How to: Recurving a MSD Distributor!

Here I show how to recurve a MSD distributor, specifically a part number 8360 ready to run distributor. But, this will work on most of MSD's distributors that use a mechanical advance with springs and weights. I will be putting this one in my BluePrint Engines small block 400, part number BP4003CT1.

[@kelzgarage8108]

I’ve been trying to learn timing for weeks I’ve watched tons of videos and haven’t had any luck you were able to explain everything perfectly within seven minutes great video thank you!!!!

[@RebeldryversGarage]

Glad to be of help!

[@TommyGunEnterprises]

Thank you for an easy to understand vid. Between you and (Holley Carbs: How To's & Advice ,40 yrs of exp. channel ) I now have a complete understanding how to time this distributor.

[@MrBoodie1]

Thank you very much Scott,
I love how u explained everything in small details as how to do it, makes a very big difference of me understanding
Yes, I have da 292 cam .244@.50 so definitely need to recurve my stock hei distributor

[@RebeldryversGarage]

There are recurve kits for HEI's. And adjustable vacuum advances, if you choose to run one.

[@michaelalthauser9900]

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[@user-rx2gl8gy2v]

lots easier to use a small flat blade screwdriver stuck between the first couple of coils of the spring to remove and install

[@dwightwaldvogel6148]

I found that a small hemostat worked for removing those springs

[@RebeldryversGarage]

I keep one in my tool box, but haven't had much luck using it on these.

[@fuelbasti]

Hi, today I measured with a vacuum gauge and it stucked at 17Hg (at idle) which supossed to mean late timing issue. Do you thing it could occurs because a the the springs? It is a stock MSD HEI. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@RebeldryversGarage]

17 in of vacuum could be all the engine pulls for vacuum. Bigger than stock cams do pull less.

[@fuelbasti]

@@RebeldryversGarage I was on the wrong path. However, now on manifold vacuum and made the ignition timing again and it runs fine. With enough vacuum now.

[@clarkheart]

Thanks for the demo. I've been looking for this kind of info. I just had a crate engine put into my Mustang with a Unilite dizzy and I want to change the factory springs. Stupid question..I just want to clarify...if the factory Advance Stop bushing (Blue) stops at 21 and I have initial timing at 10 then my total timing is 31?

[@RebeldryversGarage]

Yes, that is correct.

[@michaeldeakin4287]

How much advance does does the black bushing give you, my blueprint 396sb came with the HEI and 16 initial and 35-6 mechanical all in but my engine is rich at idle, despite me adjusting the transfer slot, checking fuel level, pressure etc.

[@RebeldryversGarage]

Are you running it with the 850 Holley? What car is the engine in? How was the HEI wired?

[@brianb5779]

You ever get it figured out. And the black is 18 degree

[@zambino8763]

Question. So, if the distributor has 22 degrees of mechanical, does that mean that if timing is 0 initial, it's actually 22?

[@RebeldryversGarage]

Yes. Total timing is initial timing at idle, and mechanical advance.

[@zambino8763]

@@RebeldryversGarage Hopefully you can enlighten me. Everything I read says to set initial timing for SBC between 12 and 18 degrees. Yet, this distributor starts off at 22. I'm confused. Yes, I'm having timing issues. I'm not sure where to set my initial.

[@RebeldryversGarage]

@@zambino8763 The mechanical advance is zero at idle. It advances as the engine revs. Most SBC's like 36 degrees total timing. If you have 22 degrees of mechanical advance that gets there as the engine is revving from idle to say 4000 rpm. And, you want say 36 degrees total timing. Then you have to set timing at idle at 14 degrees.

[@jeffreyvelasquez9942]

Hey scott I need some help I know this is a older video hope you see this comment but before I get on a dyno I want to set up my distributor for the total timing I would like to run on the engine. my cam rpm range is 2500-6500 with .550 lift and have a 3200 converter in my transmission what spring would I use on my distributor ? I have a 496 big block

[@RebeldryversGarage]

Thanks for watching! What is the compression and the duration @.050 of the camshaft?

[@jeffreyvelasquez9942]

@@RebeldryversGarage it’s a 292/292 lift of .550 244 intake duration and exhaust is 244 duration at .50 in lift

[@RebeldryversGarage]

@@jeffreyvelasquez9942 Big blocks like a lot of initial timing to be happy. I would start with exactly what I did here. Same bushing and springs.

[@jeffreyvelasquez9942]

@@RebeldryversGarage great thank you for responding and helping I appreciate it

[@joncalon6014]

Can you do this with the distributor in the car?

[@RebeldryversGarage]

Sure you can. It's just far more difficult than just removing the distributor and reinstalling it.

[@johnvineyard67]

gears ..? weight of whale...what plan..? race,, or daily .. love to see your outcome...

[@RebeldryversGarage]

The gear ratio of the Impala this went in are 3.73's. Car weighs about 4000 lbs. I daily drive it. But, also drag race and autocross it.

[@bri29340]

lol 1st here

[@RebeldryversGarage]

Thanks for watching!