Msd 8552 Buick 400-430-455 V8 Ready to Run Distributor- User Manual
Msd 8552 Buick 400-430-455 V8 Ready to Run Distributor– 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; Figure 2 The Factory Equipped Curve.; Timing Curve From Factory; Figure 3 Spring Combination Chart.; SPRING COMBINATION; SELECTING THE ADVANCE SPRINGS; Figure 4 Advance Curves.
- Page 4 – Figure 6 Changing the Advance Stop Bushing.; Note: If you want to lock out the vacuum advance,; Figure 6 Locking Out the Centrifugal Advance.; BUSHING SIZE; Silver
- Page 5 – Figure 8 Marking the Rotor Location.; INSTALLING THE DISTRIBUTOR; Figure 9 Optional Installation by Bolting Cap Down.; Installation Option: This Cap can also be
- Page 6 – VACUUM ADVANCE LOCKOUT; Note: If no shims were required, use one beneath the; Figure 11 Checking Installation of the Lockout Plate.
- Page 7 – Figure 13 Wiring to an MSD Ignition Control.; when the engine is cranking or running.; GRAY TO
- Page 8 – to connect to the tach with another tee-splice coming off to use for; Figure 15 Setting the Rev Limiter.; 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
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 Distributor
Buick 400, 430, 455 - PN 8552
Buick Nailhead - PN 8524
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.
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
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 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.
"Loading the manual" means you need to wait until the file loads and becomes available for online reading. Some manuals are very large, and the time they take to appear depends on your internet speed.
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 Figure 2 The Factory Equipped Curve. Timing Curve From Factory Figure 3 Spring Combination Chart. SPRING COMBIN...
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...
