[Frank66]

i just bought an MSD6AL, with distributor MSD-8361.
do i just unplug my tach wire from my old ditributor and plug it into the tach plug on the 6AL? Do i set my engine timing to original specs? 66 chevelle 396 325hp. how do i pick which springs to use? im just using it for street an occasional 1/4 mile run

 

[street/strip68]

yep... The wire coming from the tach goes right into the tach lead connector on the MSD box. Set your timing to original to start, then with your timing light you can try to get your spring combo by seeing what will give you the curve you want at the desired RPM. Thats how I did mine and basically I shot for total timing by 2000RPM and hit that mark a bit early at about 1980rpm.

 

[getta66]

Frank66,the distributor curve(spring open rate)should be set on a distributor machine/Knowing your cam spec. is a must when setting.What you want for timing is 38 degrees at 3,000 rpm.This is your base timing-vacuum advance-mechanical advance all togetter "TOTAL 38 DEGREES"-good for street/strip set up. -MIKE

 

[Frank66]

hey thanks for the replies, i dont know the specs of my cam, i can assume its a stock cam - although i had a full rebuild and i was told the cam is better than stock, but i dont know. If I set the base timing, then change the springs around, will i need to reset the base timing. I dont fully understand timing, i have never done this before.

 

[street/strip68]

Base or initial timing is what gives you an easy start. I am sure there are more technical answers out there but I've gottn used to "if it starts when its hot, then there is no prob, be concerned about getting your total timing in when you want it." Although I did have the curve on my dist. done on a scope, like mike said, I forgot about that part.

 

[getta66]

FRANK66, if your cam is unknown then i would start with the spring that were in the distributor,run the engine to 3,000 rpm set the timing to 38 degrees with a adjustable timing light or timing tape on balancer and then look at your base timing should be 8 to 14 derees.think if your running the car it will be 2500 to 3000 rpm over 30 mph anyway (depending on your gears)if the spring rate is real bad you'll get a stumble or flat spot on accel.My friend runs a 502 with no vacuum or mech. advance,just set at 38 degrees all the time and it runs killer-only loads up if idle for 10 to 15 min.This would be no problem if you have a vacuum and mech. advance.I would set it to 38 with the vacuum and mech advance connected and go for a run to test.-MIKE