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MSD Pro-Billet Ready-to-Run
Ford Flathead, 1949-1953
PN 8573
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Important: Read these instructions before attempting the installation.
Parts Included:
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 Ready-to-Run Distributor, disconnect the battery cables. When
disconnecting the battery cables, always remove the Negative (-) cable first and install it last.
Note: The terminals of this Ready-to-Run 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.
1 - Advance Kit
1 - 3-Pin Harness
1 - Tube of Gear Lubricant
1 - Vacuum Advance Lock-Out Kit
1 - Gear Spacing Tool
1 - Gear and Hardware
1 - Gray Tach Jumper
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.
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2 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
RPM LIMIT AND TACHOMETER INFORMATION
Tach Signal: The Ready-to-Run Distributor features a Gray Tach Output wire which provides a clean signal
for most tachometers and even some aftermarket fuel injection systems. The signal output
is a 12 volt square wave, 20° duty cycle. This wire is also responsible for programming the
built-in rev limiter.
Rev Limiter: The Ready-to-Run Distributor has a built-in rev limit that can easily be adjusted from 2,000
rpm to over 10,000 rpm. The default is 10,000 rpm. To set the rev limiter, run the engine to half
the desired rpm then ground the Gray Tach wire (a jumper is supplied) for approximately one
second. Every time the key is turned to the On position, the tach will display the programmed
rpm limit. See page 8 for the programming procedure.
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, a high energy ignition and turns 5,500 rpm. 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 with 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 your 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 springs, weights and
the advance stop bushing from the advance
assembly.
2. Remove the roll-pin from the drive gear and
remove the gear from the shaft.
3. Slide the shaft two inches out of the housing.
4. Rotate the shaft 180° and insert the advance stop
bushing pin into the small hole on the advance
plate (Figure 7).
5. Install the locknut and washer to the advance
stop bushing pin.
6. Install the drive gear and roll-pin.
Note: If you want to lock out the vacuum advance,
see page 7.
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
REMOVNG 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 and slide
the clamp out of the way.
6. Lift the distributor out of the engine. Note that
the rotor rotates as you lift the distributor out.
This is due to the helical cut gear and should be
Figure 8 Marking the Rotor Location.
taken into consideration when installing the new
distributor.
ADJUSTING THE COLLAR
1. Install the Gear-Setting spacer onto the shaft and use the set screw
to hold it in place (Figure 9). Also install the distributor gasket.
2. Use a 3/26" Allen Wrench to loosen the locking screw on the
Adjustable Hold Down Clamp (Figure 10).
3. Set the distributor into the engine block and allow the Gear-Setting
spacer to rest on the cam gear.
4. Once the distributor is in place, position the Adjustable Hold
Down Clamp in place on
the housing and tighten the
locking screw.
5. A f t e r t i g h t e n i ng t h e
Adj ustable Hold Do wn
Clamp, pull the distributor
out of the engine.
6. Remove the Gear-Setting
spacer from the shaft and
install the gear with the
supplied roll pin.
Figure 9 Adjusting the Gear Setting.
Figure 10 Adjusting the Hold
Down Clamp.
INSTALLATION
1. Apply a liberal amount of the supplied lubricant to the distributor gear.
2. Install the distributor making sure that the rotor comes to rest pointing at the fixed mark.
3. Position and tighten the hold down clamp onto the distributor.
4. Install the distributor cap and spark plug wires one at a time to ensure correct location. A wire
retainer is supplied to secrure the wires in place. Align the mounting bosses and use the supplied
1.5" self-tapping Phillips screws to hold the retainer in place.
5. Page 8 shows how to set the rev limiter and connect the tachometer.
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6 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 11 Wiring the Ready-to-Run Distributor.
Figure 12 Connecting an MSD Ignition Control to the Ready-to-Run Distributor.
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 7
VACUUM ADVANCE LOCKOUT
If you do not want to use the vacuum advance canister,
MSD has supplied the distributor with a lockout
mechanism. The Lockout bolts in the position of the
vacuum canister and will hold the pickup assembly
firmly in place. The installation is easiest with the
distributor out of the engine.
1. Remove the two Allen head screws that hold the
advance canister (Figure 13).
2. Remove the snap ring that holds the magnetic
pickup assembly in place. This is easy to do with
a set of snap ring pliers by straddling one of the
reluctor paddles.
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 14). 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.
RELUCTOR
PADDLES
SNAP
RING
Figure 13 Removing the Vacuum Canister.
MAG PICKUP
PLATE
CANISTER
SCREWS
Note: If no shims were required, use one beneath
the washer of the Lock-Out Hold Down Screw.
7. After checking the reluctor to pickup clearance,
tighten the Lockout retaining screws and install the
snap ring.
8. Install the distributor, rotor and cap. Check the timing
when complete.
Note: Do not forget to plug the original vacuum
advance hose.
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 15).
Note: When the cap is bolted down, the
location of the spark plug wires
must be changed.
Figure 15 Optional Installation by Bolting the Cap Down.
Figure 14 Checking Installation of the Lockout Plate.
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TACHOMETER INFORMATION
The MSD Ready-to-Run has a Gray wire that provides a 12 volt square wave, 20° duty cycle tachometer
signal that will trigger most tachometers. It is recommended to connect this lead to your tach’s trigger
input wire and check its operation. Note that the rpm limiter is extremely accurate and due to the variety
of tachometers available, there may be differences in the displayed rpm.
PROGRAMMING THE REV LIMIT
A tachometer is required to set the rev limit. The limit is programmed by
running the engine at half the desired rpm, then momentarily grounding
the Gray tach output wire from the MSD. A Gray jumper wire is supplied
to connect to the tach with another tee-splice coming off to use for
programming. A switch may also be installed to ease adjustments of
the limiter (Figure 16). The default rpm limit is 10,000 rpm and the limit
is adjustable from 2,000 - over 10,000 rpm..
1. Start the engine and bring the rpm to half the desired rev limit (for a
6,000 rpm limit, raise and hold the rpm to 3,000).
2. While holding the rpm steady, short the Gray tach wire to ground
for approximately one second. Note that the tach will go to zero
while grounded.
3. The tach will now display the programmed rev limit amount for two
seconds. If this value does not register on the tach, repeat the procedure and try a different ground
source.
4. To confirm the rev limit value, turn the ignition key to the On position (without cranking the engine). The
rev limit value will be displayed for two seconds on the tachometer.
Figure 16 Setting the Rev Limiter.
Note: This rpm confirmation only displays when the Gray wire is being used to trigger the tachometer.
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 Contr ols Corporation
FRM30254 Revised 01/12 Printed in U.S.A.
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