Compact Distributer

[Randy Folsom]

While I am waiting for my RCR40 to arrive (this week, fingers crossed), I thinking about engine fitment. I have a 302/363 with a four barrel NA carb from Prestige. I ordered it with an MSD system. I am concerned about firewall clearance. So thinking to switch it out with MSD’s small diameter pro-billet. Two questions: Do I need to worry about clearance? If I upgrade to a Borla EFI ITB eight stack, will this size distributer required?

MSD 8579 Ford 302 Small Diameter Pro-Billet Distributor

MSD engineers fit all of their high performance distributor experience into a special compact housing designed to be less obtrusive for Ford engines. The diameter of the special cap and housing are 5/8" smaller than stock Ford distributors providing extra room in front of the engine. The new...

www.holley.com

 

[Bill Kearley]

You will have room if running a carb but the height will be a problem it you go to the Borla 8 stack. The interference is with the fuel rails not the firewall, at least on a CAV

 

[Ian Anderson]

If you do decide to swap the distributor make sure you use the correct gear as these need to be compatible with the camshaft metal or the whole lot fails in short order and needs a rebuild new bearings etc

 

[Michael]

Randy, I think you’ll be okay with the large cap MSD on a 302 based motor and stack injection. The wire terminals of the large cap MSD on my 351W based motor with much taller deck height did touch the firewall, so I swapped over to the small cap configuration to provide clearance. Both caps have adequate clearance to Weber IDAs. Also, you’ll have a bit of leeway with how you position the motor mounts.

 

[Randy Folsom]

Randy, I think you’ll be okay with the large cap MSD on a 302 based motor and stack injection. The wire terminals of the large cap MSD on my 351W based motor with much taller deck height did touch the firewall, so I swapped over to the small cap configuration to provide clearance. Both caps have adequate clearance to Weber IDAs. Also, you’ll have a bit of leeway with how you position the motor mounts.

Thx much for the guidance. I think I will swap out the distributer. The smaller unit looks more period correct as well.

 

[George]

I have a 302 with a Borla eight stack. I had to use this MSD small diameter billet distributor to fit.

 

[Randy Folsom]

Thx for confirming. Now what to do with the full size one that came installed. A little bummed. When I ordered the engine I specifically said I wanted it built for eventual upgrade to a Borla system.

 

[Bill Kearley]

In addition, for Borla 8 stack I used Holly control and a MSD dual sync distributor. In hind site it may have been easier to use a crank trigger as I had to shorten the distributor shaft and lower the trigger wheel to fit under the fuel rails. Before I went to all this trouble I did call MSD and Holly to try and find the right distributor with no luck.

 

[Randy Folsom]

In addition, for Borla 8 stack I used Holly control and a MSD dual sync distributor. In hind site it may have been easier to use a crank trigger as I had to shorten the distributor shaft and lower the trigger wheel to fit under the fuel rails. Before I went to all this trouble I did call MSD and Holly to try and find the right distributor with no luck.

Wow, Way past my skill set. If I go the Borla route, I will probably work with Prestige. They have a setup that is specific to the engine they sold me and tell me it is plug & play. I might save a few hundred sourcing it myself, but it might be that I end up buying parts that don’t work. Just bolting it on will be enough of satisfaction for me.