Author Topic: Going from Mallory dual points to MSD ready-to-run distributor (Read 4831 times)

widing'cuda · « **on:** April 04, 2011 - 05:18:13 PM »

Ok, so I bought the MSD ready-to-run to replaced my old Mallory dual points distributor.

Old setup is like this:
Mallory dual points distributor
PerTronix Flame Thrower II coil
Mallory yellow spark plug wires.
No ballast resistor

New setup:
MSD ready-to-run 8386
MSD Blaster 2 Coil
MSD black 8.5 black sprak plug wires
Ballast resistor

Engine:
1968 383 B engine HP version
Chrysler 906 cast iron heads
Mild cam (smooth idle)
Flat pistons 0.30" compression unknown (told by previous owner )
Edelbrock 750 4bbl Performer carburetor
As for as I know it's mostly stock

So I have some questions as I have never replaced a distributor before.
1# Should I install a ballast resistor? The instructions doesn't say.
2# What should I set the MSD distributor inital Timing (idle timing) on?
3# What should I set the MSD distributor Centrifugal advance to for a start?

barracuda7199 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 04, 2011 - 05:29:35 PM »

first thing u need to do is pop the cap off the old dist. and mark or write down which way the rotor is pointing. this will eliminate putting the new one in 180 degrees out. the instructions just about has to say if u need a resistor or not. being that it didn't come with one makes me lean towards it doesn't need one. to get the timing close u should be able to mark or write down where the #1 plug wire is at then line the new cap up with where the other one was. not knowing how the curve is setup makes it hard to say where the initial should be i would set the idle at about 3000 rpms and breakout the timing light and set it at about 36 to 38 degrees. then u can bring it to ur preferred idle rpm and see what the initial timing is.

widing'cuda · « **Reply #2 on:** April 05, 2011 - 02:57:30 PM »

Quote from: barracuda7199 on April 04, 2011 - 05:29:35 PM

first thing u need to do is pop the cap off the old dist. and mark or write down which way the rotor is pointing. this will eliminate putting the new one in 180 degrees out. the instructions just about has to say if u need a resistor or not. being that it didn't come with one makes me lean towards it doesn't need one. to get the timing close u should be able to mark or write down where the #1 plug wire is at then line the new cap up with where the other one was. not knowing how the curve is setup makes it hard to say where the initial should be i would set the idle at about 3000 rpms and breakout the timing light and set it at about 36 to 38 degrees. then u can bring it to ur preferred idle rpm and see what the initial timing is.

I have Ballast resistor that came with my MSD Blaster 2 coil. Is there any harm of using it?
Ok, I understood the rest

barracuda7199 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 05, 2011 - 03:14:20 PM »

no harm but if it came with one i would definately use it. have u reread the instructions to make sure u didnt miss anything?

widing'cuda · « **Reply #4 on:** April 08, 2011 - 12:23:39 PM »

Quote from: barracuda7199 on April 05, 2011 - 03:14:20 PM

no harm but if it came with one i would definately use it. have u reread the instructions to make sure u didnt miss anything?

ok. yeah I read the instructions about 4 times now... Allways do.

Chryco Psycho · « **Reply #5 on:** April 15, 2011 - 04:36:47 PM »

the MSD should fire the coil so no ballast is needed
I would set the intial timing to 14-16 degrees , with a short advance curve , typically they have 6 curves , I use the 5th curve with a 20 degree curve so you get 36 degrees total

ShelbyDogg · « **Reply #6 on:** April 25, 2011 - 10:30:03 AM »

If the coil came with a ballast resistor, I would use it. The only time I don't use a ballast is with the new e-coils. I use an MSD e-coil with my fuel injection system and it says not to use a ballast resistor with it. Using an e-coil or any coil without a ballast, with a points type ignition would fry it though.

Author Topic: Going from Mallory dual points to MSD ready-to-run distributor (Read 4831 times)

widing'cuda

Going from Mallory dual points to MSD ready-to-run distributor

barracuda7199

Re: Going from Mallory dual points to MSD ready-to-run distributor

widing'cuda

Re: Going from Mallory dual points to MSD ready-to-run distributor

barracuda7199

Re: Going from Mallory dual points to MSD ready-to-run distributor

widing'cuda

Re: Going from Mallory dual points to MSD ready-to-run distributor

Chryco Psycho

Re: Going from Mallory dual points to MSD ready-to-run distributor

ShelbyDogg

Re: Going from Mallory dual points to MSD ready-to-run distributor