Msd 85551 Chevy V8 Pro-Billet Distributor Installation- User Manual
Msd 85551 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.
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.
- 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 – only be used if the; Figure 8 Marking the Rotor Location.; INSTALLING THE DISTRIBUTOR; Figure 9 Modified Block for use with O-Rings.; Installation Option: This Cap can also be
- Page 6 – VACUUM ADVANCE LOCKOUT; Note: If no shims were required, use one beneath; Figure 12 Checking Installation of the Lockout Plate.
- Page 7 – Figure 13 Wiring to an MSD 6-Series Ignition Control.; coil tower when the engine is cranking or running.
- Page 8 – Figure 15 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
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.
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: 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: 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.)
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: 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 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.
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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 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)...
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...
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 ...
