Topic: MSD Street Fire Install
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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HARROD, OH - USA
Joined: 7/25/2003
Posts: 335
Vette(s): 1976 - L-48 Auto, A/C, AM/FM, Power Windows, Tilt Telescopic Wheel, Factory Aluminum Wheels, Inferno Red Matalic Custom paint with Black Leather Interior.
Hey everyone. I bought the MSD Street Fire Ignition Box to put on my 76. I was looking at just how to install it and checking placement along with wire routing. I think I have everything figured out by the directions except running the smaller red wire to a "keyed Switch" which they are saying the ignition switch. They are saying it must be a hot wire to or from the switch. Looked at my wiring diagram and I am not seeing exactly which wire to hook it to. Color would be good to know but, not able to figure it out. Can anyone tell me which wire to go to? Thanks in advance...
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Believe it or not..........you need to connect the red to the red wire of the ignition switch.
corvette440hp
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HARROD, OH - USA
Joined: 7/25/2003
Posts: 335
Vette(s): 1976 - L-48 Auto, A/C, AM/FM, Power Windows, Tilt Telescopic Wheel, Factory Aluminum Wheels, Inferno Red Matalic Custom paint with Black Leather Interior.
LOL, No Way,,,Now that is just too easy. I figured that it was too obvious so I must be wrong. That's why I decided to ask... Thanks for the reply.

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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Vincent, you can connect the wire to any "Acc" terminal in the fuse box. This is not necessarily a fuse, but a separate terminal made for connecting accessories, such as radios, power windows, ect. Anything that needs to be powered only with the key on.
If you can crawl up under there far enough, you'll see a few "empty" spots in the fuse box that are marked "ACC", with a male spade terminal in them....that's where you should connect your MSD power wire. Be sure to test the terminal, and make sure it is ONLY hot with the key ON. Some acc terminals can be powered all the time, but I don't think any on the '76 are. Never hurts to check.
If you can crawl up under there far enough, you'll see a few "empty" spots in the fuse box that are marked "ACC", with a male spade terminal in them....that's where you should connect your MSD power wire. Be sure to test the terminal, and make sure it is ONLY hot with the key ON. Some acc terminals can be powered all the time, but I don't think any on the '76 are. Never hurts to check.

Joel Adams
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Former Member
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HARROD, OH - USA
Joined: 7/25/2003
Posts: 335
Vette(s): 1976 - L-48 Auto, A/C, AM/FM, Power Windows, Tilt Telescopic Wheel, Factory Aluminum Wheels, Inferno Red Matalic Custom paint with Black Leather Interior.
Thanks Adam. I am getting ready to go out and hook everything up. I have my test light out and some other needed items so, once I crawl up under the dash on my back, I'll see what "ACC" slots are available. I have a space picked out in the engine compartment on the firewall just between the Brake Booster Housing and the wiper motor to mount the box itself. Just fits and there is no interference with the hood closing. Now all that's left to do is hook up the wires and turn the key. I do appreciate all the advice and guidnace.
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
There may also be some spots marked "IGN", instead of ACC...that would work just as well, and you wouldn't need to test it, as those are only hot with the key ON. 

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Former Member
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HARROD, OH - USA
Joined: 7/25/2003
Posts: 335
Vette(s): 1976 - L-48 Auto, A/C, AM/FM, Power Windows, Tilt Telescopic Wheel, Factory Aluminum Wheels, Inferno Red Matalic Custom paint with Black Leather Interior.
Hey guys ! The job is done. The install went fairly smooth. I did some other sideline things that I had been meaning to clean up while I was at it. I now know that there are at least three switched connections that can be accessed to hook up the small red wire to from the ignition box. Two of them are right inside the engine compartment. The one I ended up using was the large Pink wire that gets disconected from the + lead of the distributor cap connection that went to the coil. That way I didn't have to run the wire through the fire wall to route it into the fuse box "ACC" or "IGN" lead. It would have been more work to do that. The instructions that come with the Street Fire System are made to cover a broad application so there aren't a lot of specifics in some areas. They do have some drawings to help you in figuring out what goes where.
All in all, it was a good small project and the smoke and fire test went great. Started right up and boy what a nice smooth idle. The cleaner smelling exhaust was noticeable right away too. Best part of all, nice quick and smooth response when I touched the gas. Used to have a bit of a lag almost. It was always good going down the road at speed and then punching it for good passing speed but, now it responds from the stop and excelorates smoother and more quickly.
I would recommend this relatively inexpensive upgrade to anyone looking for more pep and a cleaner more efficient burn of fuel. Thanks again to all for the helpful guidance.
All in all, it was a good small project and the smoke and fire test went great. Started right up and boy what a nice smooth idle. The cleaner smelling exhaust was noticeable right away too. Best part of all, nice quick and smooth response when I touched the gas. Used to have a bit of a lag almost. It was always good going down the road at speed and then punching it for good passing speed but, now it responds from the stop and excelorates smoother and more quickly.
I would recommend this relatively inexpensive upgrade to anyone looking for more pep and a cleaner more efficient burn of fuel. Thanks again to all for the helpful guidance.



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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Lanoka Harbor, NJ - USA
Joined: 12/21/2006
Posts: 828
Vette(s): 1975 metallic blue coupe with t-tops,L48, t/t steering, black leather interior. 1990 L98, white/red leather interior, auto,a/c
hmmmmm... guess i will have to get out and install the one i have had sitting here in the box on my 75. after reading feds post on the benefits of it i would be stupid not to. thanks

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Former Member
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HARROD, OH - USA
Joined: 7/25/2003
Posts: 335
Vette(s): 1976 - L-48 Auto, A/C, AM/FM, Power Windows, Tilt Telescopic Wheel, Factory Aluminum Wheels, Inferno Red Matalic Custom paint with Black Leather Interior.
Go for it Eddie, it made a lot of difference and I am quite pleased. It took me a bit longer than the instructions suggest but, I always take longer to do things when it's my first time at it. I could probly get it under an hour and a half if I did another one on a 76. I would imagine a 75 would be much the same. Good luck...
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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