Heres the whole shootin...
Heres the whole shootin match. The MSD distributor is of billet construction and is designed to stand alone with just a coil if so desired. When matched with the Blaster 3 coil, this brand-new prototype distributor will deliver the super-strong spark MSD Ignition is famous for. We wanted the multiple spark discharge function also, so we chose to install the MSD 6A ignition box in conjunction with the stand-alone distributor. MSD really had us covered with a new set of 8.5mm plug wires to ensure a strong spark at the plug. Even a coil bracket was included.
This is our 289ci mill at...
This is our 289ci mill at the start, with the stock ignition still in place.
After removing the distributor...
After removing the distributor cap, mark the position of the rotor so the new distributor can be installed with the rotor in the same spot. We used a piece of tape on the carb. Do this, and the distributor installation will be a drop-in deal.
Using this special distributor...
Using this special distributor wrench makes getting to the hold-down easy.
Disconnect the vacuum advance,...
Disconnect the vacuum advance, but keep the line. It will be needed later.
Disconnect the distributor...
Disconnect the distributor primary lead from the coil. We will be moving the coil to another location on the engine because the new MSD Blaster 3 coil should be installed upright.
After everything is disconnected,...
After everything is disconnected, remove the distributor by pulling straight up, allowing the rotor to rotate.
Off come the stock coil and...
Off come the stock coil and the bracket.
Before installing the new...
Before installing the new distributor, be sure to use plenty of engine-assembly lube on the new drive gear for break-in. If you neglect to do this, you risk wiping out the gear at start-up.
Install the new MSD distributor,...
Install the new MSD distributor, and be careful to line up the rotor with the tape marking the position of the old rotor. It may be necessary to move the oil-pump driveshaft slightly to ease installation.
With the new distributor in...
With the new distributor in place, reinstall the hold-down. Keep the new distributor housing in about the same position as the old one using the vacuum-advance can as a reference. Dont tighten the hold-down yet. The engine will need timing adjustment later.
We decided to mount the MSD...
We decided to mount the MSD coil at the front of the head in an upright position.
We had good open space on...
We had good open space on the left inner fenderwell of the car for our MSD 6A ignition unit. Mounting was a cinch.
Making this weatherproof connection...
Making this weatherproof connection from the distributor to the coil was a small chore. We test-ran the engine in the coil-distributor-only mode, and it fired right up.
Here, were making other...
Here, were making other connections to the coil. All of the correct electrical fasteners are furnished. No detail is overlooked by MSD.
Hooking up the MSD 6A couldnt...
Hooking up the MSD 6A couldnt be more straightforward. If you have any questions along the way, just refer to this nifty diagram right on the back of the unit.
We installed the MSD 8.5mm...
We installed the MSD 8.5mm Super Conductor spark-plug wires and found that each connection was accompanied by a distinct click, which signaled the connection was complete. The plug-wire set was custom length for our small-block application.
This is the installed distributor...
This is the installed distributor and plug-wire installation. Everything went without a hitch, and the engine fired right up. We noticed a dramatically improved idle and a much smoother-running engine. Now we are prepared to go forward with our engine modifications, confident that our ignition system will be up to the task no matter how far we go.
Is your daily driver also your vintage ride? If so, listen up. Does it seem as though you're doing tune-ups on your 390 Galaxie every other week? We had this problem on our '66 Mustang 2+2, and it was driving us crazy.
Mechanical breaker points always manage to burn, slip, pit, or otherwise come out of adjustment. Stranded on the side of the road in northern Wisconsin several years ago, we detected no spark and had to wonder: What's going on with the ignition this time? It was always some sort of mystery. On another occasion, it was a worn distributor cam block--worn to the extent that the points didn't open at all.
When it's tune-up time, do you question the wisdom of those in Dearborn because of their dwell-adjustment provision when the engine is running--or their lack thereof? Do you wonder about all that play between the distributor shaft and housing? Drive around in a point-and-condenser car long enough, and you'll have this type of fun, too. We guarantee it.
Despair no more, because there is a solution. We asked the folks at MSD Ignition to remove us from point-triggered distributor purgatory. After much counseling and advice, we came to the conclusion that MSD's new breakerless and completely electronic distributor-ignition system could help us. When we came to understand just what its system offered, we realized that here was a complete solution that could solve all of our ignition-related woes and be 100 percent hassle-free. When the system arrived, we were impressed with the obvious quality of the components. We realized that this was a beautiful setup, and we couldn't wait to get started with the installation.
Luckily, our '64 Fairlane test car was already at the shop, so we didn't have to adjust the dwell yet again to get started. The stock 289ci engine is the power we have for now, but we will be looking at possible upgrades later. These upgrades will be performance upgrades, so good ignition will be even more important later on. We wanted a distributor that would transfer successfully and meet the more demanding performance needs to come.