I have a 70 malibu that I'm converting to a 454. The car has a points system and an externally regulated alt. I'm putting in a msd dist. 6al box and blaster coil, also switching to a 100 amp 3-wire alt. I've read alot of posts and am still wondering a few things. Is the tech reference article from wes all I have to do. does his set-up do the sensing I hear about. and I hear about a fusible link, also should I increase the guage of the wires. I dont have any fans,stereo,etc.And the points swap I know I have to get a switched 12v source and get rid of the resistor wire. I know that I can go to the fuse block to the ign term on there, but wondering if anywhere closer to connect to. Also there was the second wire, i think a yellow connected with the resistor wire on the coil that went to the starter. I've read to get rid of this wire, is that true. does anything go there in its place. I'm sorry if this is confusing but I'm a rookie and dont understand alot of what is talked about in the forums. I'm alone on this hobby so you guys are all I have to ask questions about. Thanks for all the help guys!!!

"I've read alot of posts and am still wondering a few things. Is the tech reference article from wes all I have to do. does his set-up do the sensing I hear about. and I hear about a fusible link, also should I increase the guage of the wires. I dont have any fans,stereo,etc."

If you aren't adding anything to the car you really don't have to increase the wire size.

"And the points swap I know I have to get a switched 12v source and get rid of the resistor wire. I know that I can go to the fuse block to the ign term on there, but wondering if anywhere closer to connect to."

You could completly remove the resistor wire and replace it. For me it's easier to add the wire back to the IGN terminal.


"Also there was the second wire, i think a yellow connected with the resistor wire on the coil that went to the starter. I've read to get rid of this wire, is that true. does anything go there in its place."

The yellow isn't needed with a HEI setup. I just tie it back into the wire bundle on top so it doesn't touch anything.

"I know I have to get a switched 12v source and get rid of the resistor wire."

When installing an MSD 6AL you don't need to bypass the factory resistor wire. The red input to the 6AL is used for switching only, turns on the ignition, there is no load or current flow. The 6AL heavy red + and heavy black - connect to the battery, these two wires provide the power, voltage/current, used by the ignition.

Thanks for the replys guys! I'm glad I can use the resistor wire for the msd. and is this the correct way to hook up the 3-wire setup. http://www.chevelles.com/techref/ftecref14.html. also is it ok to hook up the power wires to the starter and ground it to the block for the msd box. And if there is anything else I forgot on the alt. and dist swap I'd really appreciate it. Thanks for the help!!

any help guys!!

Yes you can get the MSD power from the starter, I would use a 16 ga fusible link but that's up to you. Grounding to the engine works also.

Not sure what alternator you plan to use, This (http://www.chevelles.com/techref/tr14b.gif) diagram is for an SI, for remote sense connect the #2 wire to the horn relay rather than the alternator output terminal. I would use 12 ga wire. If using a CS the red wire is the remote sense and will connect to the horn relay using 12 ga wire.

If using a BAT indicating light you will likely need to install a diode in the brown wire. If you don't the engine can continue to run after switching the ignition off. It can be installed between the brown and blue with the color band toward the blue wire. See this pic. (http://www.chevelles.com/techref/tr14ab.gif)

thanks for the help again colby!! I dont know the difference between a si or cs but its a tough stuff 100 amp 3-wire and the rear looks like the one in the diagram. so the red wire that was said to be added from #2 to the alt. output doesnt go there, just run a wire from#2 to the horn relay!! Is that where I hear being called the main distribution block. Thanks for all your help!!

Yes the horn relay is the main power distribution point.

Thanks again,so the red wire that was said to be added from #2 to the alt. output doesnt go there, just run a wire from#2 to the horn relay!!

#2 is the alternator sense line. The alternator will work tying that line to the alternator rear B+ terminal. Tying it over to the horn relay is a better spot if you have added some large power items to the car.

thanks alot for the help!!