1G Solution to getting tach to work with aftermarket ignition (dis 2, arc 2etc)

[1SIC1Gb]

This is for a 1g, but follow the same steps with a 2g and power probe the wires and it will work just the same .

So there is a lack of info on the subject other than saying you ha e to use a tach adapter . I'm using a dis2 and of coarse am too cheap to buy the adapter, plus I didn't want all the extra wiring if I could avoid it.

Start by removing the cluster, the. As you take it off you will see 2 plugs, one on the tach side and one in the speedo side. We are focusing on the tach side connector . After power probing all of them, I found the white wire to be the input for the cluster.

So clip that white wire with pleanty of room in both sides to strip it, run the tach output wire from your ignition (spade on the msd) and connect that wire to the cluster side white wire you just cut. Solder and heat shrink it and test it out.

Problem solved .

 

[tmoney20g]

I wrote the how-to install a dis-2, and my tach worked fine in my 92 by tapping the proper wire from the power transistor.

My article, about 10 years old now, if not more:
http://my.prostreetonline.com/2013/09/03/how-to-install-a-msd-dis2-in-a-dsm/

 

[1SIC1Gb]

I had no luck getting anything from the power transistor but if you do then that's just as easy. Just thought id post what worked for me

 

[brads]

I wrote the how-to install a dis-2, and my tach worked fine in my 92 by tapping the proper wire from the power transistor.

My article, about 10 years old now, if not more:
http://my.prostreetonline.com/2013/09/03/how-to-install-a-msd-dis2-in-a-dsm/

I think that is the one I looked at, the first time I helped someone else install an MSD. That was what made me design the ARC-2 to be plug n play. That was definitely more than 10 years ago.

FWIW, These directions to wire in at the power transistor worked just fine. And they make it easier than removing the cluster, since you are already cutting/splicing at wires near the transistor to install the CDI.

But please don't be that cheap! I no longer work for the company so this isn't a sales pitch, but I'd still recommend getting the plug n play harness because it simplifies the install, and makes it easier to reverse if you want to remove the ignition, or add a COP later. MSD guys have an excuse, because they don't have the harness available.

 

[tmoney20g]

Thanks brads. I think I had seen, at the time, only 1 other dsm with it which was possibly a drag-only dsm, and there were no other how-to's or anything, and iirc, even the directions for the dis2 itself weren't helpful. I don't even remember how I figured it out, but I got it right the first time and never had a problem.

This time around, I have the arc-2 w/ the plug'n'play ready to go in the car, to fire my COP.

 

[GST with PSI]

I think that is the one I looked at, the first time I helped someone else install an MSD. That was what made me design the ARC-2 to be plug n play. That was definitely more than 10 years ago.

FWIW, These directions to wire in at the power transistor worked just fine. And they make it easier than removing the cluster, since you are already cutting/splicing at wires near the transistor to install the CDI.

But please don't be that cheap! I no longer work for the company so this isn't a sales pitch, but I'd still recommend getting the plug n play harness because it simplifies the install, and makes it easier to reverse if you want to remove the ignition, or add a COP later. MSD guys have an excuse, because they don't have the harness available.

Hey Brad,

I can't seem to locate a 1G specific plug and play harness. Does the 2G harness work? The Galant has the same 3 prong plug as the 91-99, yet everywhere I see the PnP harness listed, it's for 95-99 year models. Thoughts?
http://www.extremepsi.com/store/product.php?productid=23822&cat=0&page=1

Also, are there different ARC-2 models? For example, I'm seeing DARC1-1 and DARC-2 (and various other part numbers) yet the units and specs look the same?

 

[tmoney20g]

2g harness = 1g harness for the ARC2, works on either car (save for any 90 oddities).

i put the "2g" plug'n'play perfectly onto my 92 with zero issues.

 

[brads]

Hey Brad,

I can't seem to locate a 1G specific plug and play harness. Does the 2G harness work? The Galant has the same 3 prong plug as the 91-99, yet everywhere I see the PnP harness listed, it's for 95-99 year models. Thoughts?
http://www.extremepsi.com/store/product.php?productid=23822&cat=0&page=1

As mentioned, the 2G will work for the 91-99. The only other difference will be the mounting bracket. The kit has a 2G bracket. You will probably have to modify the bracket to work for a 1G

Also, are there different ARC-2 models? For example, I'm seeing DARC1-1 and DARC-2 (and various other part numbers) yet the units and specs look the same?

I think there is still just one module for us. There are a bunch of different install kit/harnesses to fit on different bikes and a few for cars. And I have noticed that some of the retailers just use file photos of the module in place of the harness pics when advertising the harness/install kit part number. So it does seem very confusing when trying to find what parts you need.