302 Msd

[Allan A]

I have a MSD PN 8579 Pro Billet Small Block distributor. I want to replace the cap MSD 8431 and rotor MSD 8467. I recall that people were not using these items but replacing with parts from a Chevy? What would the parts be if I was able to do this.

Thanks,

Allan

[Jim Doak]

I'm not sure about your distributor but I'm using an MSD 8598 billet distributor on my engine (a Ford racing 345 horse 302). The 8598 distributor comes with a large, Ford-style cap that interfered with my air cleaner, so I purchased and installed a smaller, Chevy-style cap and rotor. The part numbers are 8433 for the cap and 8467 for the rotor. My cap is red but I believe that MSD sells a small diameter black cap, too.

[Rick Parker]

The early 8579 distributors originally used a cap sourced from an International V8 application (maybe AMC too). They used aluminum screw down clamps to secure the cap. The later ones use a screw through the cap only. Replacement caps are available (good quality)with brass terminals through NAPA an KEM (ignition parts company), but you will have to use the clamps mentioned, which are available from MSD. The MSD rotor is a good piece, stick with it. As mentioned above MSD is now making the small diameter cap for the 8579 distributor in Black as well as Red.

[Roscoe]

I replaced mine with the MSD Pro Cap

[zrayr]

if you need a cap that isn't as tall as the MSD cap, then get the NAPA one. It's nearly .25" shorter. This helps if you have a straight Monte Carlo type engine brace and need the clearance. BTW, the original cap that came with my MSD dist. was also shorted than the one they are selling now.

Z. Ray