MSD MSD-8 Plus User Manual

MSD-8 Plus Ignition
PN 7805
Cylinders Loops to Cut
8 None
6 One
4 Two
2 Three
Cut loops
Remove cap
WARNING: Before installing the MSD Distributor, disconnect the battery cables. When disconnecting
the battery cables, always remove the Negative (-) cable first and install it last.
Figure 1 Cylinder Programming.
1 - PN 8830 Filter
1 - Coil Harness
1 - Power Harness
1 - Parts Bag, Mounts, Terminals, etc.
ONLINE PRODUCT REGISTRATION: Register your MSD product online and you’ll be entered
in our monthly 8.5mm Super Conductor Spark Plug Wire give-away! 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.
Note: Solid Core spark plug wires cannot be used with an MSD Ignition.
Parts Included:
1 - MSD-8 Plus Ignition
1 - Mag Pickup Extension Harness, PN 8860
4 - Vibration Mounts and Hardware
4 - RPM Modules: 3K, 7K, 8K and 9K
FEATURES
SINGLE OR DUAL COIL OUTPUT
The MSD-8 Plus Ignition Control is intended for racing use only. The Ignition has the ability to be
used with single or dual coil systems. Note that when using a single coil, both coil positive wires must
be connected to the coil.
RPM LIMITERS
The MSD-8 Plus Ignition is equipped with a 2-Step Rev Control. The Ignition will accept two rpm
modules so two different rev limits can be set. One rev limit can be used for over-rev protection while
the second limit can be activated on the starting line for a lower rpm limit to assist in staging and for
consistent holeshots. When 12 volts are applied
to the 2-Step terminal (2’S’), Module 1 is active.
Module 2 is active when there is no 12 volts.
CYLINDER SELECT
This ignition can be used on 2, 4, 6 (even-fire)
or 8-cylinder engines. The ignition is set for
8-cylinder operation. To program the unit for
other engines, remove the one screw that holds
the cover to reveal three wire loops (Figure
1). Cutting a wire loop determines the cylinder
selection.
SPARK LED
When the coil fires, current is sensed and this LED will flash. These LEDs confirm that the ignition
has received a trigger signal and that the ignition is working properly. Each time a coil fires, current
is sensed and the corresponding LED will flash. (If the coil is not connected, the LED will not flash.)
When the engine is running, it will appear solid.
M S D • W W W . M S D P E R F O R M A N C E . C O M • ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 5 2 0 0 • F A X ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 3 3 4 4

MSD MSD-8 Plus Specifications

General

Brand	MSD
Model	MSD-8 Plus
Category	Remote Starter
Language	English

Summary

Product Registration and Key Features

Online Product Registration

Register your MSD product online for a chance to win a spark plug wire giveaway and aid R&D.

Single or Dual Coil Output

The MSD-8 Plus Ignition supports single or dual coil systems for racing applications.

RPM Limiters

Features a 2-Step Rev Control accepting two RPM modules for different rev limits.

Cylinder Select

Configurable for 2, 4, 6, or 8-cylinder engines by cutting wire loops.

Spark LED Indicator

LED flashes when the coil fires, indicating trigger signal and ignition operation.

General Information and Installation Basics

Battery and Coil Requirements

Details on voltage supply, battery capacity, and required MSD Pro Power Series coils.

Tachometer Output

Provides a 12-volt square wave signal for tachometers, shift lights, and other devices.

Spark Plugs and Wires

Importance of quality, helically wound wires to prevent EMI and ensure performance.

Mounting Instructions

Guidance on selecting a mounting location away from heat and securing the unit.

Wiring, Routing, and Troubleshooting

General Wiring Information

Guidelines for wire length, connections, and proper grounding techniques.

Wire Routing Guidelines

Instructions for routing wires away from heat, sharp edges, and interference sources.

Pre-Start Checklist

Essential checks before starting the engine to ensure correct installation.

Troubleshooting Overview

Addresses common issues like misses, intermittent problems, and no spark.

Checking for Spark

Procedures to test spark generation using either the white wire or magnetic pickup.

No Spark Troubleshooting Steps

Detailed steps to diagnose and resolve no-spark conditions, including coil and voltage checks.

System Integration and Service

Wiring Diagrams

Illustrates various MSD system installations with distributors and crank triggers.

Programmable Digital 7 Integration

Details on using the MSD-8 Plus in tandem with the Programmable Digital 7 ignition.

Service and Repair Policy

Information on warranty service, obtaining RMA numbers, and repair procedures.

Limited Warranty Terms

Specifies the one-year warranty period, coverage, exclusions, and remedies.