Need Help Installing MSD Ignition Coil
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
Need Help Installing MSD Ignition Coil
I am trying to install my new MSD coil. Can anyone please explain the best way to remove the old one and install the new one? It looks like I have to remove 4 bolts that hold the bracket, for the coil and power steering box, on to the head. Then maybe flip over the coil and drill out what looks like rivets holding on the coil??? It is hard to see underneath the coil which is where it appears to be attached. Are those rivets? The new coil attaches with threaded bolts and nuts. Is there another or better way to remove and install the coil? I appreciate the help.
Thank you
Thank you
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 735
Likes: 0
From: Glasgow Va
You have to remove the the two bolts at the top of the coil and ICM bracket and I had to remove the the lower bolt that holds the power steering tube in place.That was the only way I could get enough free play in it to get it over the stud.I hope you have better luck than I did.I put a old accel coil on and it would not start at all.I got a new one thinking the old one was bad but it still would not fire.I ended up putting the stock one back on.I think the holes where the wires plug into the top of the coil were to big and not letting it make contact.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
ICM bracket? Is that the thing with the heat sink on it? I removed the heat sink with the thermal past on it but this didnt seem to free anything up. Does anyone else have a picture or perhapse can describe which bolts to remove on the 95 to get to it? Do I have to drill rivets out once it's removed?
Thanks again
Thanks again
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 735
Likes: 0
From: Glasgow Va
Hi I posted a picture on my webshots page that shows where the two bolts that you have to remove are.
There is a bolt that has to be removed from the bolt hole on the right side of the picture.On the left side there is a stud.You just have to remove the nut and not the whole stud. The pic does not show the power steering tube that is also retained by that stud.I had to remove the lower bolt that holds the tube to be able to get the tube pulled away from the stud.Once you get it off just drill the rivets out and bolt it back together with the new screws that came with your new coil.
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...55145439VnGgsw
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...55145439bXXyhY
There is a bolt that has to be removed from the bolt hole on the right side of the picture.On the left side there is a stud.You just have to remove the nut and not the whole stud. The pic does not show the power steering tube that is also retained by that stud.I had to remove the lower bolt that holds the tube to be able to get the tube pulled away from the stud.Once you get it off just drill the rivets out and bolt it back together with the new screws that came with your new coil.
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...55145439VnGgsw
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...55145439bXXyhY
Last edited by rdcamero; Jul 11, 2006 at 01:18 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,295
Likes: 4
From: I'm the walkin dude I can see all of the world...
St. Jude Donor '03
No drilling or anything like that. Its just the removal of a couple bolt which will allow for the entire unit to come out. Look closer! 
rdcamero's first pick shows em!
rdcamero's first pick shows em!
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 96,443
Likes: 9
From: Fort Knox, KY
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I hope you have better luck your MSD ignition coil than others here have. I've read several accounts where people ugraded only to have the MSD unit fail within a short amount of time.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 3
From: Encino CA
Rick--I did the same replacement on my 95 last year. The toughest thing was manipulating the large bracket that holds the power steering reservoir. I seem that there were several things mounted to the same stud but if you go real slow it becomes apparent what needs to be loosened or removed. Make sure you have a 9/16 deep socket--it makes it easier to remove the stud. You will need to drill out the rivets that hold the old coil (or use a dremel). The first time I went through this it took about an hour since I was painstakingly slow and careful. The next time would probably take me about 20 minutes. Good luck.
Doug
By the way--NO problems with the MSD coil and the car instantly ran better.
Doug
By the way--NO problems with the MSD coil and the car instantly ran better.
Last edited by DougSilver; Jul 11, 2006 at 12:37 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
Excellent, thank you all for the help! I will print this out with the pictures for this weekends install. It is also good to hear there are a few that have had success with the MSD. 
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