MSD Pro-Billet
Chevrolet V8 Distributor
PN 85705
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Important:
Read these instructions before attempting the installation.
Parts Included:
1 - Pro-Billet Distributor
1 - Rotor, PN 8423
1 - Distributor Cap, PN 84083
1 - Wire Retainer
2 - 1.5" Self Tapping Screws
2 - Panhead Phillips Screws
1 - Gasket
1 - Tube of Gear Lubricant
2 - O-Rings
1 - Female Weatherpak Connector
1 - Slip Collar, PN 8539
WARNING:
Before installing the MSD Distributor, disconnect the battery cables. When discon-
necting the battery cables, always remove the Negative (-) cable first and install it
last.
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.
Note:
If the gear is ever replaced, MSD Gear (PN 8472) is required for replacement due to the .500"
diameter shaft.
Note:
Weatherpak connector will need to be installed on MSD unit magnetic pickup side.
ADJUSTING THE SLIP COLLAR
Before installing the Pro-Billet Distributor, the slip collar adjustment must be set, follow this procedure.
1. Install the gasket to the housing then loosen the slip collar and insert the distributor into the engine
until it bottoms out against the oil pump drive.
2. After it bottoms out, raise the distributor 0.010" - 0.030" then slide the slip collar down into position
and tighten it.
CHECKING GEAR MESH
It is recommended to check for proper gear mesh between the cam gear and distributor gear. To
do this, coat the distributor gear with moly grease and install the distributor. Next, crank the engine
over several times. Before pulling the distributor out, make sure the rotor is in the position that lines
up with the original removal mark. Then pull the distributor out and inspect the gear pattern shown
on the grease. The proper mesh will leave an even pattern in the middle of the gear. Adjust the slip
collar to obtain the correct mesh.
MSD
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WWW.MSDPERFORMANCE.COM
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(915)
857-5200
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FAX
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857-3344
2
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Checking the Oil Pump to Distributor
Shaft Overlap
The proper overlap between the
distributor shaft and the oil pump
intermediate shaft is very important.
The tongue of the distributor shaft
should fit into the groove of the oil
pump shaft by at least 1/4". To check
this:
1. Measure the distance between the
base of the slip collar to the tip of the
distributor shaft (Figure 8).
2. Using a straight edge, measure the
distance from the intake manifold
distributor flange to the top of the oil
pump intermediate shaft (Figure 8).
3. Take the two measurements and
subtract them. The difference is the overlap.
If there is not enough clearance or too much
clearance, a different oil pump intermediate
shaft is required.
Figure 8 Measuring Oil Pump Shaft Overlap.
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 9).
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 taken into consideration when installing
the new distributor.
7. Install the gasket and apply a liberal amount of
the supplied lubricant to the distributor gear.
(The supplied O-rings can
only
be used if the
block has been modified as shown in Figure
10.)
8. Install the 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.
Figure 9 Marking the Rotor Location.
NOTE: BLOCK MUST BE MODIFIED TO USE O-RINGS.
Figure 10 Modified Block for use with O-Rings.
MSD
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WWW.MSDPERFORMANCE.COM
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(915)
857-5200
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FAX
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857-3344
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
3
SCREWS
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 bosses and use the supplied 1.5" self-
tapping Phillips screws to hold the retainer in place
(Figure 11).
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 11 Installing the Wire Retainer
FROM IGNITION KEY
(ORIGINAL COIL
WIRE)
RED
(NOT USED)
WHITE
ORANGE
LIMITER
REV
BLACK
DIGITAL 6AL
GREEN
VIOLET
MAGNETIC
PICKUP
GRAY
TACH OUTPUT
GREEN
PN 8860
HARNESS
VIOLET
Figure 12 Wiring to an MSD 6-Series Ignition Control.
Figure 13 Wiring to an MSD 7-Series Ignition Control.
MSD
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WWW.MSDPERFORMANCE.COM
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(915)
857-5200
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FAX
(915)
857-3344
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).
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.
M
SD warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under its intended normal use*,
Limited Warranty
MSD
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WWW.MSDPERFORMANCE.COM
•
(915)
857-5200
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FAX
(915)
857-3344
FRM32502
© 2015 MSD LLC
Revised 11/15
.