Installation

ManualsBrandsMSD ManualsCar8363 Cadillac V8 Distributor w_Vacuum Advance

M S D • W W W . M S D P E R F O R M A N C E . C O M • ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 5 2 0 0 • F A X ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 3 3 4 4

Important: Read these instructions before attempting the installation.

Parts Included:

1 - Pro-Billet Distributor

1 - Rotor, PN 8467

1 - Distributor Cap

V8 - PN 8433

I6 - PN 8014

1 - Wire Retainer

Note: The terminals of this Distributor require spark plug style terminals. You may need to change the

terminals and boots of your wires. MSD offers two kits, PN 8849 or PN 8848, that are supplied with nine

boots and terminals.

TIMING FUNCTIONS

Before continuing with the installation, here are a few deﬁnitions you should be aware of:

Initial Timing: This is the base timing (also referred to as idle timing) of the engine before the centrifugal

advance begins.

Centrifugal Advance: The centrifugal (or mechanical) advance mechanism is made up of weights,

springs, advance cams, and an advance stop bushing. The amount and rate of advance that your

distributor is capable of is determined by the centrifugal timing. If you ever wish to lock out the

centrifugal advance, refer to the centrifugal advance section.

Total Timing: This is the total of the initial timing plus the centrifugal advance added together. Example:

10° Initial + 25° centrifugal = 35° Total Timing (When checking Total timing, disconnect the vacuum

canister and plug the vacuum source).

Vacuum Advance: The vacuum advance will advance the timing up to 10° during partial throttle

driving (with 15 lbs of vacuum). The vacuum line should be routed to a ported vacuum outlet above

the throttle plates.

Note: MSD Distributors are supplied with the heavy (slow) advance springs and the 21° stop bushing

installed. This is to prevent detonation in certain applications. Review the information on pages 2-4

to determine the best advance curve for your application.

2 - 1.5" Self Tapping Screws

2 - 10-32 x 3/4" Socket Head Screws

1 - Advance Kit

1 - Gasket

1 - Tube of Gear Lubricant

1 - Vacuum Advance Lockout Kit

WARNING: Before installing the MSD Distributor, disconnect the battery cables. When discon-

necting the battery cables, always remove the Negative (-) cable ﬁrst and install it last.

MSD Pro-Billet Distributor

Cadillac V8 (368, 425, 472, 500), PN 8363

AMC V8, PN 8519

Jeep Inline-6, PN 8516

Chevrolet Inline-6 (194, 230, 250, 292), PN 8515

ONLINE PRODUCT REGISTRATION: Register your MSD product online and you’ll be entered

in our monthly 8.5mm Super Conductor Spark Plug Wire give-away! Registering your product

will help if there is ever a warranty issue with your product and helps the MSD R&D team create

new products that you ask for! Go to www.msdperformance.com/registration.

Summary of content (8 pages)

PAGE 1
MSD Pro-Billet Distributor Cadillac V8 (368, 425, 472, 500), PN 8363 AMC V8, PN 8519 Jeep Inline-6, PN 8516 Chevrolet Inline-6 (194, 230, 250, 292), PN 8515 ONLINE PRODUCT REGISTRATION: Register your MSD product online and you’ll be entered in our monthly 8.5mm Super Conductor Spark Plug Wire give-away! Registering your product will help if there is ever a warranty issue with your product and helps the MSD R&D team create new products that you ask for! Go to www.msdperformance.com/registration.
PAGE 2
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS CHOOSING AN ADVANCE CURVE The function of the advance curve is to match the ignition timing to the burning rate of the fuel and speed (rpm) of the engine. Any factor that changes the burning rate of the fuel or the engine speed can cause a need for an ignition timing change. Figure 1 shows some of the factors that will affect engine timing.
PAGE 3
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 3 CENTRIFUGAL ADVANCE CURVE SELECTING THE ADVANCE SPRINGS Timing Curve From Factory The rate, or how quick the advance comes in is determined by the type of springs which are installed on the distributor. The MSD distributors are equipped with two Heavy Silver springs installed. These will give you the slowest advance curve possible (Figure 2). The parts kit contains two additional sets of springs which can be used to match the advance curve to your particular application.
PAGE 4
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS SELECTING THE ADVANCE STOP BUSHING BUSHING SIZE Three different advance stop bushings are supplied in the distributor kit. The distributor comes with a Blue (21°) bushing already installed. If a different amount of centrifugal advance is desired, follow the next procedure to change the bushings. The chart in Figure 5 gives the size and approximate degrees for the corresponding bushings.
PAGE 5
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 5 INSTALLING THE DISTRIBUTOR 1. Remove the existing distributor cap without disconnecting any of the spark plug wires. 2. With the cap off, crank the engine until the rotor is aimed at a fixed point on the engine or firewall. Note this position by making a mark (Figure 8). 3. Place the distributor cap back on and note which plug wire the rotor is pointing to. MARK THE SPARK PLUG WIRES and remove the distributor cap. 4. Disconnect the wiring from the distributor. 5.
PAGE 6
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS VACUUM ADVANCE LOCKOUT If you do not want to use the vacuum advance canister, MSD has supplied a lockout mechanism. 1. Remove the two Allen head screws that hold the advance canister (Figure 10). 2. Remove the snap ring that holds the magnetic pickup assembly in place. 3. Gently lift up on the mag pickup plate and slide the vacuum canister out. 4. Install the Lockout Plate in place of the canister. Install the two retaining screws. 5.
PAGE 7
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 7 WARNING: High voltage is present on the coil terminals. Do not touch the terminals or coil tower when the engine is cranking or running. Figure 12 Wiring to an MSD 6-Series Ignition Control. Figure 13 Wiring to an MSD 7-Series Ignition Control. MSD • WWW.MSDPERFORMANCE.
PAGE 8
Note: MSD 6 and 7 Series Ignitions share the same color wiring. Figure 14 Wiring with an MSD 7-Series Ignition and Timing Control. Service In case of malfunction, this MSD component will be repaired free of charge according to the terms of the warranty. When returning MSD components for warranty service, Proof of Purchase must be supplied for verification. After the warranty period has expired, repair service is based on a minimum and maximum fee.