Thread: MSD ignition Setup

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Hello Club Hotrod! I'm a new member to the group and looking for some advice from the get-go.

We are considering the purchase of an MSD ignition setup for our 67 Camaro convertible (no A/C). This would include an MSD 8361 distributor, MSD 6A ignition box and MSD Blaster SS coil.

My question to the community with MSD experience: What is the best location(s) for mounting the ignition box and coil for my application? Would it be recommended to mount these units under the dash or on the engines firewall and more importanly where?

Additionally, I have ready many good things about the MSD setup but did read some horror stories as well. Any insights before purchasing would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Originally posted by d58
Hello Club Hotrod! I'm a new member to the group and looking for some advice from the get-go.

We are considering the purchase of an MSD ignition setup for our 67 Camaro convertible (no A/C). This would include an MSD 8361 distributor, MSD 6A ignition box and MSD Blaster SS coil.

My question to the community with MSD experience: What is the best location(s) for mounting the ignition box and coil for my application? Would it be recommended to mount these units under the dash or on the engines firewall and more importanly where?

Additionally, I have ready many good things about the MSD setup but did read some horror stories as well. Any insights before purchasing would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks

I asked a MDS rep. that same question. He said to mount it in a place where it will stay cool. AWAY FROM HEADERS. The more output..... (170 or 190 millijoules . and higher) the more cooling it will need. I think an MSD 6A is just over 100 millijoules so it's probably not as big an issue. I would still mount it in as cool a place as I couldl find. I am tinking of mounting mine in the drivers compartment or ahead of the radiator off to the side like behind the headlights. Or maybe a little fan to blow on it.

Stumbled across this old thread today and I can appreciate the nature of the original question.

I'm getting set to install an MSD sytem in a 68 Firebird. Finding a place to cram this box seems to be quite a challenge in these old f-bodies.

Originally, I wanted to mount it on the firewall taking for granted it would fit... not so easy.

I was thinking the same, it might fit next to the headlights and radiator, but it is a pretty awkward fit there.

As tempting and convenient as it is for a glove box install, it's just not a very good idea with lack of circulation and pretty high current.

I could make up some space on the firewall, relocating the starter solenoid and bump the ignition coil over a bit but its still hard to fit the whole footprint with access through the firewall to bolt from the drivers compartment.

Looks like I'll need to remove the hood and right fender to bolt through the firewall where I want it.

Being pretty new to wrenching, I'm pretty intimitaded but I'll give it a shot.

Any advice for before I get started? I figure I'll take the springs off the hood hinges (somehow) and looks pretty straightforward with the bolts for the fender.

Any better ideas?

Thanks,

Chris

MSD's are a great ignition system. You don't need to go overboard on keeping them cool, you just have to make sure they can get some air. Don't put them in a glove box, or way up under the dash. Firewalls and inner fenders are always good bets. If you need to mount it closer than a couple inches from a header, simply make an L-shaped sheetmetal heat shield to block the radiant heat. I've been using the same MSD 6al box on dirt late model race cars for over 10 years... they can take abuse.