Basic ignition wiring 101

Since I started with a bare slate, I was wondering if anyone could give any guidance on how to hook up ignition items, i.e. starter, coil, distributor, etc. wiring diagram? Thank you

 

What parts are you re-using? Ignition switch? Partial factory harness? Nothing at all?

 

Rusty, I'm using original harness and ignition switch, putting in a 302. thank you, Mark

 

I'd also be interested in seeing what information develops in this thread as I also soon need to rebuild my 44 year old wire harness and hook up aftermarket ignition items

 

Ok. Are you installing a factory coil, distributor and starter?

 

no sir, i will install new, new, new

 

New as in aftermarket? Or new as in factory style... just new?

 

new as in from Orielys, auto zone, MSD etc

 

You should check out an original wiring diagram just so you are familiar with the factory harness. I am assuming you are using a 1970 harness?

The starter will be straight forward, just wire it up as the factory V8 starter would. It gets a large starter wire from the starter solenoid to the starter 12V+ stud.

The distributor will supply ground to the coil, so connect it to the coil (-) terminal. The coil (+) terminal will get connected to the brown wire from the starter solenoid and also the red/green stripe wire from the ignition switch.

Without knowing the exact coil and distributor, hook it up as factory. You said MSD, but I don't know if you mean coil or distributor...

 

MSD coil, Mallory HEI distributor. I do apologize you have to ask so many questions, I do appreciate the help though

 

No problem. If you tell us what part numbers your coil and distributor have, I bet we can come up with a darn good schematic for you.

Is the starter hookup explanation clear enough for you?

 

Mallory 8555101C HEI Electronic Distributor, not sure of the coil...it's in my storage lot

starter hookup I can decipher, thank you

 

So it's an HEI distributor. Things get easier.

Here is the wiring instructions from Mallory for your distributor:

STEP 6
Connect the lead from the distributor housing into the
connector located on the distributor nearest the cap itself.
To power the distributor, run a 14 gauge automotive grade
wire (non-resistance type) from the ignition switch (12 volt
switched power) to the distributor cap terminal marked
“BAT +”. Use the supplied female spade connector on the
distributor end of the wire. If you choose to run a tachome-
ter that requires a coil - signal, you may connect that wire
to the open distributor cap terminal marked “Coil – “.

So, you will need to run a dedicated 12V+ (START, RUN) wire to the distributor BAT + terminal. Since it is HEI, you will not need to use the brown and red/green wires in the original harness. Simple 1 wire hookup, brother.

 

That seems pretty simple, thanks for the help.

 

Check out this site... Wiring diagrams for you to take a look at. Mav & Comet.

http://www.maverickcomet.com/defaultCookies.asp?T=417871816&UserName=&dock=&Offset=360&LOC=

Ok...edit lol...you'll need to click on, I think, the features tab, then the wiring diagrams...should get you close