[jwnova]

I know this has been covered several times so pardon my ignorance. I'm locking out the distributor in my nova and would like some details on how to eliminate kickback when starting the car. I'm a novice at this so if you feel like you're explaining things how you would to a fifth grader then you're probably explaining it just right . Thanks in advance!

[SSedan64]

Install a Toggle switch inline on the Power wire to Ignition coil. Turn key to Start engine then flip switch to activate ignition coil.

[jwnova]

Ok easy enough. I've read where kickback wont occur with a ministarter (which I have). Do you know anything about this?

[SSedan64]

Some Starters do have a higher Torque output rating but, if the Timing is locked at Max & the engine has good compression, even with a good Starter, Battery & wires it can cause kickback. It can also break the nose/snout off the Starter or break the starter mounting holes in the Block.
Safest way is to interrupt the Ignition untill the Engine is rotating then flip the switch.

[jwnova]

Awesome thanks alot!! I'm running an MSD 6AL, would the ignition wire running from the MSD to the distributor be a good place for it (obviously running in under the dash for a switch and then back out to the distributor)?

[SSedan64]

Yes, there or the power wire going to the MSD box.
Hide it under dash for anti theft.

[ericnova72]

Originally Posted by jwnova

Awesome thanks alot!! I'm running an MSD 6AL, would the ignition wire running from the MSD to the distributor be a good place for it (obviously running in under the dash for a switch and then back out to the distributor)?

NO! You cannot put ANYTHING in the wires from the MSD box to the coil, the capacitors in the MSD box really raise the current going to the coil. MSD is very specific in their instructions that nothing be hooked to the coil or coil wires except the orange and black wires from the MSD box.

You also do not want anything spliced into the magnetic trigger wires(purple and green) or points trigger(white)between the MSD box and the distributor except for MSD accessory boxes like retards or timing computers.

The wire you need to put an interrupt toggle switch into is the small red wire feeding into the MSD box(small red 12v+ switched) coming from the car's ignition switch(not the large 10 gauge wire that goes to battery power).

[curtis73]

I believe if you step up to the 7AL it has a built-in cranking retard.

[F-BIRD'88]

You can add a "starter saver" auto crank/start retard box to your MSD.

But you will find the SPST interupt switch simple and very effective. When hot, crank it over, count 1-2-3, get the engine's crankshaft spinning then hit the switch.

Why are you locking out the distributor? Racey Camshaft?

If you are fireing a GM HEI distributor with a MSD6 box you must replace the center pin under the coil in the cap with a MSD low resistance steel center pin/post.

The stock GM center pin has high resistance and runs very hot (with MSD), burns the rotor.
Misfire, fouled plugs.

[SSedan64]

Originally Posted by ericnova72

NO! You cannot put ANYTHING in the wires from the MSD box to the coil, the capacitors in the MSD box really raise the current going to the coil. MSD is very specific in their instructions that nothing be hooked to the coil or coil wires except the orange and black wires from the MSD box.

You also do not want anything spliced into the magnetic trigger wires(purple and green) or points trigger(white)between the MSD box and the distributor except for MSD accessory boxes like retards or timing computers.

The wire you need to put an interrupt toggle switch into is the small red wire feeding into the MSD box(small red 12v+ switched) coming from the car's ignition switch(not the large 10 gauge wire that goes to battery power).

Good catch there Eric, I didin't read his question correctly. Assumed he was talking about Ignition wire inside.

[johnsongrass1]

A few centuries ago weused a throttle choke cable connected to the vacuum advance mechanism inside the Dist. so we could adjust timing inside the car and still get through tech inspections. Be sure to add a stop so you don't go too far and blow up something. We tried welding a nut on end in place and screwed a cable into it and connected it to the vacuum advance mechanism so I could have an idea how much timing to dial in by dividing the number of threads per inch. 1 turn is about two degree's. When the track tech inspectors finally caught up to our interpenetration to the gray area of the rules they rewrote them so it read NO traction devices allowed instead of no electronic timing or traction devices allowed. I still argued the new rules but then the track closed for good. The EPA got the last word.