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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

REV LIMITER

This Ignition features a built-in Soft Touch Rev Control with two different rpm limits. The Soft Touch

circuitry provides a smooth and accurate rev limit by dropping the spark to individual cylinders. The

Soft Touch produces a load-free rev limit that is within 1% of the selected rpm.

You can select two rev limits; one for a low limit that can be used when staging the car, and another

limit for top end overrev protection. Both rpm limits are adjusted in 100 rpm increments with the

sealed rotary switches on the side of the ignition. Using and programming the Two Step is explained

in detail on page 5.

CYLINDER SELECT

The MSD is programmed at the factory for use on 8-cylinder engines. If you are installing it to a different

engine you will have to program the Ignition. This is easily achieved through the cylinder select switch

on the side of the ignition. Page 5 outlines setting the cylinder select.

GENERAL INFORMATION

BATTERY

An MSD 6AL-2 Ignition Control will operate on any negative ground, 12 volt electrical system with a

distributor. The MSD can be used with 16 volt batteries and can withstand a momentary 24 volts in

case of jump starts. The Ignition will deliver full voltage with a supply of 9 - 18 volts and will operate

with a supply voltage as low as seven volts.

If your application does not use an alternator, allow at least 15 amp/hour for every half hour of

operation. The MSD uses about .9 Amps for every 1,000 rpm. If the engine is cranked with the same

battery or other accessories such as an electric fuel or water pump are used, the amp/hour rating

should be higher.

COILS

The MSD 6AL-2 Ignition can be used with most stock coils and aftermarket coils designed to replace

the stock coils. The line of MSD Blaster Coils, PN 8202, PN 8207 and PN 8222, are great for street

and mild racing. For extended high rpm operation the Blaster HVC, PN 8252 or HVC II, PN 8253,

are recommended. For more information on recommended coils, check with our Customer Service

Department at (915) 855-7123.

TACHOMETERS

The MSD Ignition features a Gray Tach Output wire that provides a trigger signal for tachometers, a

shift light or other add-on rpm activated devices. The Tach Output wire produces a 12 volt square

wave signal with a 25° duty cycle.

Some vehicles with factory tachometers may require a Tach Adapter to operate with the MSD. For

more information on Tachometers and MSD Tach Adapters, see the Tachometer Section on page 7.

If your GM vehicle has an in-line filter it may cause the tach to drop to zero on acceleration. If this

occurs, bypass the filter.

SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES

Spark plug wires are very important to the operation of your ignition system. A good quality, helically

wound wire and proper routing are required to get the best performance from your ignition, such as the

MSD or Street Fire 8.5mm Super Conductor Wire. Helically wound wires provide a good path for the

spark to follow while keeping Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) to a minimum. Excessive EMI, such

as the amount that solid core wires produce, will interfere with the operation of the MSD.

Solid Core

spark plug wires cannot be used with an MSD Ignition.