Thread: Wiring help?

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I'm not totally clear on the most efficient way to wire up my starter, alternator, ignition key, ignition, etc. Some of these questions might seem stupid, but I just want to be sure. I want to ignore the guages for the time being.

Here is what I have:

Ford 1-wire alternator
Ford mini starter
Optima red top (mounted at rear of car)
MSD ignition
MSD Distributor

Does the negative lead from the battery just bolt to the frame?


I have an MSD diagram that shows how to wire the ignition, distributor, coil, and start key, but there are still some questions.

First, it has two wires labeled to go to the positive and negative posts on the battery. If I bolt the main negative lead to the frame at one place, can I just bolt the ignition negative lead in another place on the frame?

Second, If I bolt the main positive lead from the battery to the positive post on the solenoid, can I bolt the positive lead from the ignition to that post as well to achieve the same thing?

Third, there is a wire from the ignition designated to go to the start key. There is another wire from the start key that just says "To 12V". What, exactly, does that mean?


Also, can I just wire the alternator straight to the positive post on the solenoid as well?


Does the engine have to be grounded to the frame?



I found a couple of wiring diagrams (60 Falcon and 67 Mustang), but they use different components.



Thanks

Andy,

There are ways to wire it that will work, and there are ways that will work better. A few months ago I rewired my Studebaker using guidelines and pieces from Mad Electrical

http://www.madelectrical.com/

There are a number of excellent technical articles on his sight that I recommend you read before starting on your project. You will find answers to many of your questions. And while they might not address your exact set up, they can still be applied. Mark is also very helpful if you give him a call with specific questions. If you do decide to purchase any of his wiring kits, you will find they are very complete, top quality and have excellent instructions.

I can answer one question for you for sure, yes you do need to run a ground strap from your motor to the frame, unless you are using solid steel motor mounts.

Hope this helps

Pat