Author Topic: Cleaning up engine bay wiring  (Read 1133 times)

Offline 73cudabr

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Cleaning up engine bay wiring
« on: November 22, 2016 - 04:25:37 PM »
Hi Team,

This may seem like a stupid question, but i'm a car novice. I recently took the engine out and broke it down, so I've learned a great deal about that. Admittedly I bought a book that had a step by step guide to doing it haha. Now as i look at my engine bay, I know that I have to get it cleaned up, it's embarrassing to open my hood.  My firewall is pretty cluttered. So my question is; is there anything back there I can get rid of?

I'm likely going to start re-running wires one at a time, but not sure whats still active and what isn't. Based on my picture below can anybody tell me what I can take out completely? I feel like all i need is ignition which i think is pretty self contained being a full MSD set up. / I think I need the regulator for the alternator/ and obviously brake booster. But I don't know what those other modules are back there. 





Offline 73_Cuda_4_Me

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Re: Cleaning up engine bay wiring
« Reply #1 on: November 22, 2016 - 06:08:18 PM »
Hey 73cudabr... Here is a pic of my engine bay wiring, all stock stuff... your MSD install is adding a lot extra firewall wiring, from what I see...

On firewall, from left to right:
1. unused OSAC vacuum valve
2. Electronic Ignition Module (may be able to remove?)
3. Voltage Regulator - still need
4. Ballast Resistor - may still need
5. Wiper/Resistor

Looks like a lot of side to side wiring done for your MSD... you might clean it up a lot by routing MSD forward/across radiator mount to battery and starter relay connections? I haven't done an MSD install, so not sure what can actually be removed, and mine is a small block...

Sorry can't be of more help!
1973 Plymouth Cuda BS23H3B567783

R11 V6X EN2
M21 M25 M31 M88 N41 N42
V1X U B41 C56 G37 J54
JY9 A6X9 0 703 501616
E55 D34 BS23 H3B 567783

Offline 73cudabr

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Re: Cleaning up engine bay wiring
« Reply #2 on: November 23, 2016 - 10:24:20 AM »
Very Clean - I'd love to have that for an end result. Perhaps on the this long weekend I'll fire up the garage heater and start going to town. And yes - all the yellow wiring is for the MSD runs. I didn't spend much time doing it right as I was rushing to meet a travel deadline.

Offline HP2

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Re: Cleaning up engine bay wiring
« Reply #3 on: November 23, 2016 - 11:24:55 AM »
I'd suggest getting a FSM and understanding what you have under there before you just start gutting it. You still need to have operational charging system, hvac , starting circuits, lights, signals, wipers, and knowing the inter-relationship of the classic mopar  ammeter and electrical circuits, its a very real possibility you snip a few wires out and end up with less mess and bigger issues.

Simplest way, order a special harness for your remaining/desired systems to include the MSD ignition replacement from American Autowire. Then its all plug and play.