Msd 85501 Chevy V8 Pro-Billet Distributor Installation- User Manual

Msd 85501 Chevy V8 Pro-Billet Distributor Installation

Msd 85501 Chevy V8 Pro-Billet 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; FACTOR; Figure 1 Ignition Timing Factors.; TIPS ON SELECTING AN ADVANCE CURVE
  • Page 3 – CENTRIFUGAL ADVANCE CURVE; SELECTING THE ADVANCE; Figure 4 Advance Curves.; Timing Curve From Factory; Figure 3 Spring Combination Chart.; SPRING COMBINATION; SLOWEST
  • Page 4 – Figure 6 Changing the Advance Stop Bushing.; BUSHING SIZE; Silver
  • Page 5 – ADJUSTING THE SLIP COLLAR; until it bottoms out against the oil pump drive.; CHECKING GEAR MESH; collar to obtain the correct mesh.; Checking the Oil Pump to Distributor Shaft Overlap; Figure 8 Measuring Oil Pump Shaft Overlap.
  • Page 6 – only be used if the block has been; Figure 9 Marking the Rotor Location.; INSTALLING THE DISTRIBUTOR; Figure 10 Modified Block for use with O-Rings.; Installation Option: This Cap can also be
  • Page 7 – Figure 12 Wiring to an MSD 6-Series Ignition Control.; coil tower when the engine is cranking or running.
  • Page 8 – Figure 14 Wiring with an MSD 7-Series Ignition and Timing Control.; Note: MSD 6 and 7 Series Ignitions; share the same color wiring.; 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
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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 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.

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Summary

Page 2 - CHOOSING AN ADVANCE CURVE; FACTOR; Figure 1 Ignition Timing Factors.; TIPS ON SELECTING AN ADVANCE CURVE

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 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)...

Page 3 - CENTRIFUGAL ADVANCE CURVE; SELECTING THE ADVANCE; Figure 4 Advance Curves.; Timing Curve From Factory; Figure 3 Spring Combination Chart.; SPRING COMBINATION; SLOWEST

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 sp...

Page 4 - Figure 6 Changing the Advance Stop Bushing.; BUSHING SIZE; Silver

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 ...

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