PN8363 Datasheet, PDF (2/8 Pages) Mallory performance club – MSD Pro-Billet Distributor

2
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
CHOOSING AN ADVANCE CURVE
The function of the advance curve is to match the ignition timing to the burning rate of the fuel and
speed (rpm) of the engine. Any factor that changes the burning rate of the fuel or the engine speed
can cause a need for an ignition timing change. Figure 1 shows some of the factors that will affect
engine timing.
FACTOR
Cylinder Pressure
Vacuum
Energy of Ignition
Fuel Octane
Mixture (Air/Fuel)
Temperature
Combustion Chamber Shape
Spark Plug Location
Combustion Turbulence
Load
Advance Timing
For
Low
High
Low
High
Rich
Cool
Open
Offset
Low
Light
Retard Timing
For
High
Low
High
Low
Lean
Hot
Compact
Center
High
Heavy
    Figure 1 Ignition Timing Factors.
As you can see from the chart, most factors will change throughout the range of the engine operation.
The timing mechanism of the distributor must make timing changes based on these factors.
Example: An engine has 11:1 compression with a high energy ignition. With the specifications given,
you will have to retard the timing for the high compression and high energy ignition. By comparing
the engine’s specifications against the chart, a usable timing guideline can be found. Engines with
a combination of items from both columns will require a timing that is set in the mid range.
Obviously a full technical explanation of correct ignition timing would be very complicated. The best
way to arrive at a suitable ignition curve for your engine is to use the Ignition Timing Factors Chart
as a guide and compare it to the Advance Graphs in Figure 4 until a suitable curve is found. When
selecting your advance curve, use detonation (engine ping) as an indicator of too much advance,
and a decrease in power as an indicator of too little advance.
TIPS ON SELECTING AN ADVANCE CURVE
• Use as much initial advance as possible without encountering excessive starter load.
• Start the centrifugal advance just above the idle rpm.
• The starting point of the centrifugal advance curve is controlled by the installed length and
tension of the spring.
• How quickly the centrifugal advance (slope) comes in is controlled by the spring stiffness.The
stiffer the spring, the slower the advance curve.
• The amount of advance is controlled by the advance bushing. The bigger the bushing, the
smaller the amount of advance.
CENTRIFUGAL ADVANCE CURVE
SELECTING THE ADVANCE SPRINGS
The rate, or how quick the advance comes in is determined by the type of springs which are installed
on the distributor. The MSD distributors are equipped with two Heavy Silver springs installed. These
will give you the slowest advance curve possible (Figure 2). The parts kit contains two additional sets
of springs which can be used to match the advance curve to your particular application. Refer to the
Spring Combination Chart (Figure 3) for combinations that can be achieved.
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