Msd 8394 Digital E-Curve Distributor Installation- User Manual

Msd 8394 Digital E-Curve Distributor Installation

Msd 8394 Digital E-Curve Distributor Installation– 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.

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Table of Contents:

  • Page 2 – CHOOSING AN ADVANCE CURVE; Figure 2 Ignition Timing Factors.
  • Page 3 – • Start the electrical advance just above the idle rpm.; SETTING UP THE DISTRIBUTOR; to the number 1 spark plug wire and start the engine.
  • Page 4 – Figure 3 Available Timing Curves.
  • Page 5 – only; Figure 5 Marking the Rotor Location.; INSTALLING THE DISTRIBUTOR; Figure 6 Modified Block for use with O-Rings.
  • Page 6 – Figure 7 Wiring the Ready-to-Run Chevrolet Distributor.
  • Page 7 – STARTING AND TUNING TIPS; Figure 9 The Timing Tape Installed.
  • Page 8 – Figure 10 Optional Installation by Bolting the Cap Down.; Limited Warranty; or consequential damages.; Service; When returning MSD components for warranty service,; Proof of Purchase; must be supplied for verification. After; M S D
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MSD Pro-Billet Digital E-Curve Distributor

PN 8394 - U.S. Patent 6820602

Important:

  Read these instructions before attempting the installation.

P a r t s I n c l u d e d :

1 - Digital E-Curve Distributor

1 - Rotor, PN 8467

1 - Distributor Cap, PN 8433

1 - Wire Retainer

2 - 1.5" Self Tapping Screws

Note:

  The terminals of this Digital E-Curve 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:

  If the gear is ever replaced, MSD Gear (PN 8531) 

is  required  for  replacement  due  to  the  .500" 

diameter shaft.

DIGITAL E-CURVE FUNCTIONS

RPM LIMIT

This distributor is equipped with an adjustable rev limiter. It 

is adjustable from 5,000 - 10,000 rpm by a rotary dial under 

the  cap  and  rotor  (Figure  1).  The  rpm  will  not  exceed  your 

selected amount to protect the engine from overrev damage. 

TIMING FUNCTIONS

Electronic Advance Curve Operation:

The Electronic Advance Curve is managed by a microprocessor 

built into the ignition module. You can program an electronic timing advance curve by adjusting two 

rotary switches under the distributor cap (Figure 1). A magnetic pickup is used as a trigger device 

that tells the ignition module when to fire the coil. The pickup is triggered by a reluctor mounted to 

the distributor shaft. This means that you have to set the distributor at the highest, or Total, amount 

of advance that you want to achieve (including vacuum advance) and compensate with one of the 

selectable ignition curves (shown on page 4). Following are important definitions that will be used to 

set up your timing. 

1 - 3-Pin Harness

1 - Gasket

1 - Tube of Gear Lubricant

2 - O-Rings

1 - Timing Tape Set, PN 8985

WARNING:

 Before installing the MSD Digital E-Curve Distributor, disconnect the battery cables. 

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

Figure 1 Rotary Dial Adjustments.

Timing

Switch 1

Timing Switch 2

Rev

Limiter

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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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Summary

Page 2 - CHOOSING AN ADVANCE CURVE; Figure 2 Ignition Timing Factors.

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 Electronic Centrifugal Advance: Since  this  distributor  is  all  electronic,  there  really  is  no  mechanical  or  centrifugal  advance....

Page 3 - • Start the electrical advance just above the idle rpm.; SETTING UP THE DISTRIBUTOR; to the number 1 spark plug wire and start the engine.

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 As you can see from the chart, most factors will change throughout the range of the engine operation.  The Digital E-Curve allows you to mak...

Page 4 - Figure 3 Available Timing Curves.

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 3 Available Timing Curves. Figure 4 Advance Curve Switch Position.

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