MSD Ignition instal on a Range Rover

Range Rover MSD Ignition Installation (Classic)

Christopher Schaeffer kindly supplied the information and pictures on this page about upgrading his Classic to an MSD ignition system. His is a 1990 model which he has upgraded to a 4.2 litre engine, but the information should be applicable to all Classics. Christian reports:

"Not long ago, my ignition module failed. It was the distributor mounted older style. Instead of replacing it, I looked for a better choice. I use my truck to drive everywhere, so knowing the MSD ignition is readily available, compared to Rovers parts, made it look like a good fit. And it works outstanding. The engine runs smoother, and lost a hesitation it had when you hit the throttle. Also, it will run on low voltage, they say 5, but it did buy me some time when the alternator failed. The purpose of this writing is to offer some tips that I learned doing this. Hopefully it will save some time for others. So, let’s begin………..

The MSD needs a signal to know when to fire. This picture (above) was taken after I buttoned everything up. Going to the module, are 2 wires. These are the same 2 wires the MSD will use for its firing signal. So, if you have the updated relocated ignition amplifier module, this work was already done for you. If not, like me,you have to take it part for access. I simply soldered on a 2 terminal trailer plug so I can disconnect it for service. MSD has a positive and a negative input. The signal coming from the distributor didn’t have a clear positive and negative. I figured I had a 50/50 chance of getting it right, and I did. My first guess worked great. And, had I been wrong, I don’t think it would have hurt anything, it just wouldn’t have run. Again, sorry I didn’t get the color of the wires. Try it and see what happens.

The picture above shows where I mounted the Blaster Coil. This was an easy spot. 3 Self Tapping screws worked great on the Aluminum AC bracket. The coil wire on a Rover has a female connection, and the Blaster has a male. MSD does make a coil wire kit, but it was a little tough to crimp the ends with any confidence. The coil wire that worked was a $4.00 wire I got from AutoZone. After checking it with a scope, and squirting it with water, it works great! I ran the coil power in the same loom as for the power from the battery for the MSD.

Here (photo above) is the MSD unit mounted, along with the tach adapter, which is needed to let the 14 CUX fuel injection know the engine is cranking. The MSD does have a lead for the tach signal, but it isn’t strong enough. So, you need the adapter. On the negative of the factory coil, there are 2 wires. One going to the module and one going to the ECM. Connect the one to the ECM to the output of the Tach Adapter, following the included directions from MSD. MSD says that the 8910 adapter is the one needed. But, for me, the 8920 worked better. The ECM needs to see 50 RPM at cranking to turn on the injectors. And this does it nicely.

Also, I used a trailer harness as a quick release plug. So, if I have to replace it in the field, this will make life easier. The MSD needs a switched battery input; I used the positive from the factory coil, and it worked fine.

I made all the connections and it started but ran badly. Stalling at idle, stumbling, etc. I was really scratching my head on this one. After a weekend of trying ideas, I disconnected the field for the alternator; the car smoothed up and ran great. I checked the output at the alternator with a scope and found a very dirty signal that looked very similar to an ignition pattern. Turns out Rover runs the alternator to battery cable right under the spark plug wires. The extra power the MSD generated created enough interference to dirty the output of the alternator. The fix was some bulk 4 gauge wire from AutoZone and 2 crimp on ends. The new power wire is the big thick copper one running along the firewall in the picture above (pre loom).

The difference was night and day. All kinds of quirks went away. This power cable likely was the cause of lots of gremlins even before installing a MSD. I connected one end to the output of the alternator and the other to a tap point in the firewall, as shown in the picture below. This is where the factory put theirs, and it works fine. I don’t have all kinds of terminals hanging off the battery.

And there it is! For less then the cost of a Rover module, I have better functioning, field serviceable ignition system. Please be advised that this was meant as a supplement to the MSD directions that come with the unit. This is in NO WAY carved in stone, and I cannot be responsible for what happens to your car. This is simply what worked for me, and hopefully for others. Please feel free to email me with questions."