Installation User guide

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, 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. Youmayneedtochange 
theterminalsandbootsofyourwires.MSD offerstwo kits,PN8849 or PN 8848 that are supplied 
with nine boots and terminals.
Note: If the gear is ever replaced, 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
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: Th i s is  th e tot a l of th e in i t i al  timing  plus  the  centrifuga l 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 (PN 8361 Only): The vacuum advance will advance the timing up to 10° during 
partial throttle driving  (with 15 in. 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  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
1 - Gasket
1 - Tube of Gear Lubricant
2 - O-Rings
1 - Vacuum Advance Lock-Out Kit
(PN 8361 Only)
WARNING:Beforeinstalling theMSDDistributor, disconnect thebattery cables.When disconnect-
ing the battery cables, always remove the Negative (-) cable first and install it last.
MSD Pro-Billet Chevrolet V8 Distributor
PN 85551and PN 8589
with Vacuum Advance, PN 8361
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)