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Thank you for selecting the Atomic TBI Fuel Injection System! MSD’s Atomic EFI systems were
designed with two major goals; to simplify EFI and deliver better overall performance to your engine.
Simplicity is achieved through with less wiring to ease installation plus programming is simple with
no PC required! Performance is delivered through advanced control of the fuel and ignition, just as
you’d expect from MSD.
As with any performance product, please be sure to read the entire instruction manual before attempting
to install this system on your vehicle. Please contact our Customer Support department if you have any
questions about your Atomic installation at (915) 855-7123. There are also some helpful installation
videos available at www.atomicefi.com.
4 ft. CAN Extension
Air Filter Gasket
Intake Manifold Gasket
1 - Fitting 6AN Adapter 6 Male
Not legal for use on pollution controlled vehicles: The MSD Atomic EFI system is not CARB
approved for use on emission controlled vehicles.
modifications must be carried out by a qualified automotive technician. Installation of fuel system
parts requires handling of gasoline. Ensure that work is performed in a well ventilated area with an
approved fire extinguisher nearby. Extinguish all open flames, prohibit smoking and eliminate all
sources of ignition in the area of the vehicle before beginning the installation.
When working with fuel systems, eye goggles and other safety apparel should be worn to protect
against debris and sprayed gasoline. The finished work must be thoroughly checked to ensure
there are no fuel leaks.
Installation of this product requires detailed knowledge of automotive systems
and repair procedures. Installation of fuel system parts and any fuel tank
Programming
Initial ............................ 12
Advanced ........................ 13
Final Adjustments .................... 15
Diagnostics ......................... 20
2 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
CAPABILITIES
The Atomic TBI is designed to install on a standard square bore intake manifold flange. It is a selftuning EFI system that continuously adjusts after the basic configuration is complete. There is no
laptop programming. Base on the engine descriptors that you input during the initial setup, the Atomic
will automatically create a base fuel map to get the engine running. Once the system is started the
self learning technology will optimize those maps resulting in the best performance possible. If you
drive through altitude changes, temperature swings or other factors the Atomic will adjust accordingly,
on the fly. This ensures that your engine will produce excellent driveability at all times, even from the
sunny coast to the cool mountains.
There three main components of the Atomic TBI; the throttle body, the Power Module and the Handheld
Monitor. The ECU of the system is built into the passenger side of the throttle body and there are
several sensors integral to the unit including the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), Manifold Absolute
Pressure (MAP), Intake Air Temperature (IAT) and the Fuel Pressure Sensor.
Power Module: The Power Module of the Atomic LS is the communication
hub of the system and provides the high current fuel pump circuit
and other input/outputs for optional features. The unit has two ports
for the MSD CAN system as well as a wiring harness. There are
connections for the WB02, the Handheld Monitor as well as power
and communication to the integrated fuel rails.
Programming: To program the Atomic for your specific engine application,
POWER MODULE
there no need (or method) to connect a PC to the system. All of
the programming is performed through a simple to use Handheld
Monitor. The Monitor simply plugs into the Power Module. Once the few initial setup selections
are answered and the engine is running the Monitor can be removed or left connected. When
it is connected, there is a Dash and Gauges screen that show engine parameters in real time.
Fuel System: The Atomic TBI system can be used with return or returnless EFI system. Review the
Fuel System Information section starting on page 3 for detailed information.
Wide-Band 02 Sensor: A Wide-Band 02 sensor is supplied in the Atomic TBI Kit.
This sensor is responsible for constantly monitoring the exhaust gases and
relaying that information to the ECU where adjustments are continually made
to the fuel delivery in order to meet the air/fuel targets. Only one sensor is
required. Page 5 outlines sensor installation.
O2
Trigger Signal: The Atomic TBI requires an rpm/trigger reference signal to operate.
SENSOR
This signal be a 12-volt square wave reference signal from the tach output of
an MSD ignition control or it can be achieved when connected to coil negative
with breaker points, GM HEI or Ford TFI inductive based ignition system.
Timing Control: The Atomic TBI is capable of controlling the ignition timing. To use
this function an MSD 6A or other ignition control must be installed. The distributor must also
be locked-out. There are settings for Idle timing, Total advance and Vacuum advance through
the handheld monitor. Pages 16-19 explain the timing control setup in detail.
Rev Limiter: A fuel controlled rev limiter can be set through the Atomic. When the engine rpm reaches
the programmed value, fuel will be cut off to achieve the desired limit. Any ignition related rpm
limit is set and acts independently of the Atomic.
Power Adders: The Atomic TBI can operate in conjunction with wet nitrous systems as well as positive
manifold pressure supplied by a draw-thru or blow-thru forced induction system. For nitrous,
there is a program that allows you to set a target air/fuel ratio when the nitrous is activated as
well as a selection to retard the timing (when timing control is incorporated) Note that a wet
nitrous system requires its own fuel pump to supply the additional fuel required with nitrous.
For forced induction applications there is a target air/fuel ratio setting which takes effect when
operating under boost. These options are explained in the Advanced Settings section, page 13.
FUEL SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The following details pertain to the fuel system requirements. Installation steps specific to the fuel
system are covered in the Fuel Pump Kits supplied separately from the Atomic TBI, PN 2910, Kit.
The Atomic TBI requires a high pressure fuel pump system. Depending on your engine combination,
the Atomic TBI requires a minimum of 42-48 psi to operate and it can be used with a return or returnless
fuel system. When selecting a pump, regulator and lines, be sure each component is designed to
perform at high pressure. MSD offers a fuel pump, hose and accessories to complete your installation.
Following are some guidelines in helping set up a fuel system for your Atomic as well as components
available separately from MSD.
strongly recommends an in-tank pump. Installing the fuel pump in the tank results in quieter
operation, less chance of cavitation and a reduction in pump temperature.
NOTE: DO NOT USE TUBING (HARD FUEL LINES) WITH THE ATOMIC EFI SYSTEM.
FILTER
REGULATOR
FUEL
IT IS RECOMMENDED TO MOUNT
THE FUEL PUMP IN THE TANK
WHENEVER POSSIBLE. IF IT MUST
BE MOUNTED EXTERNALLY, MOUNT
THE PUMP WITHIN 2-FEET OF THE
FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT.
FUEL TANK
FUEL
PUMP
NOTE: IF RUNNING A RETURNLESS
FUEL SYSTEM, THE PUMP MUST
BE MOUNTED IN THE TANK.
Figure 1 Atomic Return Style Fuel System.
WARNING: MSD’s Push-Lock fittings are designed for use with the MSD fuel hose only. Do not
use the MSD fuel hose with other fittings. Do not use MSD Push-Lock fittings with
other fuel hose. Compatibility issues may cause fuel leaks.
The MSD Atomic Fuel Pump (supplied only with Master Kit PN 2900) can be used in the tank however it
would require a sock, or filter element, on the pickup side (Figure 1). It is important to note that the wiring
used to run the pump will need to meet requirements to be submersed in fuel. When wiring an in-tank
pump, it is recommended to use a wire that conforms to SAE specifications J1128 and J378. This wiring
features a thermoplastic insulated wiring with polyvinyl chloride insulation for protection against gasoline,
oil, and more.
In addition, different fuel line will be required internally if the pump is to be mounted in the tank. Fuel line
that meets SAE 30R10 specifications MUST be used. Failure to do so will cause severe damage to your
engine and/or fuel system.
WARNING: Improper installation or use of fuel system components can cause severe damage your
engine and/or fuel system that will not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Atomic Fuel Pump, PN 2925: This pump features 3/8” inlet and outlet and is rated at 70 psi. The pump
will support approximately 525 hp and is approved for in-tank use (no wiring or in-tank mounting hardware/
pickup element are supplied).
Fuel Pump Kit, PN 2920: This Kit is supplied with MSD’s PWM Fuel Pump, a pre- and post-filter, 15-ft of
3/8 fuel injection line and mounting hardware.
Fuel System Return Kit, PN 2922: If you plan on running a return line with your Atomic LS, this kit provides
another 15-ft of 3/8” injection line, an MSD Regulator and two push-lock fittings.
High Horsepower Fuel Kit, PN 2921: This pump will support the power demands of engines up to 650 horsepower.
The pump features 3/8” inlet and outlet and is rated at 70 psi. The pump will support approximately 650 hp and
is approved for in-tank use (no wiring or in-tank mounting hardware/sock are supplied).
POWER ADDERS
The Atomic TBI will accept wet nitrous systems as well as forced induction systems generating up to 10-14
psi of manifold pressure. There are options to select in the Advanced settings that allow you to program
an air/fuel target when the nitrous is activated and when under boost conditions.
Nitrous: The Atomic fuel system does not provide the extra fuel required to safely operate a wet
nitrous system. The installation of a dedicated fuel pump for the nitrous system is required in order
to meet the fuel demands of a wet nitrous system. Timing can also be pulled out when the nitrous
is activated (only when timing is being controlled by the Atomic system.)
Forced Induction: In boosted applications, the fuel pump must be capable of meeting the
requirements of the increased fuel demand. Due to injector flow limitations, max horsepower with
forced induction systems will be limited to 525 horsepower. Proper fuel pump selection is imperative
to the performance and operation of the Atomic EFI.
WIDE BAND OXYGEN SENSOR INSTALLATION
The MSD Atomic EFI system requires a single Wide Band
Oxygen Sensor (WBO2) for operation. MSD suggests that
the bung for this sensor be installed prior to starting any
other part of the conversion process. By having the WBO2
in place first, there is a reduced chance of the vehicle being
immobilized for an extended time. The bung for the WBO2
provided by MSD has a plug included so that the vehicle
can be driven between the time of exhaust modification and
installing the rest of the Atomic system, if needed.
The WBO2 can be installed downstream of either exhaust bank. The sensor connects to the Power Module,
so install the sensor on the bank closest to where you plan to mount the Module. The bung should be
installed by a qualified exhaust technician and pressure tested. Proper installation of the oxygen sensor is
critical to the performance of the Atomic EFI. Improper installation could lead to engine damage.
1. Locate the ideal spot to install the WBO2.
a. This location should be 2-4 inches after the exhaust collector. The sensor must be more than
18 inches forward of the exhaust tip. For applications where short or open headers are used,
install the WBO2 in the primary tube of the rear cylinder at least 8 inches away from the exhaust
port. The Atomic will not work on “Zoomie” style headers.
b. The WBO2 sensor should be at least 10˚ above horizontal to allow condensation runoff. Without
this angle the sensor is significantly more likely to sustain water damage (Figure 2).
c. Never place a WBO2 on the outside of a bend.
d. The WBO2 must be mounted in the exhaust prior to any catalytic converter, if applicable.
2. Drill a 7/8” hole in the exhaust where the WBO2 will go.
3. Weld in the supplied bung. Ensure the weld goes completely around the bung and is air tight.
4. Insert supplied plug in bung. Never run the vehicle with a WBO2 installed but not powered; it will
damage the sensor.
5. When completing the Atomic EFI installation, remove the plug and insert the WBO2 for use. MSD
suggests using a small amount of anti-seize on the threads.
Note: The Atomic EFI is extremely sensitive to air leaks in the exhaust system. Any air leak between
the engine and the WBO2 will cause the Atomic to have false readings, which can lead to poor
engine performance, misfires, and an inability to properly auto-tune. Extended running of the
Atomic EFI with an exhaust leak can result in detonation and severe engine damage. Improper
installation of the oxygen sensor, and any damage that may result from such an installation, is
not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
THROTTLE BODY
Parts Required, not included:
4 – Retaining Stud Kit for the throttle body
Throttle linkage connection/brackets
The Atomic Throttle Body will bolt in place on
intake manifolds designed for a square bore style
carburetor. It is designed to accept common throttle
linkage adapters and brackets. A throttle ball stud
is supplied but no other linkage components are
included. Accessory kits are available through many
MANIFOLD
PORTED
accessory or carburetor companies.
There are two fuel inlets, a forward and rear fuel
inlet. Only one needs to be connected on a PWM
(returnless) style system as fuel is delivered to either
side through an internal fuel rail. The passenger
side of throttle body, where the MSD is machined,
is the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). This is the
brains of the Atomic fuel system and where all of
BOOST
REFERENCE
PORT
MANIFOLD
the fuel calculations are made to give your vehicle
exceptional performance.
Figure 3 Vacuum Ports.
VACUUM PORTS
Before installing the throttle body, note the engine’s need for vacuum accessories. The Atomic has five
vacuum ports, ported and manifold, to cover accessories such as a power brake booster (Figure 3). Four
ports are 1/8" NPT and one is 1/4" NPT.
Blow-Thru applications do not require modifications to the boost reference port. Draw-thru applications
require a few modifications to the throttle body. Locate the boost reference port on the throttle body.
It is located on the lower right corner of the throttle body on the same side as the IAC motor (back of
the throttle body), and remove the plug. Turn the throttle body upside down. Using a small drop of
Loctite on the plug, install the plug into the threaded orifice next to the throttle blades. Install A 1/16
pipe to hose fitting into the boost reference port on the throttle body. The boost reference port on
the throttle body should be referenced below the supercharger directly off of the manifold, or can be
split off of the boost gauge reference line (Figure 4).
BOOST REFERENCE PORT AND PLUG
Figure 4 Boost Reference Port.
PLUG PORT
OR
TO MANIFOLD
VACUUM HOSE
TO ATOMIC EFI
INSTALLATION
1. Install the new gasket and place the throttle body on
the intake manifold. Make sure the throttle body is
square on the intake and the linkage moves through
closed throttle to wide open.
2. Secure the throttle body by tightening the four
retainers evenly. Do not over tighten.
3. Transfer the linkage hardware from the carburetor to
the Atomic. Any transmission brackets should also
be transferred to the Atomic. A throttle return spring
must be used (Figure 5).
4. Install the new air horn gasket.
5. Determine which fuel inlet and AN-fitting best suits
your application.
6. MSD supplies two -6 AN style fittings for use on the
throttle body fuel inlet. Both use ‘push-lock’ style inlets
to connect to the fuel hose and do not require clamps. Page 8 details the installation of MSD's pushlock fittings and hose.
Note: Not all fuel lines are rated for "push lock" installation.
There are only two external sensors that need to be installed and connected; the Wide Band Oxygen
Sensor and the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. (Both are supplied.) The Wide Band Oxygen
Sensor installation is covered on page 5.
The coolant sensor is a variable resistance sensor and needs to be installed in the engine.
1. Find a location for the coolant temperature sensor. Many engines have provisions on the cylinder
heads or the intake manifold.
2. It is recommended to use a small amount of Teflon tape or sealer on the threads.
3. Locate the 2-pin coolant sensor wiring harness. Route and connect the harness to the coolant
temperature sensor.
WIRING
There are several wires and connectors on the throttle body. Not all of these wires will be connected on
every application. Following is a chart of each wire.
REQ. / OPT. Wire Color Description
REQ Yellow This connects to the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor.
Black
REQ White This is the tach input wire for the EFI responsible for triggering the system.
It connects to the tach output of an MSD Ignition Control or Ready-to-Run
Distributor. It can also be connected to the coil negative terminal when
using a stock type ignition such as points or a GM HEI distributor. Note:
This wire is not used when the magnetic pickup wire is being used
for ignition timing.
OPTIONAL Yellow This is a tach output wire. Connect this wire to the White points input
used with
timing
control
OPTIONAL Orange This is an AC kick-up wire. When 12 volts are supplied to this wire
used with
A/C
OPTIONAL Violet (+) This is the input for a magnetic pickup, such as from an MSD distributor.
used with
timing
control
REQ CAN-Bus The 6-pin connector must connect to the Power Module. Do NOT
wire on an MSD ignition unit only when using the Atomic to control
timing. If the Atomic is not controlling timing this wire can be used as
a 12 volt square wave trigger to a tachometer.
it will provide a small rpm "kick-up" in the idle to compesate for an
added load to the engine from the air conditioner compressor. It will
also activate the primary cooling fan (when two are used).
This connector is only used when the Atomic is controlling ignition
timing.
cut this harness. MSD offers extensions in 2, 4 and 6-feet lengths if
needed.
8 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
PUSH-LOCK FITTING INSTALLATION
MSD supplies two fitting adapters that will accept a
-6 AN line to be connected. If you are using the MSD
Push-Lock fittings to connect the fuel hose, the supplied
hose MUST be used.
Proper installation begins with a clean, square cut of
the hose. A hose cutting tool or new razor blade are
recommended. When installing the hose it is important
that the hose is pushed on all the way to the thin beauty
ring. This means the hose should fully overlap the
inboard barb. Too little of engagement, as well as overengagement, will result in a compromised connection that
is prone to failure. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the required
installation of the hose and fittings.
1. Determine the length of hose needed. Mark the hose
and cut it using a hose cutter or new razor blade.
There should be minimal disturbance of the outer
jacket, braids and inner liner. The cut plane should
be perpendicular to the hose axis. (Figure 5).
2. Before installing the hose to the fitting, it is important to
anchor the fitting (Figure 6). Proper installation cannot
be achieved by holding the hose and fitting in your
hands. For best results, the hose should be installed
with minimal twisting or pausing.
CORRECT CLEAN,
SQUARE CUT
INCORRECT
JAGGED, ROUGH
CUT RESULTS IN
A COMPROMISED
CONNECTION
Figure 5 Severing the Hose Properly.
3. Apply a light coat of oil to the barbs on the fitting. Use
Figure 6 Installing Fuel Hose to the Push-Lock Fittings.
care not to get oil on the outside of the hose as it will
be impossible get a firm grip on the hose.
4. With the fitting anchored securely, push the hose
over the barbs. The hose is properly installed when
Properly Installed Push-Lock Fitting
END OF HOSE IS FLUSH
WITH THE THIN EDGE
OF THE BEAUTY RING.
it is flush with the thin edge of the beauty ring (Figure
7). At this point, the hose end should have rolled over
the inboard barb.
Improperly Installed Push-Lock Fitting
EXCESSIVE GAP TO
BEAUTY RING RESULTS
IN A COMPROMISED
CONNECTION.
Figure 7 Installed Push-Lock Fitting.
WARNING: The supplied MSD Push-Lock AN fittings are designed only for use with the supplied
fuel hose (Aeroquip AQP FC598). We do not recommend mixing Push-Lock style
fittings and hoses from different manufacturers. Doing so may result in fuel leaks
and expose other dangerous incompatibilities.
The Power Module of the Atomic EFI system handles high
current circuits such as the fuel pump and WBO2. The unit
has two ports for the MSD CAN system as well as a wiring
harness. The CAN ports will provide communication between
the Power Module, Throttle Body, and Handheld Controller.
It is important to select a proper mounting location for the
Power Module. The unit can be mounted in the interior or
the engine compartment as long as it is away from direct
heat sources. It is not recommended to mount the unit in an
enclosed area, such as the glove box, so that airflow will aid
in cooling. When a suitable location is found to mount the
Module, make sure all wires reach their connections. Also
Figure 8 Power Module Wiring Diagram.
be sure that the CAN ports can be accessed for use of the
Handheld. Use the Power Module as a template and mark the location of the holes. Use a size # 20 drill bit
to prepare for the supplied self tapping screws. Install the supplied rubber gromments and mount the unit.
WIRING
There are a number of electrical connections on the Power Module that are required for proper operation.
Other wires, such as fan control wires, only need to be connected if their optional functions are being
used. Wires marked “REQ” must be connected for the system to operate while those marked “OPT”
will depend on the functionality desired. Note that the two schematics shown are for installations that
are NOT using the timing functions of the Atomic. At this point it is recommended to start the system
without including the ignition wiring to confirm and tune-in the Atomic for your installation. If you wish to
proceed with timing installation, follow the wiring below, and contiune to page 16 to set up the distributor
and ignition timing.
Pin REQ. / OPT. Wire Color Description
1 REQ Black Ground - Route this wire directly to Battery Negative or the engine block.
2 OPTIONAL Tan Fan circuit 1 - This wire supplies ground to activate the circuit. It must go to
the ground circuit of a relay to control a fan.
3 OPTIONAL Pink Fan circuit 2 - This wire supplies ground to activate the circuit. It must go to
the ground circuit of a relay to control a fan.
4 Unused (No Wire) Unused
5 Unused (No Wire) Unused
6 Unused (No Wire) Unused
7 Optional Violet Nitrous Signal - When connected to 12 volts, such as when nitrous is activated,
the Atomic will switch to the target air/fuel mixture for use during nitrous. The
timing will also be retarded the programmed rate (when timing control is used).
8 REQ Orange (Large) Fuel Pump circuit - This wire provides 12 volts to the fuel pump and connects
to the positive side terminal. No relay is required. Note that on a returnless
style fuel system the voltage on this wire will not display on a voltmeter.
9 REQ Red (Large) Main Power - Route this wire directly to Battery Positive. This circuit needs to
maintain power after the unit is turned off so that all Learning can be saved
properly.
10 REQ Red Wide Band Oxygen Sensor connection - single connector.
11 Yellow
12 Black / White
13 Black / Red
14 Green
15 Black
16 REQ Red On/Off – Connect to a switched 12 volt circuit. Ensure it has power during both
Key On and Cranking. Do NOT connect the coil (+) terminal when using an
MSD Ignition such as a 6A or 6AL or other CD ignition.