Mounting MSD
 

Good evening. I have the MSD 6AL that i'm thinking about mounting on the firewall where the heater box was removed. I know there are rules regarding anything fuel related on the firewall, but how about ignition boxes? Also debating on having it in the engine bay on firewall or under the dash. Last thing,(maybe). I've heard something in the past regarding length of coil wire and proximity to ignition box can be a consideration also. Car will be primarily raced, but will likely see short street use once/twice monthly. Any input/advice is appreciated. Thanks ..

Re: Mounting MSD
 

I think the biggest consideration is that you want to put the box in a somewhat cool location, William, away from the headers and the high-heat area under the hood. The two larger black and red wires have to be connected directly to the -/+ terminals of the battery to work properly, but all the other connections can be lengthened if necessary. Most of the installations I have seen mount the MSD box on a metal plate somewhere in the vicinity of the passenger side footwell, along with any of the other timing or overspeed accessories. You can also mount the coil inside as well, and use a pass-thru connector mounted on the firewall. This way everything is in somewhat the same area, out of the heat and easier to troubleshoot in the event of a malfunction. MSD has also come-out with a unitized relay accessory which will make wiring everything much easier.

I'll try to upload a picture of how I'm doing mine in the 'wagon. Maybe that will give you some ideas.

Good luck with your project!

Lew

Re: Mounting MSD
 

I mounted mine with the coil on the floor where the passenger's feet would go. I ran the coil wire to the distributor through an extra large rubber grommet in the firewall. Worked out great.

Re: Mounting MSD
 

Thanks for the info. Looks like i'll be putting it inside on the firewall where heater box use to be. Getting closer to having this little hotrod race ready...

Re: Mounting MSD
 

I toasted an engine compartment mounted level 6 box in an engine fire and another to a short from vibration. My current MSD 8 box is in the drivers compartment on the trans hump. Going to stay there, too.

If anyone wants to rebuild the MSD AL6 boxes mentioned, PM me. Free for shipping.

Re: Mounting MSD
 

I'd put it where it's easy to work on. (Passenger floor as opposed to up on the firewall.)

Re: Mounting MSD
 

I would, most def, place the "box" in an easily accessible spot.
I prefer on the transmission hump.
This would also give the box room to breath!!
Don't forget, the "box", will draw 1 Amp, for every 1000 RPM.
Terry K

Re: Mounting MSD
 

Because you may drive this car on the street occasionally, I would mount everything on an aluminium panel and place the panel on the driver's side of the old heater box location. Just make it easy to pull the panel down for service including excess wire.

Re: Mounting MSD
 

My 6AL is mounted exactly where you are suggesting. The coil is mounted to the firewall in the engine bay. No issues.

Re: Mounting MSD
 

Thanks for everyone's input. Have been looking at mounting it on the delete panel, where the heater box was, under the dash. It's pretty clean under there now that so much has been removed, so it should be out of sight and still easy access if needed. Hope to get that done over the weekend...