INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

1

Parts Included:

1 - MSD Ignition

1 - Harness, PN 8860

OPERATION AND FEATURES

DIGITAL OPERATION

The Digital 6A and 6AL use a high speed RISC microcontroller to control the ignition's output while

constantly analyzing the various inputs such as supply voltage, trigger signals and rpm. The high

speed controller can make extremely quick compensations to the output voltage, multiple spark

series, timing and rpm limits while maintaining precise timing and accurate rev limiting. The circuits

and controller of the MSD have been thoroughly filtered to create protection against Electro Magnetic

Interference (EMI).

CAPACITIVE DISCHARGE

The Digital 6A and 6AL feature a capacitive discharge ignition design. The majority of stock ignition

systems are inductive ignitions. In an inductive ignition, the coil must store and step up the voltage

to maximum strength in between each firing. At higher rpm, since there is less time to charge the coil

to full capacity, the voltage falls short of reaching maximum energy which results in a loss of power

or top end miss.

The MSD Ignition features a capacitor which is quickly charged with 520 - 535 volts and stores it until

the ignition is triggered. With the CD design, the voltage sent to the coil positive terminal is always

at full power even at high rpm.

MULTIPLE SPARKS

The MSD produces full power multiple sparks for each firing of a plug. The number of multiple sparks

that occur decreases as rpm increases, however the spark series always lasts for 20° of crankshaft

rotation. Above 3,000 rpm there is simply not enough “time” to fire the spark plug more than once,

so there is only one powerful spark.

PROTECTION

The Digital 6A and 6AL have a built in reverse polarity protection circuit. This will protect the ignition

in the event of wrong connections.

MSD Digital 6A and 6AL Ignition Control

6A - PN 6201/62013, 6AL - PN 6425/64253

1 - Main Harness

1 - Parts Bag

WARNING: During installation, disconnect the battery cables. When disconnecting the battery always

remove the Negative cable first and install it last.

6AL ONLY

4 - Vibration Mounts

1 - Screwdriver

Note: The Carb label supplied is required to aid in passing the California Smog Check program. This label

must be installed in an underhood location that is readily visible.

Note: If you're triggering an aftermarket EFI system with the Gray wire of the MSD, see page 5 to

deactivate the tach verification feature.

Important: When installing a Digital Series Ignition, timing will be affected, reset to your engine's

specifications.

ONLINE PRODUCT REGISTRATION: Register your MSD product online. Registering your product

will help if there is ever a warranty issue with your product and helps the MSD R&D team create

new products that you ask for! Go to www.msdperformance.com/registration.