MSD 6AL on Charger 440 engine

[shone190]

Hi guys,

   I was wondering if I buy MSD ignition 6AL and distributor 8546 and connect as they (MSD) suggest, do I need to left Ignition Module and ballast resistor or not?

As I see on MSD connection diagram, I need to connect 6AL on distributor and ignition coil, so what to do with current wires from Ignition module to distributor and ignition coil? I need to leave them or not? What about ballast resistor?




Thanks in advance.

[Ghoste]

When I had my 6AL installed I bypassed the ballast.  Also, you won't need the old ignition module as the 6AL is the ignition module now.

[shone190]

Thanks, so I can remove Ignition Module and resistor, great info

[John_Kunkel]

You must hook the IGN1 and IGN2 wires that were on the ballast together and use them for the power source for the small red wire on the 6AL.

[shone190]

Yes, I know that, this is "from ignition key" wire on MSD diagram.

Thanks.

[RDC]

You must hook the IGN1 and IGN2 wires that were on the ballast together and use them for the power source for the small red wire on the 6AL.

That's good to know. I'm about to install a MSD and you have to tie both ballast wires together for the small red wire, but the rest of the old wiring can be removed right?

[shone190]

As I understood, we only need pink wire (from ignition key) to be connected to small red MSD wire.

[RDC]

Just before I start cutting and splicing wires, I splice together the brown and blue wires from the ballast together with the small red wire from the MSD, the other wires that plug into the ballast are not used and can be removed?

[John_Kunkel]

As I understood, we only need pink wire (from ignition key) to be connected to small red MSD wire.

The pink wire in your original post is only half of the ignitions system, both the pink and orange wire must be tied together to power the small red MSD wire.

The reason is, pink (originally brown) is only powered in START, it's shut off in RUN and only the orange wire (originally blue) is powered in RUN.

Just before I start cutting and splicing wires, I splice together the brown and blue wires from the ballast together with the small red wire from the MSD, the other wires that plug into the ballast are not used and can be removed?

ALL of the wires from both sides of the ballast need to be tied together to power the small red MSD wire.

[shone190]

Thanks for the answer, but why do I need to connect blue wire which goes from ballast to PIN 3 on ECU box?!?!

[John_Kunkel]

Your dual-ballast schematic is confusing because the colors aren't the same as factory, the blue wire in your schematic is unnecessary for the MSD.

My answer to RDC assumes he has the factory colors and a single ballast.

[RDC]

I have a dual ballast, but the factory coloured wires are still in place.

[John_Kunkel]

With a dual ballast the wire on pin 3 is unneeded.

[shone190]

So, with dual ballast I need to connect red and pink wire (Ignition run and start) and both of them connect to small red wire on MSD?

[John_Kunkel]

Yes