Hi, I have an Accord V6 with a MSD SCI ignition box. When it was installed a few years back, the intaller used all the wires that came with the ignition box itself. I am currently considering extending both the ground wire and the red wire that goes to the battery. I am not very good when it comes to electrical stuff, so I am seeking help here. The ground wire, currently measure at maybe only 6" long, the red 12V positive wire is probably only 12" long, both wires are 12 gauge. My questions are:

- I was recommended to "step up one gauge" by a MSD technician. I have no idea what that exactly means. "Step up" meaning 14 gauge? Or 10 gauge?
- what's the best way to interconnect extended wire sections with the existing wires? Using butt connector crimped together? Using Male/Female connectors connected together?

I don't want to do anything wrong and cause an ignition malfunction because the box isn't powered or grounded correctly. Any help is appreciated.

thanks!

 

I'm not sure what an ignition box is... but why do you want to extend the wires?

 

Ignition box = Ignition module = replaces ECU's job of controlling ignition sequence = what every drag racer user to have stronger spark, having higher rev limit, and more.

I want to extend the wires because I want to relocate the box to a more suitable location. I am considering getting the Comptech Icebox when it comes out for Accord V6 and my current ignition box location is near the air intake area. But that's not my question? I simply want to know how to safely extend the wires.

 

"Step up" means use a thicker cable, or 10 gauge. (I know, the US wire gauge standard is all backwards isn't it!)

I would recommend against male-female connectors and suggest crimped butt connectors, although the ideal solution is to replace the whole length of wire with a fresh batch. There's a lot of current flowing through a 10 ga. wire, and a defective crimp will heat up rather quickly.

How long are you extending your ignition wires? Those wires are notorious for putting out RF interference pulses, and may affect your radio reception.

 

I am planning on extending about 0.5 to 1 foot for each wire. As for the idea of starting fresh, that's virtually impossible since I'll have to open up the ignition box to do that. It's not recommended to open the ignition box. Could you please explain why the male/female connector method is bad? I was told that this introduces extra resistance into the wire.

I think I might just have to find a clever location to locate the box where the original wires are still reachable.

 

Just get some 10 guage wires and buy some good butt connectors and a good crimper. Or better yet, just bring the MSD ignition box to a good stereo shop and pay them $5, they should be able to do that for you in a few minutes.

 

Yes. That and the fact that it might work itself loose eventually.