It's time for a major ignition overhall. I believe most 3rd gens have a 2-plug connector HEI but unfortunately 85s don't (regular coil in cap).

I plan on getting the MSD coil, ignition module, and 6A (6AL not needed), plus wires and plugs.

I do have a few Qs though:

Where is a good place to mount the MSD box on a thirdgen?

Is there a good fit custom wire set (MSD, Taylor, etc.) or should I go cut-to-fit?

Is this the best way to go? (I can't think of a better way)

James



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1985 Z-28 305 TPI
221,000+ mi., Original Eng.

 

James,

First, I'm not sure what you mean about the HEI plugs. I have the Accel HEI Supercoil that mounts on top of the distributor and the cap has the two prong connections for the tach & battery. My MSD6AL box was one of the easiest additions I've installed, and in the picture below you can see where I mounted it. I had a custom stainless steel plate made for it and moved the ESC module and relay brackets over to behind the brake booster and mounted my MSD box there. Remember to use the rubber feet, vibrations have been known to kill those boxes. I use Accel 8.8 spiral core wires, but as far as the other ones go I think you could get varied opinions from most people here. Just make sure you don't use solid core wires with an MSD box. Hope this helps....





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Kevin Irving
85 Trans Am WS-6, 305 TPI, custom burned '86 PROM with '87 "165"ECM, Accel Supercoil & 8.8 Wires, MSD 6AL, Aluminum Driveshaft, TB Coolant Bypass, Ported Plenum, Modified MAF, Syclone Fuel Pump, JET Airfoil

15.556 @ 86.65mph, Nov 10, 2000.... I know it sucks.. but it will get better!

http://www.geocities.com/transam85tpi/

 

I mention the 2-plug connector because I beleive 85 was the last year for the coil-in-cap HEI. The later ones had an external coil which may be easier/better for parts replacement due to the fact that they don't have to fit in the HEI distributer itself.

Thanks for the location heads up.


James

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1985 Z-28 305 TPI
221,000+ mi., Original Eng.

 

I have an 85 too. I stuck mine by the evaporation/emissions canister.



I got accel 8.8 spiral core cut-to-fit wires, just because they were on sale. Otherwise I would have gotten the custom fit wires.

Later,
Jesse

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85 Z28, 305 TPI A4
pretty stock with MSD and a few other toys
15.2@91mph
http://photos.yahoo.com/j_hougnon

 

I have an '86 TA that still has the coil in cap HEI distributor! I have THREE connectors that plug into my cap! TWO of them are single connectors (tach and a wire that goes into the harness) and the other is a larger 3 holed connector! I'm still trying to figure out how the heck to hook up this MSD 6AL! Maybe someone can help me!

 

just buy the $20 MSD adaptor harness and follow the picture and come back when you tach doesn't work. Or just follow the picture in the installation manual. If you don't have it then Ithink you can download it from MSD online.

https://www.thirdgen.org/messgboard/...ML/001362.html

James

 

i have on my 88TA (remote mount coil)
the 6A, Coil and Superconducter wires.

in the ta, the 6a is where the relays on th edriverside firewall are suposto be but when it was in my IROC, it was by the evap can. thats the best spot for it in my opinion.

as for wires, the superconducters cut to fit for mine, fit pretty good they all would have been better if they where exactly 1.5 inches longer but they took some snaking to get in rite.

good choice on igniton setup.. it really made my car come alive.

-Stell

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1988 Pontiac Trans Am. 305 TPI Mods=MSD 6A+Coil+Wires, K & N, SLP AirFoil,180 Thermostat, Cold Air, Hooker Aerochamber Catback

1974 Dodge Charger , Currently restoring but has a 318 with Crane Cam, Carter AFB 4BBl Carb sitting on a Weiand Stealth Intake

RIP 1988 IROC-Z
http://stell15790.tripod.com/cars.htm