get the plug numbers....hang loose for a few.
yardley, of course, we spoke of this earlier today, so you already know this, but for any others whom want to MSD one of my HEI dists: If I built you a remote module HEI, simply disconnect the two wires from the HEI module to the coil, remove them, unplug the module from the dist at the black connector, remove HEI module from vehicle. The dist is now an MSD trigger only conversion. If the dist has a dist body mounted HEI module, disconnect the two module to coil wires, disconnect the two wire connectors that pass through the dist body, from the end of the HEI module, remove the module from the dist. You will now have two female insulated wire connectors coming through the dist body, one with a large slot, one with a small one, just like a large cap HEI magnetic pickup connector. Select the large cap HEI magnetic pickup adapter from the MSD kit, put the wide blade wire of the adapter into the large connector, small to small. Connect the other end of the adapter, the black two prong plug, to the MSD module magnetic pickup connector, or install the extension cable from the MSD kit to move the module to the position you wish. Finished with converting the dist body mounted module type bodies. I use the MSD 8466-1 magnetic pickup in both my HEI and MSD trigger only conversions, so there is NO compatiblilty issues with MSD, Crane and other two wire magnetically triggered aftermarket ignition boxes. Hope this helps with anyone whom wants to MSD/Crane one of my small body HEI's.
Ok, the plugs I'm running are AC R42TS plugs with the gap at .055. MSD wants the plug gap opened up that high and they recommend you go down 2 heat ranges down from stock. Stock is R44TS and 2 heat ranges down would be R42TS. I found this out while talking to the MSD tech guy asking whether or not I could extend the power wires and they let me in on the info about the plugs. good luck!
Thanks Dave. Yeah, like we discussed, I'll wait on the MSD box. It runs so dang good with your electronic conversion that I can't justify a $200 expense right now. If it got me a proven 3 or 4 tenths by adding the MSD, I'd go for it, but I don't think I'd get that kind of benefit from it. Maybe down the road after the interior is done and I have 2 bills to flush, I'll try it. Right on Dave!
What's the difference between a resistor plug and a normal plug? I'm supposed to run AC 44s but I also have a set of AC R43S to try. If I use the R43S will any damage be done or will it have any adverse effects? I'm currently running a .040 gap instead of the stock .035. I've played with my plug gaps and had them up as high as .050 and I don't know if it's my imagination playing tricks but I don't seem to 'feel' much difference. I feel more difference on a cool morning than I do when I change plug gaps. What are the major benefits of increasing plug gaps. I've heard that you can't advantage of a larger spark without increasing the gaps. If you are going to leave the stock gap (.035) you may as well not have made any mods to your ignition. Big Ignitions need big gaps. I hear so many things. Of course, Dave recommends .045 so I prefer that gap. My 'mechanics' disagree and always reduce the gap back down to .035 which pisses me off! I like this type of discussion though because adjusting plug types and gaps is something even the greenest backyarder (like myself) can do to improve performance.
Bill, i would check out the msd box or other ignition systems. My car ran very strong on the street, but once I put the box in, I noticed a big difference. Much stronger through the rpm range. I was skeptical until i put it in and I will use the MSD again in the future. If you get the 6al, get the blaster coil and good plug wires and the car will run great.
Yeah I was thinking about installing an MSD. I already have a good coil and spiral core plug wires (which added power all by themselves).
I believe the resistor plug cuts down on radio noise (less static from the ignition coming through your speakers. Anybody? And if you get the Blaster Coil, get the chrome one; it's made in the USA. The red one is made in Mexico and has a high rate of failure.
