Specifications

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 7
MSD IGNITION • 1490 HENRY BRENNAN DR., EL PASO, TEXAS 79936 • [phone] • FAX [phone]
STARTING AND TUNING TIPS
• Position the rev limiter rotary dial at your desired rpm limit.
• At this point, the distributor should be installed at your desired timing and wired to the coil, and
ground.
• It is recommended that you have a dial-back timing light or degreed balancer. MSD offers a
timing tape that you can apply to your balancer as PN 8985.
• Select a Locked-Out w/ Start Retard to start the engine (These are Curves Q, R, S or T). This
way you can position the distributor to obtain your ideal total timing before selecting a timing
curve.
• If you are going to use a vacuum advance curve, use a 3/16" vacuum line connected to ported
vacuum. This means a vacuum source that is above the throttle plates. Also, remember to
disconnect and plug the vacuum line when setting the timing curve.
INSTALLING THE TIMING TAPE
1. Locate the top-dead center or 0° mark on the harmonic
balancer or timing wheel.
2. Select the correct timing tape for your application. Make
sure you know the correct size of the harmonic balancer
or timing wheel you’re using. If this is not known,
measure the diameter of the harmonic balancer or timing
wheel’s edge and note the size.
3. Choose the timing tape that matches your balancer’s
diameter. Be sure that the mating surface is clean of any
dirt, grease or debris. Locate and note the 0° mark on
the timing tape (Figure 8).
4. Align the 0° mark on the tape with the TDC mark on the
balancer. Make sure that the markings on the tape are
facing you, and place the tape on the surface. Use firm
pressure for proper adhesion. ATC (after top-dead
center) will be to the left of the stock mark, and BTC
(before top-dead center) will always be to the right of
the stock mark.
Figure 8 The Timing Tape Installed.
ZERO
DEGREE
(TDC)