MSD Distributors

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MSD Billet and Pro-Billet are the finest performance and racing distributors available. Every feature is designed to provide the best in performance and endurance to top off your ignition system.

Ready-to-Run, E-Curve and HEI Distributors:

These are distributors have a built-in module. No ignition control is required and provide more than adequate spark output for street/strip applications.

Pro-Billet Distributors:

Most MSD Distributors must be used with an MSD Blaster Ignition, 6, 7, 8 or 10 Series Ignition Control.

General Information

Billet Housing

Like the multiple spark, CD ignition, MSD was the first to introduce a distributor housing machined from a billet of aluminum. MSD uses state-of-the-art Computerized Numerical Controlled (CNC) mills and lathes to create each housing. This procedure produces a flawless, lightweight distributor housing that is accurate to within 0.001".

Shaft and Ball Bearing Guide

The complete line of MSD Distributors uses a polished steel shaft that receives a QPQ, or Tuftride coating. This process produces a durable finish that reduces friction and resists corrosion. To accurately guide this shaft, MSD uses a sealed ball bearing located at the top of the housing. At the bottom of the housing, an extra long sintered bushing controls the shaft. This combination keeps the shaft spinning smooth and accurately throughout 10,000+ rpm.

Magnetic Pickup

All of the MSD Distributors (except crank trigger models) use a high output magnetic pickup to trigger the ignition system . This pickup is completely maintenance-free requiring no adjustment ever. The pickup is mounted to the base of the distributor housing and plugs directly into your MSD Ignition Control. A trigger signal is created as a precision made reluctor (attached to the shaft) passes by. The reluctor has a "paddle" for each cylinder and when the paddle passes the pickup, a signal is created.

Adjustable Mechanical Advance

One of the most important features of the MSD Distributors is the adjustable mechanical advance assembly. The advance assembly allows you to accurately modify the advance curve to match your specific application. To start with, the advance plate is stamped and machined from chrome moly . Weight pins are then staked in and tig welded in place. This assembly, along with the weights, then receive a corrosion resistant QPQ coating. Nylon weight pads are installed under the weights to ensure smooth movement as the weights are pushed out from centrifugal force to advance the timing. The advance assembly is mounted on top of every MSD Distributor making adjustments a breeze. A variety of advance springs and stop bushings are supplied with each distributor giving you the ability to set up to 24 different curves.

CARB Approved Distributors

MSD offers distributors that have been approved by CARB for use in all the states. Each distributor features a vacuum advance for street economy.

Shop MSD Marken Performance 1-888-401-1362

MSD now has Black Distributors for Chevy V8 Street and Performance Engines. Part # 83603 has the vacuum advance and part # 85555 must be used with an MSD Ignition Control. For more info and installation call Marken Performance, 1-888-401-1362.

# 85555

• CNC machined billet aluminum housing and base

• Durable Black Anodized finish with laser etched logo and matching black cap

• Easy-to-adjust mechanical advance with supplied springs and stop bushings

• Polished steel shaft and sealed ball bearing

• Maintenance-free magnetic pickup never requires adjusting

• Must be used with an MSD Ignition Control

MSD 85555 Video

# 83603

• CNC machined billet aluminum housing and base

• Durable Black Anodized finish with laser etched logo and matching black cap

• Simple and clean three wire installation

• Built-in ignition module delivers a powerful 7.5 amp spark

• Built-in adjustable rev limiter

• Maintenance-free magnetic pickup never requires adjusting

• Vacuum advance

MSD’s Pro-Billet 392 Distributor, part # 83891 (thru Marken Performance), is based on a CNC-machined billet aluminum housing for incredible strength and precision tolerances. For stability, the distributor shaft is guided by a sealed ball bearing while accurate trigger signals to fire the MSD ignition control.

For tuning, with the early HEMI models, this HEMI distributor features MSD's easy-to-adjust mechanical advance and is supplied with different springs and stop bushings. This allows you to custom tailor a timing curve to match your application. There is also a vacuum advance canister that will help with economy during cruises and throttle transitions.

The distributor is supplied with MSD's heavy duty race rotor, distributor cap and spark plug wire retainer. An MSD Ignition Control such as a 6AL is required and will plug directly into the magnetic pickup of the distributor.

MSD now offers a Pro-Billet Distributor part # 83831 (thru Marken Performance) for the Ford Y-Block engine that was used from '54-'64, including: 1954-1964 Ford Trucks, 1954-1962 Ford Cars, 1955 1956 1957 Thunderbirds.

The MSD Pro-Billet Y-Block Distributor is built around a CNC-machined billet aluminum housing that is fit with a sealed ball bearing guide for stability and endurance. For timing accuracy, a maintenance-free magnetic pickup reliably triggers the MSD Ignition Control.

For tuning, the Y-Block Distributor features MSD's easy-to-adjust mechanical advance. Different tension spring and a variety of stop bushings allow you to custom tailor a timing curve to match your application. There is also a vacuum advance that will help with economy during cruises and throttle transitions.

The distributor is supplied with an MSD red, injection molded cap and rotor. It connects directly into the 2-pin connector of an MSD ignition control such as a 6AL.

The Y block is becoming more popular with restomods and a small aftermarket has emerged for this engine. Slight modification of a 3-speed column shift bellhousing allows for the use of a much more modern Tremec T-5 overdrive 5-speed with the stock clutch assembly. The 1957 heads are the most popular for performance due to their large valves and their unique stacked intake runner design, which flows very well. Ported ECZ-G castings have flowed up to 235 cfm on the upper port.

MSD new Pro-Billet Distributor part # 85705 thru Marken Performance is designed to handle the rigors and harsh racing conditions of late model, modified, and off-road racing. The new distributor was designed with input from top racers and engine builders in circle track competition.

The new Pro-Billet Distributor has been precision engineered to feature the highest available technical design in its class. Starting at the top of the distributor, a larger diameter distributor cap is securely bolted to the billet aluminum housing. The extra width prevents the chance of spark scatter during high rpm racing. Under the injection molded rotor is a billet steel reluctor and proven magnetic pickup assembly. The steel reluctor offers the material and strength required to be modified for advanced cylinder-to-cylinder timing orders. These components are parylene coated to prevent corrosion and the timing is locked-out for a solid signal from idle to redline. Inside the CNC-machined housing, a sealed ball bearing assembly guides a .500" shaft that receives a friction reducing QPQ coating. Mounted to the base of this shaft is an oversized (+.006") bronze distributor gear to ensure the proper mesh with the cam gear.

Supplied with an oversized (+.006") bronze distributor gear The Pro-Billet Race Distributor, part # 85705, is available for Chevy engines and must be used with an msd ignition control such as MSD 6, 7, 8 or 10 Ignition.

Features:

• CNC-machined billet aluminum housing provides a solid foundation

• Adjustable slip collar allows for precision installation with modified blocks or intakes

• Billet reluctor and a magnetic pickup produce accurate trigger signals

• Large diameter Ford style cap prevents spark scatter and securely bolts in place

• A Weather tight connector seals and locks the pickup wiring

• Pickup and reluctor are parylene coated for resistance against corrosion