Installation Manual

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 5
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
Note: When installing the distributor for the first time, it is recommended to place the switches in 
the locked-out timing position. This will assist you in setting the timing curve by ensuring 
that the total timing is correct.
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 5).
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 
thattherotorrotatesas you liftthe distributor 
out. This is due to the helical cut gear and 
should be taken into consideration when 
installing the new distributor.
7. Installthegasket and applya liberal amount 
of thesupplied lubricant to the distributor 
gear. (The supplied O-rings  can only be 
used  if  the  block  has  been modified  as 
shown in Figure 6.)
8. Install the distributor making sure that the 
rotor  comes  to  res t point ing  at  the  xed 
mark. If the distributor willnot 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. 
9. Position and tighten the hold down clamp 
onto the distributor.  
10.Install the distributor cap and spark plug 
wires one at a time to ensure correct 
location. A wire retainer is supplied to 
secure the wires in place. Align the 
mounting b osses  and use  the suppl ied 
1.5"  self-tapping  Phillips screws  to hold 
the retainer in place.
11. Proceed to wiring the distributor as shown in Figures 7 and 8. Review the starting and tuning tips 
information and install the Timing Tape as shown on page 7 before starting the engine.
Figure 5 Marking the Rotor Location.
INSTALLING THE DISTRIBUTOR
Figure 6 Modified Block for use with O-Rings.