[cincyjeeprs]

Following the threads and sticky for the Team Rush upgrades. I have done the Team Rush and the Nutter Bypass already. Am now considering swapping in the MSD 6A. I see on the diagram of the box that there is a connection for the tach.

What do I need to do here? I have a tach and I want to keep it working obviously.

[wendell]

I noticed on ebay the other day that they were selling an HEI distributer that had the MSD hook up allready on it. It was just plug and play to hook up the MSD 6A off/road box to the distributer. I don't remember if it emtioned the tach or not.

[Happy Joe]

The MSD 6A has a tach output; but it is not directly compatible with OEM Jeep tachs (poor design on Jeeps part). An adapter (primarily an inductor I believe) is available, or at least one used to be, from MSD to make the two compatible. The MSD works fine with all of the aftermarket tachs that I have tried.

The MSD is easy to connect to a Jeep electronic distributer (or even points style) and the HEI is not a significant improvement over the Jeep electronic distributer (but it is over points), IMO.

Get a Ford E core coil if you convert to the MSD (or even if you don't).

Enjoy!

[JeepHammer]

Originally Posted by wendell

I noticed on ebay the other day that they were selling an HEI distributer that had the MSD hook up allready on it. It was just plug and play to hook up the MSD 6A off/road box to the distributer. I don't remember if it emtioned the tach or not.

And how does that apply to the Orignal Posters question of...

Originally Posted by cincyjeeprs

Following the threads and sticky for the Team Rush upgrades. I have done the Team Rush and the Nutter Bypass already. Am now considering swapping in the MSD 6A. I see on the diagram of the box that there is a connection for the tach.

What do I need to do here? I have a tach and I want to keep it working obviously.

Since he's done the TeamRush upgrade, he obviously has the Jeep/Motorcraft distributor, which is far superior to any of the HEI or HEI clones on the market...
--------------------------------------

To answer the Original Posters question,
You need an adapter that will plug into your current distirbutor harness and plugs into the MSD unit.
That MSD p/n is 8869
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MSD%2D8869&N=700+ 115&autoview=sku



Don't forget to tape over the factory harness connector for your 'Back Up' ignition should you need it!



Notice the factory harness connector to the distributor just to the left/up from the adapter?
It needs to be taped over if you intend to have a 'Back Up' ignition.
------------------------------

This is an 'Extension Cord' for the very low voltage and sensitive distributor trigger signal. It's 6 feet long, so you should have any problems reaching anywhere safe in the Jeep.
I like to mount the module under my dash so it's away from most water, mud, engine heat, ect, and this thing makes it easy.
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MSD%2D8862&N=700+ 115&autoview=sku



--------------------------------------------

For the 'Activation' wire to the MSD unit, consider another adapter,
To use this one, you unplug the two wire connector from the factory DuraSpark module (under the windshield washer tank) and plug this into the factory harness.
This connects to the small 'Red' wire on the MSD module...
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=SUM%2D850520&autoview=sku



You will only be using the 'Bell' shaped part on the far right with the 'Red' & 'White' wires.

Don't forget to tape over the module connector so it can be used as a 'Back Up' if the MSD module fails! (Nothing like trail redundancy!)
-------------------------------

The third connection for the MSD module will be the Coil Connector.
I don't know what coil you are using, but if it's the factory coil,
Or MSD Blaster 2F, then get yourself another coil connector,
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MSD%2D8205&N=700+ 115&autoview=sku



If you are sourcing locally, Try Auto Zone p/n 252,

[img]ftp://ftp.civilianjeep.info/Ignition/HEIstandAlone/HEIhybird03.gif[/img]

If you have the E-core style coil, you will need another E-core connector plug for trail redundancy.

Your color coding will be
MSD ORANGE to Coil Connector Red.
MSD SMALL BLACK to Coil Connector Green.
(Check diagram below)

Don't forget to tape over the coil connector attached to the factory harness so you can use it for a back up ignition if needed!
-------------------------------------

I often mount the modules on 'Shock Mounts'...
Keeps the 'Guts' from taking the full abuse of rough riding!
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MAA%2D29069&N=700 +4294847544+115&autoview=sku



---------------------------------------

Here is the wiring diagram for your application, more or less...
It's VERY SIMPLE to install a MSD or most other CDI ignitions, as you can see by the diagram...



Now, if you notice at the bottom of the diagram, there is an alternator plug with diode installed in it.
This might be nessary if you have 'Run On' after you turn the key off.
The engine will just continue to run on like the key was turned on!

It's a quirk of the Jeep starting/charging system, and costs about $6 to fix with a fresh alternator connector plug and a $1.50 diode from Radio Shack...
Shown above, it works great!
------------------------------------------------

Jeep uses what is called a 'SERIES' tach, meaning the power for your ignition actually flows through the tach first, then goes out to the ignition.

MSD and other places sell a 'Tach Adapter' that will keep your factory tach working, but you will have to do some wiring to keep it working.
That part isn't all 'Plug & Play' like the module install is.

MSD Tach Adaptor p/n 8920 will make your factory current triggered tach work just fine!
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MSD%2D8920&N=700+ 4294849427+115&autoview=sku

[valkadesh]

If you have an aftermarket tack, there are usually 4 wires coming out of it, a positive, ground, light wire (to illuminate the gauge when the headlights are on), and tack connection. I just put a spade connector on the tach connection (I want to say mine was a green wire) and plugged it right into the MSD 6a, works like a charm.

If you has a stock tack, i'm not sure if it's the simple or not. You didn't say what type of tack you have installed!

[JeepHammer]

Originally Posted by wendell

I noticed on ebay the other day that they were selling an HEI distributer that had the MSD hook up allready on it. It was just plug and play to hook up the MSD 6A off/road box to the distributer. I don't remember if it emtioned the tach or not.

Now, to address the HEI/MSD train wreck...

FIRST OFF,
The question was for a 'TeamRush' distributor Upgrade mating to an MSD ignition module...

WHY WOULD ANYONE SUGGEST AN HEI DISTRIBUTOR?
-------------------------------------

SECONDLY,

MSD makes, and has made for years, a simple little device that plugs the MSD unit directly into the HEI trigger, bypassing the HEI module (you can remove the HEI module completely)...

MSD p/n 8861
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MSD%2D8861&N=700+ 115&autoview=sku



The beauty of MSD p/n 8861 is it keeps the polarity from the trigger to the module correctly...
----------------------

THIRD,

HEI and HEI Clones have so many other problems,
Why would someone want to add an MSD module before they cleaned up the Cap-In-Coil problems,
The ground under rotor problems,
Ect.
BEFORE they added even more spark energy in there to screw things up!?
-------------------------------------

FOURTH,

The factory tach isn't going to work with any MSD application without tach adapter.
Suggesting a HEI/HEI Clone distributor won't change that...

[JeepHammer]

Originally Posted by valkadesh

If you have an aftermarket tack, there are usually 4 wires coming out of it, a positive, ground, light wire (to illuminate the gauge when the headlights are on), and tack connection. I just put a spade connector on the tach connection (I want to say mine was a green wire) and plugged it right into the MSD 6a, works like a charm.

If you has a stock tack, i'm not sure if it's the simple or not. You didn't say what type of tack you have installed!

Happy Joe is correct, the series FACTORY tach is a poor design for upgrades,
But it was more efficient and cost less to install than a coil trigged tach...

FACTORY TACH WILL NOT WORK with MSD modules (or any other CDI ignition module) without tach adapter.

Most AFTER MARKET tachs,
The ones with a wire that connects to the ignition coil, will work directly WITH the MSD module.

[cincyjeeprs]

Thanks guys. That helps tremendously. I have seen the pics in other threads, but now it's all beginning to make sense. I have a factory tach and would like to keep it, so I'll get the adapter.

I have done the "Team Rush" with NAPA brass parts, Accel 8mm wires, MSD Blaster coil, yada yada. I have read amongst the threads that the stock ignition module is now my weak point, hence the discussion about getting the MSD 6A. I have a 6AL on my Waggy with the rev limiter (LOL) and a remote timing control gismo. It's pretty sweet, so I thought I would at least get a 6A for the CJ8 258.

Also, a box of goodies showed up on my porch last night from a place called Howell Engine Developments, Inc. What am I supposed to do with all that?

[JeepHammer]

Originally Posted by cincyjeeprs

Thanks guys. That helps tremendously. I have seen the pics in other threads, but now it's all beginning to make sense. I have a factory tach and would like to keep it, so I'll get the adapter.

It's REALLY EASY to switch over to the MSD module as a stand alone ignition,
AND,
Most of the time, you can trigger your Howell off the tach adapter, there is a big bonus!

I have done the "Team Rush" with NAPA brass parts, Accel 8mm wires, MSD Blaster coil, yada yada. I have read amongst the threads that the stock ignition module is now my weak point, hence the discussion about getting the MSD 6A.

Stock Ignition module can be fixed with a $25 HEI module if you want to keep things 'Stock Appearing', but it doesn't sound like you do!
(And MORE POWER TO YOU!)

I have a 6AL on my Waggy with the rev limiter (LOL) and a remote timing control gismo. It's pretty sweet, so I thought I would at least get a 6A for the CJ8 258.

Timing control is just SWEET for towing, burning cheap gas, ect!
I use the crap out of mine all the time!
Can't seem to keep my fingers off that little knob!

Also, a box of goodies showed up on my porch last night from a place called Howell Engine Developments, Inc. What am I supposed to do with all that?

OK, it's official, I want to know where you live, and when you won't be home and that Howell box will be on the front porch!

[cincyjeeprs]

O.T.
One more goodie. Here is what I am doing for the air cleaner assembly on the Howell (GM) throttle body. Got the parts off ebay.

http://www.cj-8.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=4978&d=1126610837

This is the work of "jsherb" over on the Scrambler forum http://www.cj-8.com.

If you have a few "minutes", check out his build thread. It is absolutely amazing. It's up to almost 32,000 views and 55 pages of replies. The man is a genius.
http://www.cj-8.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18796