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MSD Pro-Billet Chrysler V8 Distributor
PN 8534 - 273, 318, 360
PN 8543 - 331/354 Early Hemi
PN 8544 - 392 Early Hemi
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Important: Read these instructions before attempting the installation.
Note: An MSD Ignition Control is required to use these distributors.
Parts Includ 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
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.
1 - Advance Kit
1 - O-Ring
1 - Vacuum Advance Lock-Out Kit
(Hemis Only)
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
the vacuum canister and plug the vacuum source.)
Vacuum Advance (Hemis Only): 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 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.
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2 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
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) of the engine. Any factor that changes the burning rate of the fuel or the engine speed
can cause a need for an ignition timing change. Figure 1 shows some of the factors that will affect
engine timing.
FACTOR Advance Timing Retard Timing
For For
Cylinder Pressure Low High
Vacuum High Low
Energy of Ignition Low High
Fuel Octane High Low
Mixture (Air/Fuel) Rich Lean
Temperature Cool Hot
Combustion Chamber Shape Open Compact
Spark Plug Location Offset Center
Combustion Turbulence Low High
Load Light Heavy
Figure 1 Ignition Timing Factors.
As you can see from the chart, most factors will change throughout the range of the engine operation.
The timing mechanism of the distributor must make timing changes based on these factors.
Example: An engine has 11:1 compression with a high energy ignition. With the specifications given,
you will have to retard the timing for the high compression and high energy ignition. By comparing
the engine’s specifications against the chart, a usable timing guideline can be found. Engines with
a combination of items from both columns will require a timing that is set in the mid range.
Obviously a full technical explanation of correct ignition timing would be very complicated. The best
way to arrive at a suitable ignition curve for your engine is to use the Ignition Timing Factors Chart
as a guide and compare it to the Advance Graphs in Figure 4 until a suitable curve is found. When
selecting your advance curve, use detonation (engine ping) as an indicator of too much advance,
and a decrease in power as an indicator of too little advance.
TIPS ON SELECTING AN ADVANCE CURVE
• Use as much initial advance as possible without encountering excessive starter load.
• Start the centrifugal advance just above the idle rpm.
• The starting point of the centrifugal advance curve is controlled by the installed length and
tension of the spring.
• How quickly the centrifugal advance (slope) comes in is controlled by the spring stiffness. The
stiffer the spring, the slower the advance curve.
• The amount of advance is controlled by the advance bushing. The bigger the bushing, the
smaller the amount of advance.
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 3
CENTRIFUGAL ADVANCE CURVE
SELECTING THE ADVANCE SPRINGS
The rate, or how quick the advance comes in
is determined by the type of springs which are
installed on the distributor. The MSD distributors
are equipped wi th two Heavy Silver springs
installed. These will give you the slowest advance
curve possible (Figure 2). The parts kit contains
two additional sets of springs which can be used
to match the advance curve to y our particular
application. Refer to the Spring Combination
Chart (Figure 3) for combinations that can be
achieved.
To change the springs, remove the cap and rotor
and use needlenose pliers to remove the springs.
Be sure the new springs seat in the groove on
the pin.
Timing Curve From Factory
Figure 2 The Factory Equipped Curve.
SPRING COMBINATION RATE OF ADVANCE FIGURE 4
2- Heavy Silver SLOWEST A
1- Heavy Silver B
1- Light Blue
1-Heavy Silver C
1-Light Silver
2- Light Blue D
1- Light Silver E
1- Light Blue
2- Light Silver FASTEST F
Figure 3 Spring Combination Chart.
Figure 4 Advance Curves.
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4 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
SELECTING THE ADVANCE STOP
BUSHING
Three different advance stop bushings are supplied
in the distributor kit. The distributor comes with a
Blue (21°) bushing already installed. If a different
amount of centrifugal advance is desired, follow the
next procedure to change the bushings. The chart
in Figure 5 gives the size and approximate degrees
for the corresponding bushings.
CHANGING THE ADVANCE STOP
BUSHINGS
1. Remove the distributor cap and rotor.
2. Remove the locknut and washer on the bottom of
the advance assembly (Figure 6).
3. Remove the bushing and install the new one.
Install the washer and locknut.
BUSHING SIZE APPROXIMATE
CRANKSHAFT
DEGREES
Red-Smallest 28
Silver 25
Blue 21
Black-Largest 18
Figure 5 Advance Stop Bushing Chart.
LOCKING OUT THE CENTRIFUGAL
ADVANCE
1. Remove the advance components including the
springs, weights and the advance stop bushing
from the advance assembly.
2. Remove the roll-pin from the shaft collar and slide
the shaft two inches out of the housing.
3. Rotate the shaft 180° and insert the advance stop
bushing pin into the small hole on the advance
plate (Figure 7).
4. Install the locknut and washer to the advance stop
bushing pin. This locks the advance in place.
5. Install the shaft collar and roll-pin.
Note: If you want to lock out the vacuum advance of
the Early Hemi Distributors, see page 6.
Figure 6 Changing the Advance Stop Bushing.
Figure 6 Locking Out the Centrifugal Advance.
Figure 7 Locking Out the Advance.
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 5
INSTALLING THE DISTRIBUTOR
1. Remove the existing distributor cap without
disconnecting any of the spark plug wires.
2. With the cap off, crank the engine until the
rotor is aimed at a fixed point on the engine or
firewall. Note this position by making a mark
(Figure 8).
3. Place the distributor cap back on and note
which plug wire the rotor is pointing to. MARK
THE SPARK PLUG WIRES and remove the
distributor cap.
4. Disconnect the wiring from the distributor.
5. Loosen the distributor hold down clamp,
slide the clamp out of the way and lift the
distributor out of the engine.
6. Install the new O-ring and install the new
distributor making sure that the rotor
comes to rest pointing at the fixed mark.
If the distributor will not fully seat with the
rotor pointing to the marked position, you
may need to rotate the oil pump shaft until
the rotor lines up and the distributor fully
seats.
7. Position and tighten the hold down clamp onto
the distributor.
8. Install the distributor cap and spark plug wires
one at a time to ensure correct location. An
optional wire retainer is supplied to secure
the wires in place. Align the mounting
bosses and use the supplied 1.5" selftapping Phillips screws to hold the retainer
in place.
Figure 8 Marking the Rotor Location.
Installation Option: This Cap can also be
bolted down to an MSD Pro-Billet or Billet
Distributor base with the supplied hardware.
To accomplish this, the spring clips must be
cut off (Figure 9).
Note: When the cap is bolted down, the
location of the spark plug wires must
be changed.
Figure 9 Optional Installation by Bolting Cap Down.
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6 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
VACUUM ADVANCE LOCKOUT
If you do not want to use the vacuum advance
canister of the PN 8543 or PN 8544, MSD has
supplied a lockout mechanism.
1. Remove the two Allen head screws that hold
the advance canister (Figure 10).
2. Remove the snap ring that holds the magnetic
pickup assembly in place.
3. Gently lift up on the mag pickup plate and slide
the vacuum canister out.
4. Install the Lockout Plate in place of the canister.
Install the two retaining screws.
5. Install the supplied screw and washer through
the Lockout and tighten.
6. It is important to make sure the pickup plate
is parallel with the housing of the distributor
(Figure 11). If it is cocked or slanted, the
paddles of the reluctor may contact the pickup.
Check the clearance by rotating the distributor
shaft. If necessary, use the supplied shims
under the Lockout hold-down to correctly
position the pickup plate.
Note: If no shims were required, use one beneath
the washer of the Lock-Out Hold Down
Screw.
RELUCTOR
PADDLES
SNAP
RING
Figure 10 Removing the Vacuum Canister.
MAG PICKUP
PLATE
CANISTER
SCREWS
Note: Do not forget to plug the original vacuum
advance hose.
Figure 11 Checking Installation of the Lockout Plate.
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 7
WARNING: High voltage is present on the coil terminals. Do not touch the terminals or coil tower
when the engine is cranking or running.
Figure 12 Wiring to an MSD 6-Series Ignition Control.
Figure 13 Wiring to an MSD 7-Series Ignition Control.
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Note: MSD 6 and 7 Series Ignitions share the same color wiring.
Figure 14 Wiring with an MSD 7-Series Ignition and Timing Control.
Service
In case of malfunction, this MSD component will be repaired free of charge according to the terms of the warranty.
When returning MSD components for warranty service, Proof of Purchase must be supplied for verification. After
the warranty period has expired, repair service is based on a minimum and maximum fee.
All returns must have a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number issued to them before
being returned. To obtain an RMA number please contact MSD Customer Service at 1 (888) MSD-7859 or visit
our website at www.msdperformance.com/rma to automatically obtain a number and shipping information.
When returning the unit for repair, leave all wires at the length in which you have them installed. Be sure to include
a detailed account of any problems experienced, and what components and accessories are installed on the vehicle.
The repaired unit will be returned as soon as possible using Ground shipping methods (ground shipping is covered
by warranty). For more information, call MSD at (915) 855-7123. MSD technicians are available from 7:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday (mountain time).
Limited Warranty
M
SD warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under its intended normal use*,
when properly installed and purchased from an authorized MSD dealer, for a period of one year from the date of
the original purchase. This warranty is void for any products purchased through auction websites. If found to be
defective as mentioned above, it will be repaired or replaced at the option of MSD. Any item that is covered under
this warranty will be returned free of charge using Ground shipping methods.
This shall constitute the sole remedy of the purchaser and the sole liability of MSD. To the extent permitted by
law, the foregoing is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties or representation whether expressed or implied,
including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness. In no event shall MSD or its suppliers be liable for special
or consequential damages.
*Intended normal use means that this item is being used as was originally intended and for the original application
as sold by MSD. Any modifications to this item or if it is used on an application other than what MSD markets the
product, the warranty will be void. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to determine that this item will work for
the application they are intending. MSD will accept no liability for custom applications.
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© 2012 Autotr onic Contro ls Corporat ion
FRM29056 Revised 12/11 Printed in U.S.A.
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