MSD Ignition & Rally Dash/Tachs

[VTMopar]

I've gone back and spent a couple hours reviewing old posts about converting a standard dash to a Rally.    I've seen conflicting comments about the need to have a "tach adaptor" if an MSD ignition is used.    Some folks said they didn't need to do anything, whereas others said they did.    Can anyone clear this up for me?   

Thanks,
Vt MOPAR

[73EStroker]

If your tach is the original type then yes, you need the adapter as the aftermarket digital/analog ignitions output a square wave signal. If you run the standard Chrysler electronic ignition no adapter is needed. If you converted the tach to the new electronic upgrade (such as RTE) then the tach output on the MSD ignition box goes straight to the tachometer input.

[VTMopar]

Hmmm     My tach has not been upgraded, and overall I'm not very knowledgeable about all this -- so a follow-up question.   

The individual who converted the ignition stated to me "the distributor is a mopar electronic and the module is hidden under the dash."    So, if it is a MOPAR module vs. MSD am I ok or do I need something extra?    Does it depend on the type of module?  And if I need something -- what is it exactly and where might I find it?   

Sorry for all the questions.... and I appreciate all the helpful advice -- I sure don't want to attempt to install this rally dash and end up frying or otherwise damaging this guage cluster (they are pricey!) 

thanks
VT MOPAR

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Hmmm     My tach has not been upgraded, and overall I'm not very knowledgeable about all this -- so a follow-up question.   

The individual who converted the ignition stated to me "the distributor is a mopar electronic and the module is hidden under the dash."    So, if it is a MOPAR module vs. MSD am I ok or do I need something extra?    Does it depend on the type of module?  And if I need something -- what is it exactly and where might I find it?   

Sorry for all the questions.... and I appreciate all the helpful advice -- I sure don't want to attempt to install this rally dash and end up frying or otherwise damaging this guage cluster (they are pricey!) 

thanks
VT MOPAR

If the ignition module is hidden up under your dash, it has to be a MSD, as that is a popular hiding place for them. I really can't answer your question about connecting an original tach to it. Sorry.


  Mike

[heminut]

If the ignition module is hidden up under your dash, it has to be a MSD, as that is a popular hiding place for them. I really can't answer your question about connecting an original tach to it. Sorry.


  Mike

Not necessarily. The individual who converted it may have not wanted the Mopar electronic module to be seen and could have mounted it where it was hidden so the car would appear to have the stock point ignition.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Not necessarily. The individual who converted it may have not wanted the Mopar electronic module to be seen and could have mounted it where it was hidden so the car would appear to have the stock point ignition.

He has a later year Challenger, so I would think it had electronic ignition from the factory, right? I was assuming somone just switched to an MSD ignition.

[heminut]

You're probably right Mike, I didn't notice that. Could still be a Mopar module though, poeple do strange stuff sometimes.

[VTMopar]

Mike    Im refering to my '70 -- not the '74).    The fellow who hid the module under the dash in the '70 did it exactly for the reason mentioned -- just to "hide it."    Would it help if I got a pic of it so you guys can tell me if I need something else when I swap to the rallye dash?   

Thanks
VT Mopar

[VTMopar]

This is what I have under my dash ....     


so, when I go to convert to a rallye dash, can I just hook the tach directly into this unit?   

Thanks again for all the help!

VT MOPAR

[MEK-Dangerfield]

BINGO!!

We have a Mopar unit.   

All you need to do is connect the signal wire for the tach to the "-" side of the ignition coil. You will also have to run different power wires for the clock and tach after you convert, but I guess you know that?? Also a different oil pressure sending unit.



  Mike

[VTMopar]

Thanks Mike.     Got the wiring .... any chance you know where to pick up the oil pressure sending unit?     

VT MOPAR

[FY1Cuda]

Any parts house will have the sender. Just specify it's for a gauge, not an idiot light.

[VTMopar]

Ok... Thanks! 
Vt MOPAR