MSD 5520
MSD 5520
Parts Included:
1 - Ignition 1 - 18" Ground Wire 4 - Mounting Screws
1 - Harness, PN 8860 1 - 100V/1A Diode
WARNING: During installation, disconnect the battery cables. When disconnecting the battery always
remove the Negative cable first and install it last.
Note: Solid Core spark plug wires cannot be used with the Street Fire Ignition.
Note: The Street Fire Ignition cannot be used with distributorless ignition systems (DIS).
GENERAL INFORMATION
BATTERY
The Street Fire Ignition Control will operate on any negative ground, 12 volt electrical system with a distributor. It
can be used with 16 volt batteries and can withstand a momentary 24 volts in case of jump starts. The Ignitions will
deliver full voltage with a supply of 9 - 18 volts and will operate with a supply voltage as low as 7 volts.
COILS
The Street Fire Ignition can be used with most stock coils and aftermarket coils designed to replace the stock coils.
If you have any questions concerning coils, contact our Customer Service Department at (915) 855-7123.
TACHOMETERS
The Street Fire Ignition features a Tach Output wire that provides a trigger signal for tachometers, a shift light or other
add-on rpm activated devices. The Tach Output produces a 12 volt square wave signal with a 24% duty cycle.
Some vehicles with factory tachometers may require a Tach Adapter to operate with the ignition. For more information
on Tachometers and MSD Tach Adapters, see the Tachometer Section on page 9.
If your GM vehicle has an inline filter it may cause the tach to drop to zero on acceleration. If this occurs, bypass
the filter.
FOReiGN VEHICLES
Due to the fuel injection systems, some foreign vehicles may require a special Tach/Fuel Injection Adapter with a
Street Fire ignition. See page 9 for wiring and Tach Adapter information.
Note: Vehicles originally equipped with a CD ignition control cannot use the Street Fire Ignition.
Note: Solid Core spark plug wires cannot be used with the Street Fire Ignition.
Spark Plugs: Choosing the correct spark plug design and heat range is important when trying to get the best
performance possible. It is recommended to follow the engine builder or manufacturer's specification for spark plugs.
With that, you can then experiment with the plug gap to obtain the best performance. The gap of the plugs can be
opened in 0.005" increments, then tested until the best performance is obtained.
Miscellaneous Information
Sealing: Do not attempt to seal the ignition. All of the circuits of the Street Fire ignition receive a thick conformal
coating of Humi-Seal. Rubber plugs are supplied to protect the rpm dials.
Welding: If you are welding on your vehicle, to avoid the chance of damage, always disconnect both Heavy Power
cables of the ignition (You should also disconnect the tach ground wire).
MOUNTING
The Street Fire Ignition can be mounted in most positions, except directly upside down (if upside down, moisture or
water cannot escape). It can be mounted in the engine compartment as long as it is away from direct engine heat
sources. It is not recommended to mount the unit in an enclosed area such as the glove box.
When you find a suitable location to mount the unit, make sure the wires of the ignition reach their connections.
Hold the Ignition in place and mark the location of the mounting holes. Use an 1/8" drill bit to drill the holes. Use the
supplied self tapping screws to mount the box.
CYLINDER SELECT
The Rev Limiter that is built into the ignition is programmed for operation
on a 8-cylinder engine. If you are installing one of these units on a 4 or
6-cylinder even-fire engine, the cylinder count must be selected. This is
easily achieved through the cylinder select wire loops on the side of the
ignition. To program the unit cut the loops as shown in Figure 1.
LED
There is a diagnostic LED next to the rpm dials. The LED will blink with
each trigger signal. It will appear On when the engine is running. If the
input voltage drops below 9 volts it will flash at idle speed.
WIRING
Wire Length: All of the wires of the ignition may be shortened as long as CYLINDER SELECT
LOOPS
quality connectors are used or soldered in place. To lengthen the wires,
use one size bigger gauge wire (10 gauge for the power leads and 16
gauge for the other wires) with the proper connections. Figure 1 Selecting the number of
Cylinders.
Grounds: A poor ground connection can cause many frustrating problems.
When a wire is specified to go to ground, it should be connected to the battery negative terminal, engine block or
chassis. There should always be a ground strap between the engine and the chassis. Always securely connect the
ground wire to a clean, paint free metal surface.
Wire Functions
Power Leads These are the two heavy gauge wires (14 gauge) and are responsible for getting direct battery
voltage to the Ignition.
Heavy Red This wire connects directly to the battery positive (+) terminal or to a positive battery junction or
the positive side of the starter solenoid.
Note: Never connect to the alternator.
Heavy Black This wire connects to a good ground, either at the battery negative (-) terminal or to the
engine.
Red Connects to a switched 12 volt source. Such as the ignition key or switch.
Orange Connects to the positive (+) terminal of the coil.
This is the only wire that makes electrical contact with the coil positive terminal.
Black Connects to the negative (-) terminal of the coil.
This is the only wire that makes electrical contact with the coil negative terminal.
GRAY Tach output wire. Connect to the tachometer or other rpm device.
Trigger There are two circuits that can be used to trigger the Street Fire Ignition; a Points circuit (White
Wires wire) and a Magnetic Pickup circuit (Violet and Green wires). The two circuits will never be used
together.
White This wire is used to connect to the points or electronic ignition amplifier output .
Violet and These wires are routed together in one harness to form the Magnetic Pickup connector. The
Green (Magnetic connector plugs directly into an MSD Distributor. It will also connect to factory magnetic pickups
Pickup Connector) or other aftermarket pickups. The Violet wire is positive (+) and the Green is negative (-). When
these wires are used, the White wire is not.
The chart in Figure 2 shows the polarity of other common Common Mag Pickup Wires
magnetic pickups. Colors
Mag+ Mag-
Ballast Resistor: If your vehicle has a ballast resistor in line with MSD Distributor Org/Blk Vio/Blk
the coil wiring, it is recommended to bypass it. MSD Crank Trigger Violet Green
Ford Orange Violet
Routing Wires Accel 46/48000 Series Org/Blk Vio/Blk
The Street Fire wires should be routed away from direct heat
Accel 51/61000 Series Red Black
sources such as exhaust manifolds and headers and any sharp
edges. The trigger wires should be routed separate from the Chrysler Org/Wht Black
other wires and spark plug wires. It is best if they are routed along Mallory Org/Blk Vio/Blk
a ground plane such as the block or firewall which creates an Street Fire CDI Violet Green
electrical shield. The magnetic pickup wires should always be Figure 2 Common Mag Pickup Wires.
routed separately and should be twisted together to help reduce
extraneous interference.
WARNING: The Street Fire CDI is a capacitive discharge ignition. High voltage is present at the coil primary
terminals. Do not touch the coil or connect test equipment to the terminals.
Rev Limiter
The Street Fire Ignition features an adjustable rev limiter. This feature will protect
your engine from overrev damge in the event of driveline failure or a missed
gear. The rev limit is adjustable from 2,000 - 9,900 rpm in 100 rpm increments
(Figure 3).
SMALL
RED
)
ED
US
OT
(N
TE
HI
W
TO GRAY GE
TACH AN
OR
K
AC
BL
®
DISTRIBUTOR
K
TI-SPAR
CDI MUL N
IGNITIO
PN 5520
WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM WITH
MAGNETIC PICKUP
SMALL
RED
WHITE
®
CDI MUL
TI-SPAR
N
K BLACK
IGNITIO
ORANGE
PN 5520
WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM
WHITE
®
CDI MU
LTI-SPA
IGNITIO
N
RK
SMALL RED
PN 5520
WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM
There are three different large cap HEI distributors. To identify which of the following diagrams fit your specific application, remove the distributor
cap and rotor and locate the ignition module at the base of the distributor. Count the number of terminals on both ends of the module and follow
the corresponding diagram. GM used 4, 5 and 7-pin modules in these distributors.
NOTE: Some 5-pin models may experience a hesitation or stall on deceleration. If this occurs, contact MSD Tech Line for the required bolt-in
diode to correct the problem. MSD Tech Line (915) 855-7123.
TO GRAY
TACH
K
TI-SPAR
CDI MULTION
IGNI
PN 5520
WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM
SMALL RED
MAGNETIC
PICKUP
NOT USED
TO GRAY
TACH
K
TI-SPAR
CDI MULTION
IGNI
PN 5520
WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM
MAGNETIC
PICKUP
NOT USED
SMALL RED
TO GRAY
TACH
®
COIL
RK
LTI-SPA
CDI MU N
IGNITIO
PN 5520
WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM
C+
TA
C
GREEN
H
INDICATES CONNECTION
+ VIOLET + ORANGE
PN 8860 VIOLET
HARNESS
NOT USED
MAGNETIC PICKUP
CONNECTOR WHITE
(NOT USED) + +
SMALL RED
TO COVER W/TAPE
GRAY
ORANGE
BLACK
TACH
®
COIL
TI-SP ARK
CDI MULTION
IGNI
PN 5520
WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM
MAGNETIC
PICKUP
NOT USED
TO GRAY
TACH
WHITE
®
CDI MU
LTI-SPA
IGNITIO
N
RK
SMALL RED
PN 5520
WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM
MAGNETIC
PICKUP K
NOT USED AC GE
BL
AN
TO GRAY OR
TACH
ED
LR
WHITE AL
®
SM
TI-SP ARK
CDI MULTION
IGNI
PN 5520
WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM
CHRYSLER IGNITIONS Wiring a Chrysler Electronic Ignition using Magnetic Pickup Trigger.
ED
MAGNETIC
GE
R
TO GRAY PICKUP
TACH AN K
CONNECTOR OR AC COIL
BL
WHITE
® (NOT USED)
TI-SPARK
CDI MUL ION
IGNIT
PN 5520
WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM
D
RE
L
MAGNETIC AL
PICKUP SM
NOT USED
TO GRAY
TACH
TI-SP ARK
CDI MULTION
IGNI
PN 5520
WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM
DISTRIBUTOR
WITH
PERTRONIX
BLACK
MAGNETIC
PICKUP
NOT USED
TO GRAY
TACH
COIL
®
D
TI-SPARK
CDI MUL ION
SMALL RE
IGNIT
PN 5520
WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM
AFTERMARKET COMPONENTS Wiring a Mallory Unilite or 9000 Series using Points Trigger.
MAGNETIC
PICKUP
NOT USED
TO GRAY
TACH
COIL
®
K
TI-SPAR
CDI MUL N
IGNITIO
PN 5520
WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM
TROUBLESHOOTING
Every Street Fire Ignition undergoes numerous quality control checks including a four hour burn-in test. If you
experience a problem with your ignition, our research has shown that the majority of problems are due to improper
installation or poor connections.
The Troubleshooting section has several checks and tests you can perform to ensure proper installation and operation
of the Street Fire Ignition. If you have any questions, call our Customer Support Department at (915) 855-7123, 7
- 6 mountain time.
TACH/FUEL ADAPTERS
If your tachometer does not operate correctly or if you experience a no-run situation with your foreign vehicle you probably
need a Tach Adapter from MSD Ignition. The chart below lists common tachometers and if an Adapter is necessary.
Note: On the list above, the trigger wire on tachometers that are marked NONE may be connected to the
Tach Output wire on the Street Fire Ignition.
ENGINE RUN-ON
If your engine continues to run even when the ignition is turned Off you are experiencing engine Run-On. This
usually only occurs on older vehicles with an external voltage regulator. Because the CDI receives power directly
from the battery, it does not require much current to keep the unit energized. If you are experiencing Run-On, it is
due to a small amount of voltage going through the charging lamp indicator and feeding the small Red wire even
if the key is turned off.
Early Ford and GM: To solve the Run-On problem, a Diode is supplied in the parts bag. By installing this Diode
in-line of the wire that goes to the Charging indicator, the voltage is kept from entering the CDI. Figure 5 shows the
proper installation for early Ford and GM vehicles.
Note: Diodes are used to allow voltage to flow only one way. Make sure the Diode is installed facing the proper
direction (as shown in Figure 5).
Ford: Install the Diode in-line to the wire going to the #1 terminal.
GM: Install the Diode in-line to the wire going to terminal #4.
GM 1973 - 1983 with Delcotron Alternators
GM Delcotron Alternators use an internal voltage regulator. Install the Diode in-line on the smallest wire exiting the
alternator (Figure 5). It is usually a Brown wire.
WIRE LOOM
4
2
3 SMALLER OF THE 2-WIRES
1
FORD VEHICLES
ATTACH DIODE TO
TERMINAL "1" SPLICE HERE
TO CHARGING
OR LIGHT
DIODE
1A-400V DIODE
DELCOTRON
ALTERNATOR
STREET FIRE
Most other applications: On other applications
where engine Run-On is experienced, a Resistor
can be put in-line to the Street Fire's small Red
wire (Figure 6). This resistor will keep voltage from
leaking through to the Street Fire unit.
WARNING: Do not touch the coil terminals during cranking or while the engine is running.
• Make sure that the battery is fully charged and the connections are clean and tight. If you are not running an alternator
this is an imperative check. If the battery voltage falls below 10 volts during a race, the CDI output voltage will drop.
• Is the engine running lean? Inspect the spark plugs and complete fuel system.
• Inspect all wiring connections for corrosion or damage. Remember to always use proper connections followed
by soldering and seal the connections completely.
If everything checks positive, use the following procedure to test the ignition for spark. MSD also offers an Ignition
Tester, PN 8998. This tool allows you to check your complete ignition system while it is in the car as well as the
operation of rpm limits, activated switches and shift lights.
RK
amplifier.
LTI-SPA
CDI MU N
IGNITIO
PN 5520
WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM
wires together several times. Each time you break this short, a spark CDI MU
LTI-SPA
RK
VIOLET
should jump from the coil wire to ground (the LED should also blink). If
N
IGNITIO
PN 5520
WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM
spark is present, the ignition is working properly. If there is no spark skip Figure 8 Checking for Spark with
to step 6. Magnetic Pickup.
6. If there is no spark:
A. Inspect all of the wiring.
B. Substitute another coil and repeat the test. If there is now spark, the coil is at fault.
C. If there is still no spark, check to make sure there is 12 volts on the small Red wire from the Street Fire Ignition
when the key is in the On position. If 12 volts is not present, find another switched 12 volt source and repeat
the test.
D. If, after following the test procedures and inspecting all of the wiring, there is still no spark, the Street Fire
Ignition is in need of repair. See the Warranty and Service section for information.
Service
In case of malfunction, this MSD component will be repaired free of charge according to the terms of the warranty. When
returning MSD components for warranty service, Proof of Purchase must be supplied for verification. After the warranty
period has expired, repair service is based on a minimum and maximum fee.
All returns must have a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number issued to them
before being returned. To obtain an RMA number please contact MSD Customer Service at 1 (888) MSD-7859
or visit our website at www.msdignition.com/rma to automatically obtain a number and shipping information.
When returning the unit for repair, leave all wires at the length in which you have them installed. Be sure to include a detailed
account of any problems experienced, and what components and accessories are installed on the vehicle. The repaired
unit will be returned as soon as possible using Ground shipping methods (ground shipping is covered by warranty). For
more information, call MSD Ignition at (915) 855-7123. MSD technicians are available from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday
- Friday (mountain time).
Limited Warranty
MSD IGNITION warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under its intended normal use*, when properly
installed and purchased from an authorized MSD dealer, for a period of one year from the date of the original purchase. This warranty is
void for any products purchased through auction websites. If found to be defective as mentioned above, it will be repaired or replaced at
the option of MSD Ignition. Any item that is covered under this warranty will be returned free of charge using Ground shipping methods.
This shall constitute the sole remedy of the purchaser and the sole liability of MSD Ignition. To the extent permitted by law, the foregoing is
exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties or representation whether expressed or implied, including any implied warranty of merchantability
or fitness. In no event shall MSD Ignition or its suppliers be liable for special or consequential damages.
*Intended normal use means that this item is being used as was originally intended and for the original application as sold by MSD
Ignition. Any modifications to this item or if it is used on an application other than what MSD Ignition markets the product, the warranty will
be void. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to determine that this item will work for the application they are intending. MSD Ignition
will accept no liability for custom applications.