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Parts Included In This Kit
1 - Distributor Cap
1 - Coil Wire
WARNING: During installation, disconnect the battery cables. When disconnecting the battery
cables, always remove the Negative cable first and install it last.
Note: The Modified Cap is designed so that you can remove the stock internal coil, and use a higher output
external coil. The stock internal coil MUST be removed before the installation of this cap. Failure to
do so will cause damage to the MSD cap.
Note: Spark plug style, 90° terminals are required
with this MSD cap.
1 - Rotor
1 - Parts Bag
1 - Mini-Stripper-Crimper
INSTALLATION:
1. Mark the location of each plug wire on the
distributor cap, then remove the wires. Remove
the stock distributor cap, rotor and dust cover.
2. Locate the coil wires and note their color and
location. On the majority of Honda or Acura
engines, the Black/Yellow wire is positive. The
coil negative wire is generally White/Blue, Blue,
Green/Yellow or Green. In some cases, the coil
itself is marked negative (-) and positive
(+).
Figure 1 Primary Wiring with the Coil Removed.
Note: If you have a question as to the wires’
polarity, use a volt-meter and probe
each wire with the ignition key turned
to the On position. Coil positive will
show 10-12 volts.
3. Once you determine the polarity of the
coil wires you will need to extend the
wires to reach the MSD external coil. Cut
the factory terminals off and solder them
to 14-gauge wiring. Seal the soldered joint
with shrink sleeve or electrical tape.
4. Depending on the model of distributor
you have, you may need to drill a hole
in the new cap to route the wires out. In
some applications the factory rubber
seal is thick enough to cut and slide the
new wires out.
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Figure 2 Wiring with a Blaster SS Coil.
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2 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 3 Wiring an MSD SCI Ignition with a Blaster SS Coil.
5. Replace the rotor. Depending on the application, the dust cover may need to be removed or the
engine may need to be rotated to access the rotor retaining screw (figure 4). Install the cap and
wires.
REMOVE DUST COVER
Figure 4 Replacing the Rotor.
ASSEMBLING THE COIL WIRE
Once the cap is installed and the coil is wired, you will need to
assemble a coil wire. You will need a razor blade and a 4-inch vice.
The Mini-Stripper-Crimper is an all in one spark plug wire stripper
and crimp tool. It will work with both MSD 8.5mm Super Conductor
and 8mm Heli-Core wires to produce a strong, professional crimp.
ROTOR RETAINING SCREW
TERMINALS
MSD offers several different terminals with our Universal wire sets.
There are two terminal styles used, either a standard style or the
Dual Crimp Terminal (Figure 5). The standard design requires
stripping more of the wire sleeve because the conductor will be
bent under the terminal. The Dual Crimp has specific crimp tabs
for the conductor which require needle nose pliers.
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Figure 5 Identifying the Different
Style Terminals.
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 3
STRIPPING THE WIRE
1. Once you’ve determined which terminals you are working
with, position the wire in the corresponding strip guide.
There are two holes; one for the 8mm wire and another
for the 8.5mm wire.
2. There are two stripping positions indicated on the
stripping slot, depending on the terminal being used.
Slide the wire to the correct position and strip the sleeve
by holding a razor blade flush with the strip guide and
rotate the wire 360° (Figure 6).
3. Remove the wire and twist the cut end of the sleeve off
in a counterclockwise direction.
Figure 6 Stripping the Sleeve.
CRIMPING
To achieve the strongest crimp possible, it is required to
bend the crimp tabs over about 90° using needle nose
pliers (Figure 7). Follow the instructions for the terminal
you are using.
Figure 7 Preparing the Terminals.
STANDARD TERMINALS
1. After stripping the sleeve, fold the conductor back along
the wire insulation (Figure 8).
2. Do not allow the conductor to pull tightly against the
insulation. A small gap around the conductor should be
present before crimping. Slide the wire into the terminal
with the conductor positioned so it is in contact with the
bottom of the terminal. Position the wire through until the
insulation protrudes about 1/8" beyond the crimp tabs.
3. Position the wire and terminal into the "W" groove of the
Mini-Stripper Crimper and proceed to Steps 4 - 6.
DUAL CRIMP TERMINALS
Figure 8 Positioning the Wire in the Terminal.
1. After stripping the sleeve, position the wire in the terminal
so the insulation protrudes about 1/8" beyond the
insulation crimp tabs and the conductor extends about
1/8" past the conductor crimp tabs (Figure 9)
2. Position the wire and terminal into the "W" groove of the
Mini-Stripper Crimper and follow Steps 3 - 6 to crimp
the terminal to the sleeve.
Note: It is normal for the conductor to retract into the
insulation slightly as the sleeve crimp is made.
3. After the sleeve is crimped, push the conductor between
the crimp tabs and use a set of needlenose pliers to crimp
them together. DO NOT OVER CRIMP.
4. Slide the other part of the Mini-Stripper-Crimper over the
wire terminal and lightly press them together (Figure 10).
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Figure 9 Crimping a Dual Crimp Terminal
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5. Put the assembly into a vise making sure the alignment tabs are on the outside edge of the vise
jaws (Figure 10).
6. Slowly close the vise making sure the tool and terminal stay properly positioned and aligned. Stop
applying pressure when the terminal ends have wrapped securely around the sleeve and grip the
wire.
Note: DO NOT OVER CRIMP! It is possible to tear the sleeve of the wire by excessive pressure on
the vise. This will cause a weaker crimp.
7. Back off the vise and remove
the wire from the Crimper.
Gently tug the terminal and
inspect the position of the
conductor to make sure the
crimp is solid and firm.
Figure 10 Crimping the Terminal.
Service
In case of malfunction, this MSD component will be repaired free of charge according to the terms of the warranty.
When returning MSD components for warranty service, Proof of Purchase must be supplied for verification. After
the warranty period has expired, repair service is based on a minimum and maximum fee.
All returns must have a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number issued to them before
being returned. To obtain an RMA number please contact MSD Customer Service at 1 (888) MSD-7859 or
visit our website at www.msdignition.com/rma to automatically obtain a number and shipping information.
When returning the unit for repair, leave all wires at the length in which you have them installed. Be sure to include
a detailed account of any problems experienced, and what components and accessories are installed on the vehicle.
The repaired unit will be returned as soon as possible using Ground shipping methods (ground shipping is covered
by warranty). For more information, call MSD Ignition at (915) 855-7123. MSD technicians are available from 7:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday (mountain time).
Limited Warranty
M
SD IGNITION warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under its intended normal
use*, when properly installed and purchased from an authorized MSD dealer, for a period of one year from the date
of the original purchase. This warranty is void for any products purchased through auction websites. If found to be
defective as mentioned above, it will be repaired or replaced at the option of MSD Ignition. Any item that is covered
under this warranty will be returned free of charge using Ground shipping methods.
This shall constitute the sole remedy of the purchaser and the sole liability of MSD Ignition. To the extent permitted
by law, the foregoing is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties or representation whether expressed or implied,
including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness. In no event shall MSD Ignition or its suppliers be liable
for special or consequential damages.
*Intended normal use means that this item is being used as was originally intended and for the original application
as sold by MSD Ignition. Any modifications to this item or if it is used on an application other than what MSD Ignition
markets the product, the warranty will be void. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to determine that this item
will work for the application they are intending. MSD Ignition will accept no liability for custom applications.
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