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Engine '88 GT Carb'd, want to hook up MSD Box

  • Thread starter Thread starter pindude80
  • Start date Start date Apr 29, 2024
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pindude80

Active Member
Apr 8, 2024
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Cincinnati, OH
Apr 29, 2024
#1
  • Apr 29, 2024
  • #1
I recently bought an '88 Mustang GT that has been converted to carburetor. It has the stock TFI distributor in it. I bought a MSD Digital 6AL and would like to hook it up in the car. Below are the things I would like to accomplish-

1.) rev limiter
2.) adjustable timing that isn't locked out like it currently is
3.) have the factory tach be functional


I don't know if all of those are possible using the MSD Digital 6AL box with the factory distributor or not. I did some searching on the internet and I read where people are saying to get a distributor out of an '85, not sure if that would help accomplish what I want to do or not.

I also found the harness below on American Muscle's site to hook up a MSD box to the factory igntion system. I'm thinking the harness wouldn't do me any good since I don't have a computer anymore but I don't know for sure.

MSD Mustang Box To Factory Ignition Harness 8874 (86-95 5.0L Mustang) - Free Shipping

FREE SHIPPING! Simplifies Installation. This MSD wiring harness simplifies the installation of a MSD 6-series box on your 5.0L Mustang. The wiring harness plugs
www.americanmuscle.com
 

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes
Founding Member
Oct 28, 2001
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Claremore, OK
Apr 29, 2024
#2
  • Apr 29, 2024
  • #2
Good thread on the Corral on how to wire up a TFI distributor for a carbureted car with an MSD box:

https://www.corral.net/threads/heres-how-to-wire-tfi-distributor-to-msd-for-carburated-car.948670/

Other option is to get an MSD distributor (holy crap they have gone up in price) like this:

MSD 8582 MSD Billet Distributor - Ford - Small Block - Iron Gear

For Ford enthusiasts that are serious about performance! Just under the brass terminals of the MSD cap and rotor is an easy-to-adjust mechanical advance assembly. The assembly is fine blanked from Chromoly Steel, TIG-welded for strength plus receives a QPQ coating. The precision weights glide on...
www.holley.com
 
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pindude80

Active Member
Apr 8, 2024
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Cincinnati, OH
Apr 30, 2024
#3
  • Apr 30, 2024
  • #3
AeroCoupe said:
Good thread on the Corral on how to wire up a TFI distributor for a carbureted car with an MSD box:

https://www.corral.net/threads/heres-how-to-wire-tfi-distributor-to-msd-for-carburated-car.948670/

Other option is to get an MSD distributor (holy crap they have gone up in price) like this:

MSD 8582 MSD Billet Distributor - Ford - Small Block - Iron Gear

For Ford enthusiasts that are serious about performance! Just under the brass terminals of the MSD cap and rotor is an easy-to-adjust mechanical advance assembly. The assembly is fine blanked from Chromoly Steel, TIG-welded for strength plus receives a QPQ coating. The precision weights glide on...
www.holley.com
Click to expand...
Thanks for the link!

If I followed that post I would be able to hookup the MSD box which would give me a rev limiter and I could hook up the factory tach to the MSD box. If I wanted rpm advanced timing I'm guessing I would probably have to buy the distributor and you are right, they are expensive!
 

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes
Founding Member
Oct 28, 2001
5,898
4,020
183
Claremore, OK
Apr 30, 2024
#4
  • Apr 30, 2024
  • #4
Or you can buy a timing retard box so you can set the advance at whatever locked position and trigger the timing retard when starting the car.
 
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pindude80

Active Member
Apr 8, 2024
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38
Cincinnati, OH
May 9, 2024
#5
  • May 9, 2024
  • #5
Wanted to update the thread.

We got the car running last weekend with a junkyard gt40p engine. To my surprise, the factory tachometer worked. I thought the factory tach wouldn't work when switching to carb and getting rid of the computer but I guess I'm wrong.

My plan at this point is to get a distributor for an '85 Mustang 5.0 that way I can have vacuum and centifugal advance timing. I also plan on hooking up the MSD box so I have a rev limiter.

If anyone knows of a potential issue with that plan, please let me know.
 
Last edited: May 9, 2024

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
Admin Dude
Jan 4, 1985
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May 20, 2024
#6
  • May 20, 2024
  • #6
The hard part will be finding that distributor.
 

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
Admin Dude
Jan 4, 1985
43,110
21,285
234
Box behind Walmart
May 20, 2024
#7
  • May 20, 2024
  • #7
Ok, maybe not as hard as I thought it would be?


1985 FORD MUSTANG 5.0L 302cid V8 Distributor | RockAuto

RockAuto ships auto parts and body parts from over 300 manufacturers to customers' doors worldwide, all at warehouse prices. Easy to use parts catalog.
www.rockauto.com
 

85GTStangGuy

5 Year Member
May 19, 2021
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Jax, Florida
May 20, 2024
#8
  • May 20, 2024
  • #8
Distributors for a carb'ed '85 (includes a steel gear) also available here...

LMR
https://lmr.com/item/LRS-12127BK/Mustang-50-Distributor-Steel-Gear-1985-Carb-Only

NPD

Distributor Assy, Rebuilt, W/ Single Vacuum Diaphragm Assy, W/ Steel Distributor Gear, Replacement Style - #M-12127-27A - National Parts Depot

Buy part #M-12127-27A Distributor Assy, Rebuilt, W/ Single Vacuum Diaphragm Assy, W/ Steel Distributor Gear, Replacement Style for your classic vehicle from National Parts Depot. Free shipping on orders over $300, fast delivery & everyday low pricing! Order now!
www.npdlink.com
 

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done
5 Year Member
Oct 4, 2020
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Florida
May 20, 2024
#9
  • May 20, 2024
  • #9
I have that LMR distributor on my 83... It seems to work fine but I am awaiting a DUI duraspark when they " get parts" ... Its been a year now.. They cashed the check though......LOL
 
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