MSD 8388 Chrysler 318-360, Ready to Run Distributor Installation - Manual

MSD Pro-Billet Ready-to-Run
Chrysler V8 Distributor
PN 8388; 318, 340, 360, PN 8386; 383, 400
PN 8387; 426, 440
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Important: Read these instructions before attempting the installation.
Parts Included:
1 - Pro-Billet Distributor
1 - Rotor, PN 8467
1 - Distributor Cap
1 - Advance Kit
1 - O-ring Seal
1 - Gray Tach Jumper
1 - Parts Bag
Replacement Cap:
Distributor PN 8386, PN 8387 - PN 8431
Distributor PN 8388 - PN 8437 or PN 8433
Note: The PN 8386 and PN 8387 distributors feature HEI style plug wire terminals. You may need to
change the terminals and boots of your wires. MSD offers a kit, PN 8848, that comes with nine
HEI style boots and terminals.
TIMING FUNCTIONS
Before continuing with the installation, here are a few definitions you should be aware of:
Initial Timing: This is the base timing (also referred to as idle timing) of the engine before the
centrifugal advance begins.
Centrifugal Advance: The centrifugal (or mechanical) advance mechanism is made up of weights,
springs, advance cams, and an advance stop bushing. The amount and rate of advance that your
distributor is capable of is determined by the centrifugal timing. If you ever wish to lock out the
centrifugal advance, refer to the centrifugal advance section.
Total Timing: This is the total of the initial timing plus the centrifugal advance added together.
Example: 10° Initial + 25° centrifugal = 35° Total Timing (When checking Total timing, disconnect
anc cap the vacuum canister and plug the vacuum line).
Vacuum Advance: The vacuum advance will advance the timing up to 10° during partial throttle driving (with
15 lbs. of vacuum). The vacuum line should be routed to a ported vacuum outlet above the throttle plates.
RPM LIMIT AND TACHOMETER INFORMATION
Tach Signal: The Ready-to-Run Distributor features a Gray Tach Output wire which provides a clean signal
for most tachometers and even some aftermarket fuel injection systems. The signal output
is a 12 volt square wave, 20° duty cycle. This wire is also responsible for programming the
built-in rev limiter.
Rev Limiter: The Ready-to-Run Distributor has a built-in rev limit that can easily be adjusted from 2,000
rpm to over 10,000 rpm. The default is 10,000 rpm. To set the rev limiter, run the engine to half
the desired rpm then ground the Gray tach wire (a jumper is supplied) for approximately one
second. Every time the key is turned to the On position, the tach will display the programmed
rpm limit. See page 8 for the programming procedure.
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