Msd 8383 Ford Y Block Ready-to-Run Distributor Install- User Manual
Msd 8383 Ford Y Block Ready-to-Run Distributor Install– User Manual, read for free online in PDF format. We hope this helps you resolve any issues you may have. If you have further questions, please contact us through the contact form.
Table of Contents:
- Page 2 – RPM LIMIT AND TACHOMETER INFORMATION; CHOOSING AN ADVANCE CURVE; FACTOR; Figure 1 Ignition Timing Factors.; TIPS ON SELECTING AN ADVANCE CURVE
- Page 3 – CENTRIFUGAL ADVANCE CURVE; SELECTING THE ADVANCE SPRINGS; Figure 2 The Factory Equipped Curve.; Timing Curve From Factory; SPRING COMBINATION; Figure 4 Advance Curves.
- Page 4 – Figure 6 Changing the Advance Stop Bushing.; Note: If you want to lock out the vacuum advance,; Figure 8 Locking Out the Advance.; BUSHING SIZE; Silver
- Page 5 – Figure 9 Marking the Rotor Location.; INSTALLING THE DISTRIBUTOR
- Page 6 – VACUUM ADVANCE LOCKOUT; Note: If no shims were required, use one; Figure 11 Checking Installation of the Lockout Plate.
- Page 7 – Figure 13 Wiring to an MSD Ignition Control.; coil tower when the engine is cranking or running.; GRAY TO
- Page 8 – Limited Warranty; or consequential damages.; Service; When returning MSD components for warranty service,; Proof of Purchase must be supplied for verification. After; All returns must have a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number; issued to them before; M S D; Figure 14 Setting the Rev Limiter.; TACHOMETER INFORMATION; to connect to the tach with another tee-splice coming off to use for
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
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WARNING: Before installing the MSD Distributor, disconnect the battery cables. When disconnect-
ing the battery cables, always remove the Negative (-) cable first and install it last.
MSD Pro-Billet Ready to Run Distributor
Ford Y-Block, PN 8383
Ford FE, PN 8595
Important:
Read these instructions before attempting the installation.
P a r t s I n c l u d e d :
1 - Pro-Billet Distributor
1 - Rotor, PN 8467
1 - Distributor Cap, PN 8431
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.
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 and cap the
vacuum canister and plug the vacuum line.)
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.
1 - Advance Kit
1 - Gasket/O-Ring
1 - Tube of Gear Lubricant
1 - Vacuum Advance Lock-Out Kit
1 - 3-Pin Harness
1 - Gray Tach Jumper
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Summary
2 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 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 RPM LIMIT AND TACHOMETER INFORMATION Tach Signal: The Ready-to-Run Distributor features a Gray Tach Output wire which provides a clean signa...
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 3 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 CENTRIFUGAL ADVANCE CURVE SELECTING THE ADVANCE SPRINGS The rate, or how quick the advance comes in is determined by the type of springs whi...
4 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 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 Figure 6 Changing the Advance Stop Bushing. SELECTING THE ADVANCE STOP BUSHING Three different advance stop bushings are supplied in the dis...
