MSD 6014 Ignition Control Instruction Manual

Manual MSD 6014 Ignition Control Instruction Manual

MSD 6014 Ignition Control Instruction Manual

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MSD 6014 Ignition Control

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MSD 6014 Ignition Control Instructions

Here we offer the MSD 6014 Ignition Control manual completely free and in English. We have cataloged this manual in the Ignition Boxes section on Manualverse, and it has been rated by 1 users with an average rating of 5. If you have any specific questions about MSD 6014 Ignition Control, we suggest checking the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of this manual.


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MSD 6014 Ignition Control Specifications

Feature Specification
Manufacturer MSD
Part Numbers PN 6014 / 60143
Application GM LS series engines
Crank/Cam Configurations 24x/1x and 58x/4x (detected automatically from the reluctor wheel pattern)
Pre-Programmed Timing Tables 6 (cannot be edited): Truck, LS1, LS2-3-6-7 and HO versions
Customizable Timing Maps 4 (Custom 1 = timing plot by engine speed and MAP; Custom 2-4 = 3-D timing tables)
Table Selection Front rotary dial, can be changed on the fly
HO Tables 4-5 extra degrees of timing at wide open throttle; for 91-93 octane fuel only
Built-in MAP Sensor 2.5 Bar, 1/4" Camozzi fitting
Data Logging Memory 8 MB internal
Recording Limit 10 minutes each time Data Acquisition is enabled
Power Requirement 30 A fused power source through a relay (relay rated 30 A minimum); do not power through the ignition key switch
Battery Fault Threshold Below 9 V or above 18 V
Recommended Ignition Voltage Above 12 V
Tach Output 12-volt square wave (gray wire)
Step Retard Input Pink wire, turned on with +12 V
Launch Rev Limiter (Two-Step) Input Blue wire, turned on with +12 V
Latched Launch Re-Arm Point Engine speed must fall below 7/8 of the set Launch RPM
Launch Retard Window 10 seconds after the launch wire is released
Coil Type Settings Auto, LS1 (LS1/6), LS2/3/7, Truck
Main Harness Connector 16-pin
Cam/Crank Connector 10-pin
Cam/Crank Extension Harnesses 22791 (24x crank / 1x cam, rear), 2279 (24x crank / 1x cam, front), 2278 (58x crank / 4x cam, front)
Coolant Temp Sensor (Optional) GM PN 12608814 (stock LS sensor)
Default ECT Value (Sensor Missing or Faulted) 50°C (122°F)
Programming Software MSDView, connected by USB
Bench Programming Runs on USB power alone; no external power needed
Construction Fully potted, mounted on rubber isolators
Spark Plug Wires Solid core wires cannot be used
Parts Included Controller, main wiring harness, 24x crank/cam pigtail, 58x crank/cam pigtail, sub harness, USB cable, mounting kit, MSDView USB drive
Warranty 1 year from the original purchase date

MSD 6014 Ignition Control Details

The MSD 6014 LS Ignition Control is a standalone spark controller for GM LS engines. The main harness connects to the passenger-side coils (2-4-6-8) and the driver-side coils (1-3-5-7) through separate 8-pin coil connectors. A sub harness connects to the crank and cam sensors. Disconnect the battery before installation, removing the negative cable first. Mount the unit in a sturdy, dry place away from extreme heat. Although the unit is potted, do not submerge it or spray it directly with a power washer.

MSDView must be installed on the PC before you connect the controller. The installer runs from the included flash drive with autorun.exe. The first time you connect, the software may ask to install updates. Changes are applied to the unit in real time. You can save several calibration files to the PC and load them back for different setups. If you hover the mouse over a setting, a short explanation appears. The basic settings include the maximum and launch rev limiters, the latched two-step option, coil dwell type and Idle Timing Control.

Turn on Idle Timing Control on engines with a computer-controlled IAC. When it is on, idle timing changes constantly, so it may appear to jump around under a timing light. The Custom 1 map works like the MSD 6010/6012 controllers. Its Engine Speed plot replaces distributor springs and weights, and its MAP plot works like a vacuum advance canister with boost retard. Custom 2-4 share the same axes. You can change the axis units, for example to improve MAP resolution on naturally aspirated engines.

Final timing is the sum of the selected table, the temperature correction and the individual cylinder offsets. The per-cylinder tables use the same load and RPM axes as the custom tables. Positive values advance timing and negative values retard it. The temperature table pulls timing as the engine gets hotter. Its values assume the stock GM coolant sensor. Keep the cells around 50°C at zero, because the controller uses that value when the sensor is missing.

The Step Retard function is designed for nitrous and other power adders. You set Total Retard, Minimum Engine Speed, On Ramp Time, Off Delay and Off Ramp Time. For example, 10 degrees of retard with a 1-second ramp removes 1 degree every 0.1 seconds. The Off Delay helps clear leftover nitrous from the intake before timing ramps back in. A separate Launch Retard table, based on Time From Launch, adjusts timing to improve traction just after launch.

You can configure data acquisition with a master switch, a start RPM, a stop RPM, a maximum recording length and an option to start only when the launch wire is active. The recorded channels include RPM, timing, MAP, launch and step retard inputs, ECT, ignition voltage and sensor faults. Monitors show the dial position, run time, rev limit source, free storage and Time From Launch. Alerts cover EEPROM and flash errors, a full flash memory, and a buffer warning at 90%.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can't find the answer you need? Here are some frequently asked questions about the MSD 6014 Ignition Control, and we answer them below.


Do I need to choose 24x or 58x crank configuration manually?
No. The controller detects 24x/1x or 58x/4x automatically from the reluctor wheel pattern.

Can I program the MSD 6014 without wiring it to the vehicle?
Yes. The unit can run on USB power alone, so you can set it up on the bench with a laptop or desktop running MSDView.

How should the controller be powered?
Use a 30 A fused power source through a relay rated at least 30 A. Connect the red wire to the relay output and trigger the relay with keyed 12 V. Do not power the unit directly through the ignition key switch.

Is the coolant temperature sensor required?
No. It is optional but recommended. Without it, the controller assumes 50°C (122°F) and an ECT diagnostic is shown, but the unit still works normally. Use the stock GM sensor, PN 12608814.

Which timing tables can I edit?
Only Custom 1-4. The six pre-programmed tables (Truck, LS1, LS2-3-6-7 and their HO versions) cannot be modified.

When should I use the HO tables?
Only with high octane fuel (91-93). They add 4-5 degrees of timing at wide open throttle compared with the regular tables.

What does the Latched setting do for the launch limiter?
When it is enabled, the launch limiter can turn on only after RPM falls below 7/8 of the set value. For example, with a 4000 RPM limit, RPM must drop below 3500. This prevents accidental activation at high RPM.

Why does my idle timing appear to jump around?
When Idle Timing Control is enabled, the controller adjusts timing constantly to stabilize idle speed. Some movement under a timing light is normal.

Why did data recording stop?
Each time Data Acquisition is enabled, recording is limited to 10 minutes. To continue, disable and re-enable it. Recording also stops when the 8 MB memory is full, so delete old recordings to free space.

What voltage triggers a battery fault?
A battery fault is set when supply voltage falls below 9 V or rises above 18 V. Keep ignition voltage above 12 V so the coils get proper power.

Can I use solid core spark plug wires?
No. Solid core spark plug wires cannot be used with an MSD Ignition Control.

What is the warranty coverage?
The warranty covers defects for one year from the original purchase date when the product is bought from an authorized MSD dealer. Returns require proof of purchase and an RMA number.

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