Hello,
It's been a while since i have posted. I always get great information from TC.
I installed a Holley Avenger MPFI EFI system on my BB396 last year. It was a terriffic project. Everything fits and works perfectly. The car has never run better! Bets the hell out of tuning carbs everytime the weather changes. Let he computet make A/F decisions 1000 times per second while you just drive and enjoy instant throttle response and improved fuel economy (when you keep your right foot under control)
Now for this years project. I purchased a MSD 8366 Small Cap HEI computer controlled distributor and all related parts. There is no reference anywhere as to how to properly install this distributor. All the instructions assume you are replacing an existing distributor and tell you to make necessary marks so you can line up the new one to drop it in at existing settings. I presume this means if you are installing it on a fresh build you would install at TDC and dial in the initial timing as usual, but since the ECU is attached I am concerned that it may not start or possibly do damage as it may be looking for the initial timing to already be set. Anyone have any ideas how to preset initial timing on an engine that has not been fired.
I have not yet aske the brain trust at MSD this question but I'll bet i get the right answer here.
Thanks in advance.
Gary
1970 Chevelle
My one true link to sanity!

MSD said to dial in the intial timing by bringing the engine to TDC then setting the intintial timing. in my case that's 18 deg BTDC. Once you have done that take the cap off the distributor and line up the rotor with a terminal ahead of the terminal that will be #1. You should preselect which terminal will be #1 plug wire and drop in the dristibutor so the it ends up where you want #1 wire to be. You may have to move the oil pump primer to line up properly or bump start the engine until it drops in completely.
Seems simple enough.
Anyone tried doing this.
I need to confirm with Holley that the ECU has start retard programmed in to make starting easier.
Any comments are greatly welcomed and appreciated.

Are you replacing the distributor in your current engine or is this a new engine?

When you installed the Holley system there was a step to unplug the injector harness while you set the base reference timing. I would believe you just have to do the same thing with the new distributor. The timing is controlled by the ECU but you need to make sure the base timing is set the same as the one you're pulling out.

MSD said to dial in the intial timing by bringing the engine to TDC then setting the intintial timing. in my case that's 18 deg BTDC. Once you have done that take the cap off the distributor and line up the rotor with a terminal ahead of the terminal that will be #1. You should preselect which terminal will be #1 plug wire and drop in the dristibutor so the it ends up where you want #1 wire to be. You may have to move the oil pump primer to line up properly or bump start the engine until it drops in completely.
Seems simple enough.
Anyone tried doing this.
I need to confirm with Holley that the ECU has start retard programmed in to make starting easier.
Any comments are greatly welcomed and appreciated.The easiest way I have found to verify timing is to do what you have described here to initially stab the dizzy and get the car started. Once running, I use a digital dial-back timing light and data monitor the ECU and then twist the dizzy until the timing light number matches what the ECU says it should be and clamp it down. If you don't have access to a dial-back timing light, you can probably rent one from your local Autozone or O'reilleys. HTH

Engine is not fresh build but i am wsitching from large cap HEI to small cap HEI for ECU control. The problem is the instructions with the 8366 assume you are replacing an existing distributor already setup. They do not tell you how install for a fresh engine build or if you had already removed your other distributor. Also Holley does not go out of their way to impart their wisdom in this area either by mentioning if the ECU retards timing during startup and so on. I just think these big companies could do a much better job with information. Not everyone has Team Chevelle to help out. Thanks guys. Knowledge is always welcome.

You want the reluctor triggering (reluctor teeth lined up) about 10 degrees btdc when you stab it. Crank it with the injectors unplugged and turn it until it is around 10 btdc. That will be close then start it and sync it.

All is installed and the car is running good.
I was a little surprised when i went to sync the 8366.
The Holley Avenger handheld unit said to sync timing at 2000 rpm 38 deg btdc.
I'm use to setting total timing all in at 3000rpm 36 deg btdc.
I have noticed the engine running a little warmer and it seems to using more fuel than i remeber it doing with the large cap HEI set as above.
I think they have the timing coming in too fast for a big block.
Is there a way to reset the timing curve on the ECU
Any coments...
Thanks
Gary

Two different things. The "all in @3000" was with vacuum advance disconnected, simulating WOT. With the EFI the 38 dgr is just a number they have to let you sync the distributor to the computer. Just make sure the number shown on the display is the same you get with a timing light.

Thanks Zwede,
Just tough to get my head around that setting.

Wouldn't running warmer and using more fuel be indicators of timing that is retarded compared to before?