pthor

Do any of you run a Tac-drive Billet MSD ?

My 1972 #s Match 350/383 engine is done, the builder installed the new MSD tac-drive distributor & tells me I'll need the 6A Box and coil ~ Done~

The amount of wires from my stock setup to this is mind boggling!!!

Is there a good video/source for knuckleheads like me who nothing of engine electronics?

I haven't started yet but, not looking forward to this part of the install...

TimAT

This is a pretty easy install. MSD's wiring diagram is easy to follow. A couple of wires to the battery, (or some other place to pickup power and ground), there is one wire to the ignition, a pair of wires to the coil and then plug in the distributor. Just mount the MSD box somewhere it's away from heat and let 'er buck.

A8skyhawk

I don’t know if it’s too late or not, but MSD does make a “ready-to-run” distributor with built in ignition module - with that you wouldn’t need the 6A or 6AL, but you could always add them later if you so desired as they are compatable with the ready-run distributor. But if you are already stuck with your current distributor then I would reccomend reading the 6AL manual downloadable from the MSD website. The hardest part of the install is deciding where to put the box - and then putting it there. The second hardest part is deciding between red and black these days...

SI67

The "ready-to-run" has no tach drive.

A8skyhawk

That is unfortunate and I did not think to look - great catch.

pthor

I'm pretty much stuck with what I have I just need to make it work.
I will I will go to the website and see what else is available...

Crimson Thunder

Just make sure you run the power and ground wires to the MSD box directly to the battery as the instructions indicate. I killed a brand new box by being lazy. I've had no issues since wiring it correctly(knocking on wood)

Crimson Thunder

pthor

What is considered "Directly to the battery" on a Vette since the battery is inside?

pthor

Im going to check that location for mounting, thanks for the pic, I have been crawling around the engine bay looking for a spot big enuf...

Crimson Thunder

Its just a simple piece of aluminum mounted to the factory washer fluid bracket. I ran the wires through one of the holes for the front carpet grommet, and up the waterfall to the battery.

theandies

Thats where I mounted my 6AL box execpt a little higher up to keep any water spray away a little better. Never had any problems.
Wiring is easy. Make sure you check your wiring before using this diagram to make sure nothings changed since 2001.

F4Gary

My 6A is mounted on the opposite side where the charcoal canister used to be. Not sure how it is wired as I didn't install it. Love the distributor, but it prevents me from installing my ignition shielding. The vacuum canister is in the way. Not sure I can re-clock it because the tach drive is on the opposite side of the shaft vs the factory tach drive.

flyeri

When I had MSD I had it mounted as pictured except turned 90 degrees. I hooked power at the starter and ground at the block where the ground wire from the frame attaches.

pthor

I tried removing this very panel last night, the 2 screws on top out but, unable to detach the bottom half ?
My paint is a bit delicate and I don't want to force it off and damage it (Any further).
Could you tell me what's the hangup and method to removing the lower half??

Crimson Thunder

There is a stud on the bottom of the egg crate grill that bolts in from the bottom of the car.

ajrothm

I run the Billet tach drive distributor. I have the 6AL box mounted in the passenger side front fender well above the egg crate on the fender itself.

Wiring is straight forward, although make sure to keep each harness coming out of the msd box separated. You don’t want to bundle the wires together and half power wires grouped up with the distributor signal leads. (That’s why they come out of opposite sides of the box, it can cause interference with the signal/fire side. I also used a msd capacitor on the power/ground wires to the msd box to minimize surges and radio noise.

v2racing

I might add that you also want to keep the distributor signal leads away from the spark plug wires for the same reason.

Mike

pthor

It it worked , thank you, Lots of room,
Thanks for the help
the box fits in there nice.

ajrothm

Mine tucked up in there with the capacitor.

Attachment 48355778

Been a very reliable system for 8 years.