[peterlufrano]

Hi All,

I am preparing to install my new 8361 MSD distributor into my 1966 Malibu, and I need help in setting up the distributor for optimal timing curve.

Unfortunately I do not know the intimate details of the engines internals, but what I do know is this:

The engine is a rebuilt "1970" 350 V8
Engine has a "mild" cam (I do not have the particulars on exactly which cam)

Over the last year, I installed a new Edelbrock Performer Air Gap intake,

a new Edelbrock 650 cfm carb with quality K&N air filtration.

I removed the crap headers and installed OEM exhaust manifolds (HUGE improvement!).

The car came with a "ready to run" MSD distributor, which I am now replacing with the 8361.
I have already installed the MSD Digital ignition box.

I also installed a new "built" 700R4 tranny. The rear end is a "peg leg" with 308 gears. At highway cruise at 70 mph the engine is taching a hair under 2000 rpm.

The car is my daily driver and is used pretty exclusively on the street. So what I am looking for is an optimal advance curve set up for best fuel economy, and performance when I do stab the pedal ;^)

I will be making use of the vacuum advance, thus my choice of the 8361.

Many thanks in advance for any and all help!

[Highway Star]

You'll want a quick timing curve. Mechanical advance should start coming in around 1200 and be "all in" by 2400 or 2600 (max), because of the high gears/overdrive you're running. Your mild cam may like 14 or 16 degrees of initial advance, and around 20 degrees mechanical on top of it. Your total would be around 36 or so, and a lot of 350's like somewhere around 50 or 52 including vacuum advance.

How did the manifolds improve your combination? I'm curious.

[peterlufrano]

Originally Posted by Highway Star

You'll want a quick timing curve. Mechanical advance should start coming in around 1200 and be "all in" by 2400 or 2600 (max), because of the high gears/overdrive you're running. Your mild cam may like 14 or 16 degrees of initial advance, and around 20 degrees mechanical on top of it. Your total would be around 36 or so, and a lot of 350's like somewhere around 50 or 52 including vacuum advance.

How did the manifolds improve your combination? I'm curious.

Thank you for the response!

Because of the fitment of the headers, I experiences all sorts of heat related issues. Melted wire boots, baked plugs, etc etc. I was forced to use "shorty" plugs, and even with heat wrapping around the wires, boots etc, the plugs were still badly baked, and the engine NEVER ran well. Difficultly starting after running for a while, misfiring, etc etc.

When I replaced the headers with OEM manifolds, it eliminated the heat issues, and I am now able to use regular size plugs.

The car runs much, much better now, not to mention, it is much less noisy :^)

So if I am understanding your recommendations, and going off the information in the MSD installation manual, I should use the two Silver (light) springs, along with the Blue stop bushing (@ 21 degrees)?

Is this correct?

[chevellercr]

I' am having good luck with that particular spring/bushing combo. The box makes it pretty easy to choose though if there is something more you are looking for in regards to your timing.

[Highway Star]

Would be nice to see a little vendor support here.

[peterlufrano]

Originally Posted by Highway Star

Would be nice to see a little vendor support here.

Yes please!

[peterlufrano]

Originally Posted by chevellercr

I' am having good luck with that particular spring/bushing combo. The box makes it pretty easy to choose though if there is something more you are looking for in regards to your timing.

Thank you for the response!

[peterlufrano]

Anyone from MSD lurking around here?

[peterlufrano]

Hmm, looking at the post list, it doesn't appear there has ever been a post from someone who represents MSD.

[Schurkey]

Originally Posted by peterlufrano

Hmm, looking at the post list, it doesn't appear there has ever been a post from someone who represents MSD.

http://www.msdignition.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=8