Technical information

AUTOTRONIC CONTROLS CORPORATION • 1490 HENRY BRENNAN, EL PASO, TEXAS 79936 • [phone] • FAX [phone]
www.msdignition.com email: [e-mail]
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INSTALLING AN MSD 6A, 6T, 6AL
OR 6BTM IGNITION CONTROL
This section covers the installation of the MSD 6A, 6AL, 6BTM, 6T and the SCI Ignition Controls. These
Ignition Controls feature capacitive discharge circuitry and multiple sparks. They will install to most
vehicles with a 12 Volt electrical system and a distributor that is triggered with points, electronic ampli-
fiers or magnetic pickups.
NOTE: An MSD 6 Series Ignition Control cannot be used with distributorless ignition systems. The DIS-
2 and DIS-4 Ignition controls are designed for these systems.
Operating Specifications
WARNING: When using a capacitive discharge ignition control, there is high voltage present
at the coil primary terminals. Never touch the coil or connect test equipment to
these terminals.
WARNING: During installation, disconnect the battery. When disconnecting the battery
always remove the negative cable first and install it last.
Operating Voltage: +12 - 18 volts, will run down to 5 volts
Current Requirements: 5 amps @ 5,000 rpm
10 amps @ 10,000 rpm
RPM Range: 15,000 rpm with 14.4 volt supply
Spark Duration: 20 degrees (crankshaft rotation)
Primary Voltage Output: 460 - 480 volts
Weight and Size: 6A and SCI: 2.75lbs., 8"L x 3.5"W x 2.25"H
6T: 3lbs., 8"L x 3.5"W x 2.25"H
6AL and SCI-L: 3lbs., 8"L x 4"W x 2.25"H
6BTM: 3lbs., 8"L x 4"W x 2.25"H
Wire F unctions
Power Cables: The heavy red connects to the battery positive (+) terminal. The heavy
Black connects to the battery negative (-) terminal or other good
engine ground.
Red: Connects to a switched 12 volts source.
Orange: Connects to the positive (+) terminal of the coil. This is the only wire
that makes electrical contact with the coil positive terminal.
Black: Connects to the negative (-) terminal of the coil. This the only wire
that makes electrical contact with the coil negative terminal.
White: This is one of the wires that provides a trigger signal for the MSD. It
connects to the breaker points, electronic ignition amplifier output or
to the Yellow wire of an MSD timing accessory. When this wire is
used, the Magnetic connector is not (Violet and Green wires).
Violet and Green: These wires are routed together in one harness to form the magnetic
pickup connector. They plug directly into an MSD Distributor or Crank
Trigger. The Violet wire is positive (+) and the Green wire is negative
(-). When they are used, the White wire is not.
NOTE: MSD SCI Ignitions share
the same wiring as the 6
Series.