Installing an MSD 6AL with an HEI distributor

[@russellblackwell493]

Thank You. I now am going with the MSD 6al. I built a 383 for my ragidy old 85 C4. Your video was most helpful in making up what's left of my mind (64 year old dav). Here's to us gearheads!!! RIGHT ON!!!

[@vegasjack1]

i have watched many how to videos. You did an excellent job, one of the best jobs, of describing what to do and showing what to do throughout the video. I disagree with a previous poster that thought you should shorten the video. If I were ready to install a MSD, I would not mind watching lengthy video to explain every step. Now, only have to figure out which MSD is compatible with my Distributor. Again, thanks!

[@mijoguero]

thanks for this video I was intimidated with the MSD box but seeing how easy it was for you I'm confident I can do it.

[@Mcleod0000]

I have a Gen 1 SBC 350 HEI ignition and I just put in the MSD 6AL . Just did a cold start and it fired up right away and idled perfect . I definitely notice an improvement with the way the car drives , and having an adjustable rev limiter is pretty awesome . As far as power goes I would say it greatly improves the health of the engine making sure the power is there all the time . Im a fan of MSD boxes now . Until it fails on me over some rail road tracks with a train coming

[@jerryespinoza2113]

Not being sarcastic or anything......i have an MSD hai distributor with the high voltage coil. I love it. I think it's much better than to add more stuff in the engine bay. Great how-to video👍

[@stephenmr2]

Thank you sir you are a very good video presenter! thanks to you I will put and MSD on my 1976 corvette with 454 and then ill put MSD on my 1970 Firebird Formula 400. thank you so much!!

[@Killobyte]

Glad it was helpful, good luck with yours!

[@blackbear9719]

great video, I bought a car with the box and no motor NOW I will use it thanks. the MSD is super powerfull I heard.

[@bilbobaggins4710]

They rock...Worth the $$

[@offroad9730]

I noticed at the beginning that you were going to put the 'blue/black' low resistance bushing in the distributor, but ended up putting the same orange one you had at the start? Why?

[@MR707videos]

Thanks you cured my insomnia

[@CarManiac125]

I just installed the 6al in my cutlass and I didn't need to modify the grommet for the distributor. It actually compressed down just right and the plastic wire hold downs work without modification. I still like how you did it though. Looks more neat inside there

[@michaelsacy5849]

What I did to mine was when I took the modular out I cut the 3 plug harness at the grommet and put my B+,C- and added my ground

[@SC-ju6bu]

Its amazing how none of the wiring diagrams from MSD tell you to remove the module on all the cars pre 1975 when you use any MSD 6 box with an HEI dist, also none of the wiring diagrams they supply are correct either. Tech support from Holley and speedway motors are clueless too. Good video thanks for sharing

[@jrnash5329]

Pre 1975 GM vehicles didn't have HEI ignition , they came with points distributors

[@SC-ju6bu]

@@jrnash5329 that's correct, doesn't help with a wiring diagram though.

[@dewaynemitchell3931]

Got a qustion if im replacing my HEI distribor with a msd pro billet distributor along with the 6al-2box do i have to take that module thing out of the msd pro billet distributor like you have to with the HEI thanks

[@loudmusicbustedknuckles6383]

So you spliced in the MSD wires into the Tach and Bat+ wire you already had running from the cab?

[@Duwop77]

That's exactly what I wanted to know🤔

[@fordnut4914]

Did it make any noticable difference in performace etc.

[@Killobyte]

The throttle response was better, but I'm not sure it improved times.

[@lancestrahm2362]

One more dumb question lol. If I hook up my tach to the hei distributor do I even mess with the gray tach wire from the msd ignition box?

[@TuningDutchy]

didn't you used any coils for the high current? since i don't see that in the video ~Tuning Dutchy

[@loudmusicbustedknuckles6383]

How has the modification held up over time?

[@NLUpgrades]

Is it green and violet in the harness coming from the box as well?

[@jacobpatrick826]

Call me dumb..but how do I tell if I have solid core wires..? It’s also a hot July day for me😂 and I’m putting the 6al in my small block ford pick up that has an hei style distributor. Do I still do all that internal mods you did..?

[@grim_lightning4764]

I’m having trouble. I have crank but no start with hei

[@gavindrewry8652]

So what if I don't have a tach?

[@efrainzamudio431]

Hello...my question is, where i can get all accesories to make this work? The bushing, the violet and green harness..

[@Killobyte]

Mine came with all the wiring.

[@norrinradd2214]

So did you have to get the tach adapter?

[@ss396rat]

where did u get the valve cover breather extensions

[@Killobyte]

ss396rat it’s been awhile but I think it was from Summit.

[@dewaynemitchell3931]

Got a question i was wondering about the battery being in the trunk i was going have mine relocated to the trunk as well but i renember hearing the heavy ground and positive have to be hooked directly to the battery terminal does yours have any issue or can you just run longer wires to the back

[@Killobyte]

My MSD doesn't connect directly to the battery. I had to clean up my connections real good, but as long as the positive cable running from the battery is a large enough gauge and your connections are good (both positive and negative), you should be fine. Negative goes to frame so no cable running from the battery in rear to front.

[@dewaynemitchell3931]

@@Killobyte ok thanks

[@manuelsanchez-rg9tn]

Brother I have a problem, I followed your installation video, but my module heats up, and the car has a slow response when I accelerate, I only have doubts about the cable that you joined with the red jumper, is that cable from the ignition switch? And it connects to the red cable of the module? It is right? Greetings!

[@calebhernandez3906]

I have no spark with mine and my module heats up too

[@JNTimperley]

Igniter vs Points distributor vs HEI I have a 1990 Lincoln Town with the Windsor V8. Looking for tune-up advice, how to get the best fuel efficiency. upgrading does sound like less maintenance but questioning ROI Return On Investment? btw the car has sat for 8 years and running well on warm days. but if I don't let it warm up 20* F or colder and try to drive off after 10 min it seems rough until it gets to operating temp. also after 45 to 1hr idle to op temp. it will kill the motor most of the time when I change gears R or D. I haven't noticed during warmer days dying during gear change but I have only had it for three weeks.

[@shawnecarmichael8267]

Are you still running your vacuum advance?

[@stevenwaggoner635]

Hello, I followed your video for the install. I keep melting the top of the HEI at the point where the ignition switch wire plugs in. Any suggestions?

[@DavidGavinETC]

Me too, I’m wondering the same thing right now. I’m so lost

[@stevenwaggoner635]

@@DavidGavinETC I found my issue, the hei needed to be grounded. I forget exactly how I did it but I m sure you can google it... I ended up adjusting my rev limiter to 6700 rpms after solving the melting issue and threw the weights out of the distributor so I went with a “performance” setup through summit and used their house brand. It’s holding up well and I highly recommend it for the money.

[@Green_goblin1]

so when u turn the key to on position does the LED indicator stay on

[@Killobyte]

Josue Beltran no, blinks a few time and goes off until it starts sending sparks.

[@Duwop77]

@@Killobyte I have an auto gauge also. How did you get it to work without adapter? Thanks

[@lancestrahm2362]

Great video. Does this work with Ford also? I have same 6al box and a hei distributor

[@Killobyte]

My guess is yes, but I can't say for sure.

[@lancestrahm2362]

@@Killobyte Thanks, from my research I do believe it'll work. My hei distributor says it's for a 351w but it's a GM style🤷 lol

[@Kastriot13]

What does this Ignition Box due to the engine

[@Kastriot13]

@phuck yewou Did you get just the Box itself or the distributor as well and . And can you link the destruction below where did you get it at please

[@glennmanchester1568]

Is there a rev limiter feature?

[@raydavis9261]

I've wondered about that too

[@americootrejo2]

Good afternoon, very good explanation, I have a question: I would like to install the MSD 6AL and the coil (s) for a Silverado 2005 V8 Vortec 5.3lts. Stock, and I doubt that it is needed in total for the installation of the 6AL. If only with the 6AL or also the coils or what else do I need? Similarly if it is only one coil or is it one per cylinder (8 in total)? Since I can't find a video to explain to me about that model and what I need, I would really appreciate your answer, thanks in advance.

[@danielbermudez4147]

Awesome vid.got a HEI as well. Really gonna help

[@SOU6900]

Whats the benefit of running an ignition box instead of using the HEI?

[@Killobyte]

It improved throttle response a lot. But, it has made troubleshooting issues much harder.

[@christianandrews7708]

Yow This Was Good... My Dad Nd I Wanted to build over a Toyota Land Cruizer 2f Engine nd we need a rev limiter nd to know how to hook up.. its pretty straight forward hopefully we dont need another Distributor tho lol

[@gw3786]

Did engine have to be re-timed?

[@Killobyte]

No, the timing was still good.

[@treverbergeron7726]

Thank you this helped me out a lot.

[@MrVigor47]

I have the 6a and when I turn the key the lights goes off and the car turns over but the is no fire but it passes the spark test with the magnetic trigger. What did I do wrong, I have purchased 2 different boxes and they do the same thing.

[@Killobyte]

Make sure the triggering wire going from distributor to box is well away from the plug wires.

[@mijoguero]

did you have to take off the advance curve weights

[@Killobyte]

+mijoguero No

[@MostlyInteresting]

+mijoguero And don't. The MSD boxes have no advance in them. Till you get to the computer replacement types. Like for LS engines.

[@mijoguero]

Thanks that helped out. enjoyed the videos

[@richacevedo660]

I'm so confused this kit comes with long enough wires why does everyone mount them upside down?

[@bilbobaggins4710]

Maybe to keep water out ....Water bad

[@mean_sbc8653]

Good video I just installed my MSD 6AL on my HEI I will criticize one thing you tied the key on power wire with the one on the box and plugged it on the distributor when you don’t need to. I didn’t but obviously it’s working for you but other than that great vid!

[@ajsandoval7318]

Where did you wire yours to?

[@dgrandioso]

Where did you ground the black wire that connects to the hei distributor cap?

[@Killobyte]

On the firewall.

[@Duwop77]

@@Killobyte did you splice the wires into the existing distributor wires? Or removed the original wires and replaced with the MSD wires? Thanks

[@chevyman21]

So where did you hook the battery wire to asking bc my battery is in my trunk

[@Killobyte]

+Chevyman I ran a wire from the battery (in trunk) to a front junction box, then connected the MSD battery wire to it.

[@chevyman21]

Ok thanks and at the end of the video I seen you couldn't get it to rev up properly what was the problem with it just trying to get this all figured out I'm getting ready to install the same one and so far you have the best how to video of doing so

[@Killobyte]

+Chevyman Big key is to make sure all your connections are good and tight. When I first connected the tach, I think the connection was loose, which caused it to read low. I also had the wire that goes to switched power hooked to the same wire as my electronic fuel pump. It didn't seem to like that, I think it dropped below 12 volts once in awhile.

[@ThePaulv12]

Just hook any unswitched power you need to the starter motor main cable. You can cable tie the wire to the starter cable. Try to find an eye terminal but rather than crimp it, solder it instead (I've successfully removed the plastic crimp cover by twisting it off from those types of connector and soldered them) and put heat shrink over the wire to support the wire and terminal). Be careful not to route too close to exhaust. Starter motor cable is like a battery terminal in the engine bay for trunk mounted batteries. You could use the alternator output too if the car has an early alternator ie not a new alternator with a single plug - if it's one of those use the starter cable.

[@Mcleod0000]

Thanks man . Hey does it run any better?

[@Killobyte]

Mcleod0000 i remember that it felt like it ran stronger. I don’t have any real numbers to show though.

[@chadkimble7456]

Will this work with coil pack

[@gentilejoshsaved1646]

What is advantage of the the msd box.

[@Lloyd33]

Kinda what I was wondering also. Other than adding a rev limiter, doesn't it basically do the exact same thing as the guts you pulled from the distributor body (except for a whole lot more money)?

[@axlegrind4212]

+ gentile joshsaved kzbin.info/www/bejne/fp3Jd5SkYr6sbpo

[@curtisfisher4852]

MSD box helps burn more fuel in the combustion cambers that is left unburn due to weak spark I which makes the better throttle responses and little bit gas mileages. Think of it as an ignition supercharger. But the cons is you will be replacing spark plugs sooner but ive heard getting hotter plugs helps hope this helps

[@bilbobaggins4710]

@@Lloyd33 does improve throttle response...Allows you to open your spark plug gap up to .60....Helps with high RPM performance where stock system starts to give out....Helps spark in high compression engines

[@carloslanderos1506]

i have some question

[@Green_goblin1]

mine blinks 5 times and shuts off is that normal

[@earlhines1826]

HEY I installed and MSD BOX with and HEI distributor and i'm having an run one problem what do you know about that?

[@Killobyte]

Earl Hines MSD tech support is pretty good. Give them a call.

[@tranquan912]

This fix camaro 82-92 ?

[@Killobyte]

GM used HEI ignitions (like I have in this video) on all their engines from 1975 through the mid-1980s.

[@tranquan912]

@@Killobyte because I don’t now the part fix my car,can you show me part fix my car

[@Nomad-376]

Buddy How's it going ? Appreciate your Vids!

[@THUGLIFEhks]

If I plan on tuning my mustang would you recommend getting the most basic MSD box since most tuners can set almost about anything on the tune??

[@nasarioperezjr]

Show how to rebuild and LS1

[@Davebets1953]

Great video. Cheers mate 👍🏼

[@ethanguenther6594]

Remove plug wires for extra breathing room

[@YourMom-rk4rs]

Not exactly qualified to work on his "307" but hey nice use of a firewall grommet. I prefer to use it on the firewall in arizona to put my box inside the car in the air conditioning because your lucky if you get your msd in the mail without it melting

[@Fritsvrolijk]

hello is this item the msd a real good item ore trow away money

[@Killobyte]

If you want to maximize performance, it helps. But it adds a level of complexity that can be a challenge to troubleshoot.

[@Fritsvrolijk]

Thanks for your info And regards from Holland

[@MichelLinschoten]

I need to do this to my 400 small block too. An Acquaintance of mine uses this on his 350 block and swear by it

[@bilbobaggins4710]

They work...Hell, most pros run them

[@robhurley5258]

Thanks very helpful

[@tooboobowman9712]

you have the right box but you didn't have to use that tape of coil it's better to use msd blaster ss coil and the hei coil wire blaster 2 super conditions part #84039

[@rickeystovall7547]

U r wright.

[@raydavis9261]

Right on

[@josezeno1062]

Thank you sir very informative.

[@michaeltillery1674]

Good video but let’s move on from the button

[@Aking6635]

So you get a free ignition box with two sticker 😮😮😮

[@daytonkinney7910]

is that really 307

[@Killobyte]

+Dayton Kinney It must be, that's what the air cleaner says... ;)

[@ss1969steve]

Good job.

[@ss396rat]

Good video

[@chrispq12]

Somewhat brutal with all the guess work for an 'instructuonal' video.

[@papasteve215]

The Southern term is actually pronounced “wallered”

[@lennyf1957]

1:22 LMFAO who the hell ever got a shock from a 12 V battery?

[@codemang87]

I have. Bad ground on my dizzy caused it the coil arc to my hand while I was tryna adjust timing.

[@offroad9730]

I'm sorry and don't usually comment on "HOW TO" videos, but I could not understand your video, with all the stops and starts and mistakes. I found this to be a very confusing video. No offence, maybe I'm an idiot but I didn't understand anything from your video. Just for example, I don't know if you left the control module IN the HEI unit or if you left the HEI coil in the distributor. I appreciate you trying to make the video though.

[@dgrandioso]

Okay thanks bud

[@Fritsvrolijk]

Thanks

[@gerardomorales9737]

307 ci sbc

[@andojann]

u to slowe

[@Killobyte]

Andy Melkon too...

[@stefandwoodham]

I've been wallowing out holes my whole life#nohomo

[@bilbobaggins4710]

Oh my god...."holes"

[@patrickreynolds6032]

Windy, had to stop watching. Shorten the narrative would help

[@Killobyte]

Thanks for the input.

[@colehara]

People I know who have these told me they found no improvement. Kept me from ever buying one.

[@thomaswoitekaitis8977]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eofGiqqipZJ4qpo

[@bilbobaggins4710]

Funny coz many pro racers use them...Show cars too.. They do help with throttle response.. they allow you to open your spark plug gap to .60 ...They help spark in high compression engines...They help high RPM performance where the stock ignition starts to give out 6k and above

[@davidrobinson1230]

That was painfull

[@SuperDave21]

Had to stop watching, video moved too slow and your talked waaaay too much! Better luck next time.

[@lewispate4030]

Ditto, would be a good idea to walk through the procedure before turning on the camera.

[@glennmanchester1568]

How does someone who has never done this before teach others to do it ? Smh drove me nuts people aren't 5 if your at that level of having a car that requires or could benefit from. An msd setup what did they do buy it well take it to a mechanic then if they built it and then had to watch this then idk anymore whew

[@hellfromthetop]

UMM UHH UHH UMM UHH UHHH UMMMMMM AND uhhhhh

[@brandysigmon9066]

umm

[@richardfernandez7466]

Taking forever to go through the steps and still not to understandable oh well

[@chrisburge54]

Video way to long