Mallory Ignition 8555101C, 8555401C, 8556701C, 8560001C User Manual

FORM 1511M 06/04

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

GM STYLE HEI LARGE CAP DISTRIBUTORS

FOR FORD AND AMC V8 ENGINES

OLD DISTRIBUTOR REMOVAL

STEP 1

Disconnect all wire connections at the distributor. Locate
the spark plug wire on the original distributor cap that is
used to set engine timing. See service manual for this
location. Mark the distributor cap and distributor
housing at this spark plug wire position.

STEP 2

Turn the engine crankshaft in the direction of rotation
until the timing mark lines up with the top dead center
(TDC) mark on the timing tab. See service manual for
these locations.

STEP 3

Remove the distributor cap from the distributor. Do not
remove the spark plug wires at this time. Make sure the
rotor blade points to the mark on the distributor housing
(from Step 1). If it does not, repeat Step 2 until the timing
mark lines up (again) with the TDC mark on the timing tab.

NOTE: Once you are finished with Step 3, DO NOT turn
the crankshaft until the new distributor is installed.

STEP 4

Note the direction the rotor is pointing as well as the
location of the vacuum canister. Remove the distributor
hold down clamp and remove the distributor from
the engine.

NEW DISTRIBUTOR INSTALLATION

STEP 1

To insure you have sufficient clearance for the new, larger
diameter housing, place the new Mallory distributor into the
engine, watching for possible points of interference.
Position the vacuum chamber in a manner that allows the
hose to easily be accessed. You may have to do some
minor clearance work on accessory brackets, relocate line
or hoses, etc. It may help to remove the distributor cap
during this stage. After you have checked for clearance,
remove the distributor from the engine.

SPECIAL FEATURE

This distributor has been designed to allow for the cap to
be installed in 4 different positions to allow for ease of
installation and additional clearance.

STEP 2

Remove the cap from your Mallory distributor.

STEP 3

Lower the distributor housing into the engine positioning
the vacuum chamber in the same position as in step 1.
Select the terminal on the distributor cap that the rotor is

pointing at and designate that as number 1. This can be
any terminal in the cap. Mark the cap and them install it on
your Mallory distributor.

STEP 4

Install the distributor clamp and tighten it enough to put
some drag on the distributor flange, but still allow for some
rotation to adjust the timing.

STEP 5

Remove the number 1 spark plug wire from the old cap and
install it on your new cap on the terminal you designated as
number 1 cylinder location in Step 3. Continue to install
the balance of the wires, one at a time and in rotation until
all 8 wires have been transferred to the new cap.

NOTE: If the distributor you are replacing was equipped
with the older design female style towers on the distrib­utor cap, you will need to install the proper boots and
terminals, using Mallory HEI Boot and Terminal Kit # 669
or install a new set of spark plug wires such as
Mallory’s Pro Sidewinder Series.

STEP 6

Connect the lead from the distributor housing into the
connector located on the distributor nearest the cap itself.
To power the distributor, run a 14 gauge automotive grade
wire (non-resistance type) from the ignition switch (12 volt
switched power) to the distributor cap terminal marked
“BAT +”. Use the supplied female spade connector on the
distributor end of the wire. If you choose to run a tachome­ter that requires a coil - signal, you may connect that wire
to the open distributor cap terminal marked “Coil – “.

STARTING THE ENGINE

CAUTION: Be sure all tools, wires and miscellaneous
objects are clear of moving engine parts and extreme
heat before starting the engine.

STEP 1

Check and clean, or replace spark plugs. If replacing
spark plugs, use types recommended by the engine
manufacturer.

STEP 2

Connect timing light and start the engine. If the
engine fails to start, rotate the distributor clockwise or
counterclockwise until the engine starts. Do not exceed
more than ten degrees of distributor housing rotation in
either direction.

STEP 3

Set timing as recommended by the engine manufacturer,
then tighten the distributor hold down clamp.

MALLORY IS A DIVISION OF THE MR. GASKET PERFORMANCE GROUP
10601 MEMPHIS AVE. #12, CLEVELAND, OH 44144

216.688.8300 FAX [phone]

www.mrgasket.com 1

FORM 1511M

06/04

Made in U.S.A.

Printed in U.S.A.