Installation User guide

ManualsBrandsMSD ManualsCar85501 Chevy V8 Pro-Billet Distributor

Important: Read these instructions before attempting the installation.

Parts Included:

1 - Pro-Billet Distributor

1 - Rotor, PN 8467

1 - Distributor Cap, PN 8433

1 - Wire Retainer

2 - 1.5" Self Tapping Screws

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

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.

Note: MSD Gear (PN 8531) is required for replacement due to the .500" diameter shaft.

Note: A replacement Black cap is available as PN 84333.

TIMING FUNCTIONS

Note: The PN 85501 does not have a mechanical advance.

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.)

Note: MSD Distributors are supplied with the heavy (slow) advance springs 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.

1 - Advance Kit (PN 85561, 8547 only)

1 - Gasket

1 - Tube of Gear Lubricant

2 - O-Rings

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

disconnecting the battery cables, always remove the Negative (-) cable ﬁrst

and install it last.

MSD Pro-Billet Chevrolet V8 Distributor

with Slip Collar, PN 85561

Extra Tall, PN 8547

with Locked-Out Timing, PN 85501

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

ONLINE PRODUCT REGISTRATION: Register your MSD product online. 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 Chevrolet V8 Distributor with Slip Collar, PN 85561 Extra Tall, PN 8547 with Locked-Out Timing, PN 85501 ONLINE PRODUCT REGISTRATION: Register your MSD product online. 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. Important: Read these instructions before attempting the installation.
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 ADJUSTING THE SLIP COLLAR Before installing the Pro-Billet Distributor, the slip collar adjustment must be set, follow this procedure. 1. Install the gasket to the housing then loosen the slip collar and insert the distributor into the engine until it bottoms out against the oil pump drive. 2. After it bottoms out, raise the distributor 0.010" - 0.030" then slide the slip collar down into position and tighten it.
PAGE 6
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 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 9). 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.
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. FROM IGNITION KEY (ORIGINAL COIL WIRE) RED (NOT USED) WHITE ORANGE REV LIMITER BLACK DIGITAL 6AL GRAY TACH OUTPUT VIOLET GREEN MAGNETIC PICKUP GREEN PN 8860 HARNESS VIOLET Figure 12 Wiring to an MSD 6-Series Ignition Control.
PAGE 8
HEAVY RED TO BATTERY HEAVY BLACK + + TO BATTERY ORANGE BLACK C+ CIGN NOT USED M- SWITCHED 12 VOLTS FROM IGNITION KEY YELLOW WHITE RED M+ NOT USED TIMING CONTROL RED PTS WHITE T A C H Note: MSD 6 and 7 Series Ignitions share the same color wiring. TO GROUND 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.