question on MSD ignition install

[GhettoPop]

I finally picked up a MSD Digital 6AL Ignition Control (Part No. 6425) and an MSD Blaster 2 coil....

http://www.msdignition.com/Products/New_Products/6425-Digital-6AL-Ignition-Control.aspx

I'm unfamiliar with my current ignition system so I'm looking to learn. There are two boxes mounted on the firewall next to my old yellow coil. Looking at the pic, the silver unit to the right of the coil, next to the coil spark plug wire, is my electronic Voltage Regulator. This controls the output of the alternator from being too high (frying the battery) or too low (undercharging battery).

The silver & gold unit on the firewall to the left of the coil when looking at this pic is the electronic ignition module. This indicates that my car was converted to an electronic ignition system and the old points are all gone.

Does that all sound correct? I just want to make sure I know what everything does.

When I install the MSD, can I remove the ignition module since it will no longer be needed?

[barracuda7199]

you are correct sir on all points. the tricky part with installing msd's in our cars is finding a wire with 12v both at the start and run position. i installed a small toggle switch in my car.

[brads70]

You also get rid of the troublesome ballast resistor too! 

[Cooter]

Hooking up MSD on one of these cars (Cuda/Challenger), isn't all that hard to do...All you need to do is get into the wiring where it went to your old Ballast Resistor and find one wire that's hot when Ignition is in RUN position, and another wire that's hot when in the START position.. Thereare TWO wires in the Ballast resistor wiring that are oriented this way, you just need to find them...After that, it's as simple as hooking up the GM One wire alt. ..

Follow the directions and make SURE you run the BIG RED AND BIG BLACK wire STRAIGHT TO THE BATTERY...I believe the "Purple" wire goes to the "Orange" wire in the stock electronic distributor and the "Green" wire goes to the black wire...

[barracuda7199]

Hooking up MSD on one of these cars (Cuda/Challenger), isn't all that hard to do...All you need to do is get into the wiring where it went to your old Ballast Resistor and find one wire that's hot when Ignition is in RUN position, and another wire that's hot when in the START position.. Thereare TWO wires in the Ballast resistor wiring that are oriented this way, you just need to find them...After that, it's as simple as hooking up the GM One wire alt. ..

yeah but when you do that aren't you back feeding 12v to the ignition switch?

[dodj]

yeah but when you do that aren't you back feeding 12v to the ignition switch?

Yes you are but it is not a problem.

[barracuda7199]

Yes you are but it is not a problem.

cool you learn something everyday. that is definitely the way to go then

[GhettoPop]

man you guys are fast!

So after MSD install, the ignition module and ballast resistor can BOTH be removed since they are no longer needed then just tape up their old wiring connectors. The voltage regulator must stay since it has nothing to do with the ignition system. I'm learning.....

One more stupid question. I have searched this forum and read the issues associated with a faulty voltage regulator causing overcharging and undercharging. This is not something that I'm going to do but just curious......If I removed the voltage regulator from the car as it is currently set-up...would the car start? Would it run? Would the alternator charge the battery at all?

[dodj]

Yes, Yes, No

[GhettoPop]

..All you need to do is get into the wiring where it went to your old Ballast Resistor and find one wire that's hot when Ignition is in RUN position, and another wire that's hot when in the START position.. Thereare TWO wires in the Ballast resistor wiring that are oriented this way, you just need to find them...

With this setup, can the 2 factory connectors going into the Ballast Resistor be unplugged and the unit removed or does the Ballast Resister need to stay connected?  I've also read about "run-on" issues that could occur w/o a Ballast Resister...if that makes any sense.

[brads70]

page 19 for Chrysler wiring instructions
http://www.msdignition.com/uploadedFiles/MSDIgnitioncom/Products/Ignitions/6420_instructions(1).pdf

[dodj]

You can remove the ballast resistor, then connect the blue and brown wires together, and use that junction for the 12vdc start/run feed to the msd.

  I've also read about "run-on" issues that could occur w/o a Ballast Resister...if that makes any sense.

nah, doesn't make any sense..
The msd ignition system doesn't use a ballast resistor. You can leave it on the firewall if you like though. 

[go-fish]

So, where did you guys run the small red wire to? Cooter said there are two wires on the balast resistor? Anyone have a clue as to which two on a 70 Cuda? I had one hooked up before, not by me. Well, it fried and I tried to wire it up with a toggle and ran the little red wire to the toggle and it's not starting. I need this thing to run ASAP or it might get towed. It's on a city street and hasn't moved for awhile and they don't like broke down cars on the street.
I believe I have everything hooked up like it was before except for the little red wire. From my memory there are only two wires on the balast. Just pick one?
The instruction say to run it to the original coil + terminal but I have no idea where that wire went.

[dodj]

The small red wire is kind of like the 'enable' wire. It needs 12vdc for the MSD to function. Just to get the car to run to move it, connect the red wire to 12vdc battery +ve and if everything else is wired correctly it will start and run. But disconnect it from the battery once you park it somewhere acceptable.
There is a small red and a small orange wire, be sure you pay attention to which is which. Orange goes to the  coil +ve.

[go-fish]

The small red wire is kind of like the 'enable' wire. It needs 12vdc for the MSD to function. Just to get the car to run to move it, connect the red wire to 12vdc battery +ve and if everything else is wired correctly it will start and run. But disconnect it from the battery once you park it somewhere acceptable.
There is a small red and a small orange wire, be sure you pay attention to which is which. Orange goes to the  coil +ve.

Looks like I've got it all hooked up in accordance with the instructions except I tried to make the toggle switch thing. I've got the little red wire going to the big red wire (battery red wire) through a toggle. That's 12vdc so it should work like that right? When you toggle on the little red wire should be getting 12 volts. I wanted the toggle as a theft deterrent device and I was going to hide it (the toggle) in the glove  box.

I know that if you have it all hooked up, but with the little red wire dis connected from anything, you should be able to start the car with by jumping the starter solenoid, right? I might try that in the morning to see if that works.