MSD 6AL into 280Z

[280zgod]

Hey guys I was wondering if anyone has done this before and could warn me of any problems i might run into. I have the stock FI system. Also I was wondering what plug wires you all used for this setup. I tried to get MSD wires from Tognottis and a few other places but they say MSD has no plugs available for the Z so any input would be great on these inquiries thanks.

[Brett240]

do a search on the forums. theres a heap of info on this....

[2ManyZs]

The main thing you have to remember is to get the magnetic trigger for the MSD or it won't pick up a signal from the dizzy to fire the injectors. Other than that it's a pretty simple bolt in.

I used Taylor race wires with mine and opened up the spark plug gap to about .040-.045.. can't remember which it was, it was a long time ago. Just use BPR7ES plugs to begin with and only after driving it a while should you consider changing heat ranges.

[280zgod]

ok so yeah i scoped out the install in my z today and i found everything but i wasnt sure on that magnetic trigger thing. MSD gave me wires to hook up to the magnetic trigger thing but do i have to buy that or is that just the fancy word for the two wires that go to the dizzy? Also it has that tachometer hook up...umm i wasnt sure what to do with that do i splice it into my tach wiring? thanks for the help.

[2ManyZs]

You'll have to buy the magnetic trigger seperately, and it isn't cheap either, but it is a necessity. In the Summit Racing catalog the magnetic trigger is 44 bucks and change, the other trigger for points is only 25....

I don't remember how you wire up the tach as it's been over 10 years since I did my old 75.. sorry.

[280zgod]

I figured it out. I dont have to buy anything. All that need be done is connect the harness MSD gave me to the two wires that go in the dizzy correctly, so positive to positive and negative to negative, and that will solve that connection. Only thing is i'm not sure which wire is positive and which is negative on the distributor...the red or the green.

[2ManyZs]

I can tell you from experience you will need the magnetic trigger, you can't connect it straight to the dizzy. It will not send a signal to the computer to fire the injectors without the trigger.

I did the same thing many years ago, car started, loaded it on the trailer, unloaded it at the track and it wouldn't start again. Messed with it all day, killed a battery, ended up unhooking the MSD and it fired right up.

[gundee]

Forget that connector with violet and green wires. You will not use those on your set up. That is for crank trigger set ups only. Did you get the 8910 tach adapter with your setup? You will need that to get the tach to work and the FI system as well. Use the wire diagram with the kit that says points/amplifier style ignition.

[280zgod]

Well I'm confused. I thought with the 280 tach you didnt need the adapter or so I've heard from people. And as for that trigger I have no idea. But anyway in all cases I'm just gonna call MSD tomorrow bright and early and ask them about this. Thanks guys. But its over my head.

[280zgod]

Alright, MSD told me exactly what you told me greyghost so I'm gonna set it up that way. I'm ordering the part tomorrow and I'm gonna give MSD a call and see if they make some plug wires or at least have wires that are compatible for a Z. Thanks alot guys.

[280zgod]

Hey everyone thanks for the help with that. It was a simple install and it seems to work pretty good. It lowered my idle by 1000 rpm. Anyway, my idle is about 750 now but its a lil sporadic it jumps up and down between that and 900. Anyone else have that happen to them. I'm guessing its nothing with the MSD its probably just my poor FI slowly dying. But just wanted to know if that has happened to anyone else thanks. BTW smooth accel to 7000 is a great feeling