MSD Ignition Installation

Covers:
The MSD ignition system is an aftermarket ignition designed to improve the air/fuel combustion. Although there are several MSD units available, they all utilize multiple sparks rather then a single spark to ensure that the air/fuel mixture is fully burned.

The first generation Probe V-6 has a Ford TFI ignition system. The following installation procedure assumes you have purchased MSD's TFI harness, which will make installing the MSD ignition system much easier. If you do not have the TFI harness you can purchase one from any company that sells MSD equipment for about $30.

When installing, I found that the most difficult part was finding a place to mount the main unit. I found a nice, bare spot in the engine compartment along the left side of the frame, under the master brake cylinder.

Overview
Note the two red wires and two black wires from the MSD ignition unit. The heavy red and heavy black wires are for the power and ground connections. The thinner red and black wires are for connecting the unit to the TFI harness. The Magnetic pickup wires are not used.

Required
Installation
  1. Mount the MSD ignition unit.
  2. Disconnect the harness to the ignition coil.
  3. Connect one end of the TFI harness to the ignition coil (end with orange and black wires).
  4. Connect the other end of the TFI harness to the original coil harness (end with red and white wires)
  5. Connect the four wires from the MSD unit to their corresponding colors on the TFI harness.
  6. Connect the heavy red wire from the MSD unit directly to the vehicle's positive battery terminal. Do not connect behind a fuse.
  7. Connect the heavy black wire from the MSD unit to the vehicle's negative battery terminal or a solid ground on the chassis.



Before TFI harness installation


After TFI harness installation


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