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Factory tach to MSD ignition

  • Thread starter Thread starter SwedeMach1
  • Start date Start date Mar 29, 2007

SwedeMach1

New Member
Feb 26, 2007
6
0
0
Trollhättan, Sweden
Mar 29, 2007
#1
  • Mar 29, 2007
  • #1
I've purchased an MSD 6AL ignition to my car. Last weekend when when I was about to connect my factory tach (I've got a 69 mach 1) I realized that I can't connect the tach to the MSD tach outlet without an adapter. I've talked to the tech line at MSD and they told me I need a 8920 tach adapter.

Here's my question: Has anyone used this kind of adapter to connect a factory tach to a MSD ignition? The tech guy at MSD didn't sound to confident when he told me what I should use. Any input is appreciated!
 

fvike

Member
Aug 24, 2004
335
0
16
Mosjøen, Norway
Mar 29, 2007
#2
  • Mar 29, 2007
  • #2
You'll need this:
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MSD%2D8920&N=700+4294925143+4294849427+115&autoview=sku

It's the 8920 adapter. A friend of mine is running it in his '70 Mach 1. Works like it should. Read the .pdf for install guidance.
 

SwedeMach1

New Member
Feb 26, 2007
6
0
0
Trollhättan, Sweden
Mar 29, 2007
#3
  • Mar 29, 2007
  • #3
Thanks for the information Fvike! I guess I need to order that 8920 adapter then.

Very cool car by the way! I aim to get mine ready for the street in June. I'm also running a 351 Windsor with similar configuration like yours. It'll be interesting to see how it performs....
 
8

86bluecobra

Advanced Member
Dec 20, 2004
4,265
12
69
B.C. Canada
Mar 30, 2007
#4
  • Mar 30, 2007
  • #4
i also had to use that adapter to allow my factory tach in my 86 mustang work with a digital 6 MSD ignition.
 
B

bnickel

Founding Member
Aug 21, 2002
5,640
3
77
lubbock, texas
Mar 30, 2007
#5
  • Mar 30, 2007
  • #5
another option is to have your factory tach converted to a 3 wire configuration instead of the factroy 2 wire, i believe some place like the tachman can do the conversion for you, it's more epensive but also more accurate.
 

fvike

Member
Aug 24, 2004
335
0
16
Mosjøen, Norway
Mar 31, 2007
#6
  • Mar 31, 2007
  • #6
bnickel said:
another option is to have your factory tach converted to a 3 wire configuration instead of the factroy 2 wire, i believe some place like the tachman can do the conversion for you, it's more epensive but also more accurate.
Click to expand...

I know Red Line Gaugeworks does this, as there was an article in Mustang Monthly Magazine about this. I need to do this anyway, since my tach is busted (Why repair, when I can convert). However, they don't reply my e-mails... perhaps they won't have foreign customers. I'd better try Tachman.
 

joesgt281

Founding Member
Oct 2, 2002
163
0
0
Katy, TX
May 22, 2007
#7
  • May 22, 2007
  • #7
I got the Tach Adapter and am now having trouble figuring how to integrate into the existing wiring. I have 4 different wiring diagrams and none seem to accurately represent how mine was wired when I took everything apart. Now that I'm putting everything back I'm just confused cuz the MSD diagram doesn't quite fit what I've found.
First, do we have Current Triggered Tachs as opposed to Voltage Triggered?
Second, of the two wires on the back of the tach, which is which? I have a red and a black wire. Does one go to key-on-hot and if so which one? And then the other must go to the Red wire of the Tach Adapter, right?
 

SadbutTrue

Founding Member
May 1, 2002
2,390
4
49
Granada Hills, California
May 23, 2007
#8
  • May 23, 2007
  • #8
Speaking of tachs... are there any aftermarket tachs that can fit in the place of the rally pack on a 65/66 and not look too over the top? It doesn't have to look much like stock, but I'd like it to sit on the steering wheel like the rally pack and occupy about the same amount of space... ie no tachs under or over the dash, etc.

Thanks
Ben
 
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