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MSD distributor
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 18 4:04 pm
by Duster1
Guys
Help/advise needed.
We are about to wire up our MSD ready to run distributor.
Albeit that I’m an electrician, some of this auto electrics baffles the hell out of me.
Now it says that it’s just a 3 wire hook up and your ready to go.
So do we completely disregard the existing electronic ignition box and ballast resistor and wire as said.
Cheers
Andy
Re: MSD distributor
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 18 4:11 pm
by Pete
The MSD instructions are some of the best.
The ready to run works independent of amplifiers, etc.
Post up the part number and I will have a look.
The issue with the Ballast is down to the operating voltage of the coil. It its a 12V then no Ballast is required.
Re: MSD distributor
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 18 6:42 pm
by Duster1
Hi Pete,
The Distributor Pt no- 8388 and I have an MSD blaster coil 2
The wiring diagram is straight forward enough but I’m just I’m just a bit thrown as to whether the existing electronic ignition and ballast need to be included as there’s no mention of them in the MSD instructions. So I’m thinking no, but am unsure and don’t want to bugger everything up.
This cars costing me a fortune, as they do
Thanks
Andy
Re: MSD distributor
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 18 6:48 pm
by Pete
Figure 10 in the instructions says it all really.
I would recover all the other wiring or just make it safe in case you wanted to re-use at some point.
Blasters are 12V coils and do not need a ballast.
Re: MSD distributor
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 18 7:19 pm
by Duster1
Pete,
Thank you, for your help, much appreciated.
One more weekend and I think it’ll be ready to start, been over a year off the road. Far to long, need to put a smile back on my face.

Again thank you.
Andy
Re: MSD distributor
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 18 7:45 pm
by Pete
Has the cam been broken in previously if it is a Hydraulic or flat tappet cam?
Re: MSD distributor
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 18 7:55 pm
by Duster1
The cam, lifters,etc are all the same, we haven’t replaced anything as all seemed in good condition.
Hopefully that was the right decision.
Re: MSD distributor
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 18 7:57 pm
by Pete
Cook, many people do not fully appreciate how vital it is to run the cam and followers in.
Sounds like you are good to go!
Re: MSD distributor
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 18 8:46 am
by morgan
I fitted one of these - ballast, box etc all gone. Got sick of the orangebox and ballast popping all the time ( fault found to be alternator actually! But by then had commited). Best thing ive done for car - 12v in - vroom. All the old gubbins gone. Excellent
Re: MSD distributor
Posted: Wed Oct 31, 18 8:14 pm
by Duster1
Glad to hear it was worth the money.
Out of curiosity, did you fit the distributor as it came out of the box or did change any of the springs or bushings to suit your needs.
Andy
Re: MSD distributor
Posted: Thu Nov 01, 18 7:28 am
by Blue
From what I read most people just bolt them in and get thier mate that owns a timing light to set it and leave it at that. It's the automotive equivolent of putting on a pair of shoes and not bothering to do up the laces. Mind you loads of poeple do that as well....
Re: MSD distributor
Posted: Thu Nov 01, 18 8:22 am
by morgan
Duster1 wrote: Wed Oct 31, 18 8:14 pm
Glad to hear it was worth the money.
Out of curiosity, did you fit the distributor as it came out of the box or did change any of the springs or bushings to suit your needs.
Andy
Worse. I did my homework, decided what curve i wanted, changed it all ( not hard) and then over the course of a few iterations reverted back to stock
My advice would be if your motor is stock then go with the factory setting to start.