MSD Install: Ballast Resister & ECU Harness

[mrbone]

68 RR with 383, electronic distributor, no AC.

When installing an MSD 6AL-2, instructions say to 'bypass ballast resistor'.
Regarding the ECU & BR harness:
If I bypass the ECU, BR & remove them, don't they power or connect to anything needed?
I have searched the forums and see different comments, but no mention of this.

Do I remove the ECU and Ballast Resistor & wiring completely?

If I use the +coil wire to provide 12v pos keyed power to the MSD..
What do I do with the original Neg on the coil?
What do I do with the wires GOING TO Ballast Resistor wires?
I thought two wires went back to starter or maybe completed the circuit for +coil wire?

Please excuse the confusion on my part, I just want to understand before I start cutting wires.

THANKS GUYS!!!

 

[Fran Blacker]

Wait for others to comment but bypass mean connect wires together from one side of ballast resistor to other side. Your eliminating the resistor.

 

[Lefty71]

The coil wires on an MSD are dedicated, meaning they go straight from the ignition box to the coil with nothing spliced or jumpered in.
You can just unplug the mopar box, but i think you use the #1 terminal on that 5 pin for your switched 12V. Notice the ballast is JUMPERED as Fran pointed out.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Is it the 6-al2 programmable? I like mine!!

 

[Lefty71]

Here, i think this one explains your situation a little better, and explains why you are confused about the existing coil wires.

Note the section called harness; you can make that harness, instead of cutting into yours, if you want to be careful not to damage anything original to your vehicle. That can be a smart move for later on in some cases.

HTH, Lefty71

 

[mrbone]

I'm getting close to connecting wires.. (been busy) haha.

It occurs to me there must be some programming done also.. correct?
I don't see ANYTHING on that! Not even sure where to set the timing.
I haven't hooked up computer to it, can just imagine how that will go.
Never seen it done or any tutorials, no youtube help on programming.

Anyone available to 'mentor' during install.. would make me feel better.
THANKS!!

 

[jeepthrills01]

Alot of us would leave the factory stuff mounted..make an add in harness...this way if the MSD ever **** the bed...which does happen..a quick unplug replug gets you home on the original ignition.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

MSD modules doesn't need to get bypassed the ballast. The coil + lead signal ( coming from ballast ) is enough to remote on the module even coming from Ballast. Module takes the power from batt not from the remote on signal

Coil - lead wire won't be used.

Ballast and its wires can stay there. If you use the coil + lead wire can't remove the ballast wiring.

Coil wires will be now the ones coming from MSD module.

Original ECU will be removed. Plug can be hanging around, same as dist plug and - lead of coil

RTR distributors are the ones what need to get bypassed the ballast