opinions needed on using MSD distributor on flathead

4tford

4tford

Well-known member
I ended up with a new in the box MSD 8573 distributor. What are your opinions for use in a 276 8ba flathead with an L-100 cam and dual Holley 94's. Thanks Bill
 
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Think Bubba can set it up for you (as can several other Barn members). With the correct advance curve should work fine. You might take a look at the information on his site.
 
I would love to have Bubba set it up but I am looking at a good $100 just shipping back and forth from Canada.
 
The #8573 distributor has an adjustable mechanical advance that you can set up with a good timing light and tach.
 
Look on the box it comes in,there is all the info to set both the advance curve and max advance ,real easy .
Lawrie
 
4t,
You cannot beat Bubba that is for sure. You might think about degreeing
your crank pulley. Measure the circumference of the pulley, divide that number by sixteen. That
number equals 22.5 degrees in inches. Because I can never remember which way to go I always mark that number/length in both directions from TDC. 22.5 degrees is
generically about the max advance for a street Flathead. So with the vac can disconnected and the vac line plugged fire the engine up and set initial at 4 degrees.
Now this is when the sbc/8ba converted dist really shines and I think your MSD is set
up with the wts and springs under the rotor too. With a hand held cheap tach rev
the motor to 2200/2400 and you want to see the timing cover pointer at the 22.5 degree mark. There are limit bushings with various offsets and diameters that will
get you to that 22.5 degrees max, or real close. The next step is a learning process,
you want to get to 22.5 smoothly but quickly, this where your box of springs and fly
weights come in. It usually takes a few tries and some road testing. You'll be in the
ball park.
Charlie ny
 
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i had one on a stock 8BA with a 390 cfm holly on it and it ran very well. with the electric choke on the holly it started almost immediately.. great combo..
 
Then set the adj vac adv at 6/8 degrees and adjust for ping. With a tight combustion chamber, richard got 22 mPG with the same engine on cruise.
 
Many thanks for sharing the info on this. I have a friend who will give me a hand following the instructions you have given. I will put this on the shelves with the rest of the parts for the new motor. Merry Christmas to all.
 
They don't come with an adjustable vacuum can, but Accel/Mr Gasket sells one. It's for a GM points-style distributor.
 
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