Mounting MSD

BTR69 · 03-11-2018, 10:24 PM

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 ..

Lew Silverman · 03-11-2018, 10:53 PM

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

Dave Muller · 03-11-2018, 11:18 PM

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.

BTR69 · 03-12-2018, 07:26 AM

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...

FireSale · 03-12-2018, 10:36 AM

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.

Dave Gantz · 03-12-2018, 10:48 AM

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

03-11-2018, 10:24 PM	#1
BTR69 Junior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Wilmington NC Posts: 78 Likes: 127 Liked 30 Times in 14 Posts	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 .. __________________ William Kilduff 1970 Barracuda (still under construction, indefinitely) 1968 Camaro SS/C

03-11-2018, 10:53 PM	#2
Lew Silverman VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 1,438 Likes: 372 Liked 129 Times in 59 Posts	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 __________________ Lew Silverman #2070 "The Wagon Master" N/SA

03-11-2018, 11:18 PM	#3
Dave Muller Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 491 Likes: 157 Liked 221 Times in 71 Posts	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.

03-12-2018, 07:26 AM	#4
BTR69 Junior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Wilmington NC Posts: 78 Likes: 127 Liked 30 Times in 14 Posts	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... __________________ William Kilduff 1970 Barracuda (still under construction, indefinitely) 1968 Camaro SS/C

03-12-2018, 10:36 AM	#5
FireSale VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Lakewood Washington Posts: 1,407 Likes: 29 Liked 236 Times in 127 Posts	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. __________________ Dale Shearon 68 Mustang 6394

03-12-2018, 10:48 AM	#6
Dave Gantz Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Verrry South Jersey Posts: 529 Likes: 125 Liked 223 Times in 118 Posts	Re: Mounting MSD I'd put it where it's easy to work on. (Passenger floor as opposed to up on the firewall.)