Where to mount MSD 6AL box on Superformance?

Ray R · #1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2003, 11:03 PM

I'm working on installing my drivetrain, and am wondering where to mount the box (6AL) and coil (blaster 2) for the MSD ignition. I'm installing a small block (351, now 408). Any suggestions?

Also, for those that have performed this operation before, how did you wire the box, i.e., what did you use for the power source, ground, ignition switch wire, etc? Did you use the ballast resistor?

All help is appreciated!

Ray

Tinker51 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-2003, 11:13 PM

My 6AL is mounted in the passenger footwell upside down on the "roof". The coil is mounted on the front of the engine like any other. Since I bought the car complete I cannot help you with which wire goes where. If you really need the info I can go look at the car but surely someone here can help with that.

Ray R · #3 (**permalink**) 07-03-2003, 11:23 PM

It looks to me like I can get power/ground/ignition/etc from the solonoid mounted on the firewall. If I bypass the ballast resistor, I can just splice those two original wires together.

Thanks for the quick response! More help please.........

traindriver · #4 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 04:48 AM

Ray, I have a sheet from the SPF dealer on the full installation procedure for an SPF, I used it when installing my 6AL on SPF1591. I will e-mail it to you.

Chuck Kendall
SPF1591

traindriver · #5 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 04:51 AM

Ray,

Can't get to your email from your profile can you send it to me?

Chuck

Hal Copple · #6 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 06:41 AM

I know now they are put inside the footwell, but i know of people who have had their passengersr knock off the wires olr the rev limit switch with their feet. For about two years and many thousands of miles, mine has been sitting on the top of the passenger's footwell, easy to hook up, and the engine heat has never caused me any problems. I can send you an email picture of my hookup and positioning if you send me your email address. I have a partial shield of heat protection on the side facing the motor.

Ray R · #7 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 07:21 AM

Sorry guys. I thought I had my email address in my profile. Anyway, it's rivelli@qwest.net

Thanks!

Bill Wells · #8 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 10:26 AM

my msd is on the top of the underside of the passenger side footwell with msd blaster coil mounted on fender apron. msd box is insulated with rubber washers. you want to keep it dry and cool, preferred location for msd box is NOT in the engine bay due to heat..get those suckers hot and msd can mean 'might sorry device'. can't help ya on wiring as i had it done by a shop when i converted from ford ignition system. good luck. enjoy your new ride, you won't be disappointed in the car whatsoever. bill. old #156.

Ray R · #9 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 01:21 PM

It looks to me like there's already some sort of ignition box on the top inside passenger footwell. Is that the original ignition box? Can I remove it and replace it with the MSD? If so, what do I do with the original wires?

Hal...thanks for the email.

jpk · #10 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by traindriver

Ray, I have a sheet from the SPF dealer on the full installation procedure for an SPF, I used it when installing my 6AL on SPF1591. I will e-mail it to you.

Chuck Kendall
SPF1591

Hi Chuck,

My 6AL is mounted on top of the passenger footbox, in the engine bay (SPF1223). I have been wanting to move it to the inside like the newer cars. If this is the location you have the installation procedure for, could I trouble you to email it to me as well? Email is:

jjkendy@pacbell.net

thanks,

joe kennedy

gsharapa · #11 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 02:27 PM

I have had 3 SPFs with MSDs, building my 4th and all of them were mounted on top of the foot box in the engine compartment. I live in Texas and the heat here didn't effect them. One thing to consider if you are mounting it inside the footbox upside down. If you live in an area were you have huge temp changes and condensation builds up on the box, if it's upside down there is no way for the condensation to drain out and could cause you a problem worse than heat! MSD actually points this out in their instructions.......

When wiring the box you can use the leads from Superformance ie; ignition power, ground, tach, coil hookups and eliminate the coil resistor. Instructions are actually in the MSD instructions. SPFs come with the Ford Motorsport electronic module which you want to unhook and eliminate.

SSSnake · #12 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 03:14 PM

I don't have a superformance, so I can't comment on where to put the box. Just as a thought though,MSD recommended to keep the coil mounted upright, and away from heat also. We mounted that on the inside of the firewall and used an MSD firewall feed-through connection (MSD-8212 at summit).

traindriver · #13 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 06:48 PM

Joe,

The sheets detail the interior mount. Overall it's very easy. Be sure to tape up and secure the un-used portion of the SPF original wiring. The most difficult part is bolting it in. One pair of arms are not long enough to hold the box, screw, nut, and wrench at the same time.

Also, to be safe, I put the 3000rpm module in first to check the rev limiter function. My Windsor spools up so quick it would be real easy to go way over redline if the rev limiter was not working.

You will also find that the MSD makes quiet a bit of noise, call it buzzing, totally normal.

Chuck
SPF1591

Ray R · #14 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 09:42 PM

I received the instructions from Chuck. They are exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

Rodney · #15 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 10:43 PM

Ray
Check out my photo gallery, I installed the MSD box and coil on a 040 stainless panel which is fastened to the cross brace under the dash, Keep in mind my car has a heater and if yours doesn't you may have more space to play with under there. hope this helps.
Rod