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MSD 6A installation location question...

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Old Dec 21, 2013 | 09:12 PM
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Default MSD 6A installation location question...

Is it ok to place the MSD box in the engine compartment?

I used to have mine under the passenger side dash, but that location is filled up now.

Is it not too hot to install the MSD Box in the engine compartment? Is there a preferred location?
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Old Dec 21, 2013 | 09:16 PM
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Default Msd

I put mine in the compartment behind the passenger seat.
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Old Dec 21, 2013 | 10:33 PM
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Choose a cool location. The cooler the better. MSD sells extension cables if needed.

cardo0
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Old Dec 21, 2013 | 10:51 PM
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Default I'm wondering if folks are putting them in the engine cptmt

I see other vehicles with the MSD boxes in the engine compartment so I was wondering if it's ok on ours??

.....mine sure does seem to get hot in there on summer days so I was hoping to hear from someone who may have experience with putting the box in the engine compartment.
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Old Dec 21, 2013 | 11:46 PM
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I have a 1969 Big-block Camaro that I drag race and drive on the street. I placed my MSD right behind the headlights (mounted to the radiator support). I have never had a problem with it there. The only thing it doesnt like is being near a header or water. If you spray water to clean your engine, place a plastic cover over it. The MSD box has a little black plastic vent....water can sneek in there or the RPM pill terminals.
PS-I'm about to place my 1980 Corvette MSD box in the area previously occupied by my A/C box.
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 06:11 AM
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Put mine right behind the front passanger wheel well.
It's been there for over seven years with no issues so far.

Just find a place where it will get some air.
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 10:32 AM
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Default Thanks - I'll try that....

7 years sounds like a good test. Many thanks for the feedback.

I installed Hot Rod A/C a few years ago so I no longer have the room under the passenger side dash....so it's good to hear that yours has been ok behind the front passanger wheel well.


Originally Posted by scottw
Put mine right behind the front passanger wheel well.
It's been there for over seven years with no issues so far.

Just find a place where it will get some air.

Last edited by carriljc; Dec 22, 2013 at 10:34 AM.
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 11:29 AM
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Default Box

Originally Posted by scottw
Put mine right behind the front passanger wheel well.
It's been there for over seven years with no issues so far.

Just find a place where it will get some air.
I have a 69 vette bb, put mine pass side down by the louvers, some air.
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 12:41 PM
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Originally Posted by scottw
Put mine right behind the front passanger wheel well.
It's been there for over seven years with no issues so far.

Just find a place where it will get some air.

That's where I placed mine. Also haven't had any problems with it.
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 01:49 PM
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Mine's right behind the driver side wheel well. You can see it through the gill.
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 02:41 PM
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Originally Posted by scottw
Put mine right behind the front passanger wheel well.
It's been there for over seven years with no issues so far.

Just find a place where it will get some air.


That is where mine has been for the past 9yrs with no issues at all.

MSD recommends: "The MSD 6A can be mounted in the engine compartment as long as it is away from direct engine heat sources. It is not recommended to mount the unit in an enclosed area such as the glove box."
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 03:21 PM
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Originally Posted by carriljc
Is it ok to place the MSD box in the engine compartment?

I used to have mine under the passenger side dash, but that location is filled up now.

Is it not too hot to install the MSD Box in the engine compartment? Is there a preferred location?
I mounted mine in the wiper compartment as it is away from the direct heat of the engine.

I don't drive my car in the rain, and if I get caught in a shower then I will simply pull over until the rain stops.

If it ever does get to be a problem with the rain then I will purchase the marine version of the MSD which is sealed to prevent problems with water. JMHO...
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 04:30 PM
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Mine has been mounted in the engine bay since 1980. Never have had one issue with it since then
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 06:54 PM
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Originally Posted by babbah
Mine has been mounted in the engine bay since 1980. Never have had one issue with it since then
Pass side rear fenderwell
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 07:51 PM
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Mine is mounted to the passenger side wheel well inside the engine compartment. Its been there for about five years with no problems so far. (Touching wood...)
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 07:56 PM
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does the MSD really make a big difference? i know this is alittle off topic
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 08:10 PM
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Originally Posted by 1977L48
does the MSD really make a big difference? i know this is alittle off topic
Yes BIGTIME!
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 08:15 PM
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order in for a 6AL box, thanks, after i put that in i can flat foot shift it!
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 07:59 AM
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Originally Posted by drwet
Mine is mounted to the passenger side wheel well inside the engine compartment. Its been there for about five years with no problems so far. (Touching wood...)


I've had mine there for about two years, with no problems. It's also easy access to the positive battery cable for power.
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 09:17 AM
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Originally Posted by 1977L48
does the MSD really make a big difference? i know this is alittle off topic
In terms of power, it makes virtually no difference. I have a pretty lumpy camshaft and (until now) an automatic transmission. This made for a pretty rough idle and the MSD6 improved the idle considerably. However if you have a good ignition system that is set up properly, the MSD won't make any difference.
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