I am trying to install MSD Ready to run distributor to replace the points dist. I am a little confused. After reading numerous threads about hooking up HEI couple of things are still not clear to me.
I ran a 12 gauge wire from the pink wire under the dash, which gives me full 12v when ignition is on, to the distributor.
Do I keep the existing wires that are hooked up to the coil and run full 12v directly to the distributor or do I run a full 12v to the coil and then hook up distributor to the coil like in MSD instructions?
I have NGK Iridium spark plugs, how much should I gap them?
I've read anything from .040 to .060 so I am not sure.
Please help. Thank you.

 

Orange is to the coil (-) terminal.
Red is to the +12V source and to the coil (+) terminal.
Black is to ground.

Hook the +12V wire to the coil (+), and the Red wire to the coil (+).

Source

- Eric

 

There should have been 2 wires on your old coil. One was the resistor wire, the other was from the starter to provide 12v while in the start mode. The resistor wire I would just cap and stow. The wire from the starter in some cases is needed as the start and run circuits are isolated by the ignition switch, so you may need to connect it to the "batt" terminal on the HEI.

I gap my plugs at .045, but you can go as big as .060, the bigger the gap the hotter the spark.

 

Thanks guys. I am gonna install it this weekend.

 

Let us know how you make out. By the way you need to set your timing a bit different because of the advance curve on the HEI. Your engine may want more initial advance. Also watch the for pinging when you connect your vacuum advance.

Do you have a dial type timing light?

 

Yes I just bought one. What should I set initial advance at?

 

What do you mean it's not a HEI distributor??

 

Yes it's brand new.
MSD 8529
Yes

 

So I don't need this wire for full +12V, just hook up to the coil the way it is?

 

Should I hook up the full +12V wire to the coil or just install it like points distributor??

 

12v to the coil.

 

Thank you.

 

 

12 BTD initial, 36 total all in by 3400. I think I used the two light blue springs.

 

Here's a related question:
The MSD coil (MSD Blaster 2) that goes with this distributor, has an option WITH ballast resistor, or WITHOUT ballast resistor. My setup is already HEI (1972 Olds Cutlass w/350/350, 1977 GM HEI already installed), so, its just one 12V wire from IGN on fuse box, to HEI. Do I even need the ballast resistor with my setup?

 

This is what it should look liken no ballast resistor:

Instruction sheet
http://documents.msdperformance.com/8529.pdf

 

Okay great, no ballast resistor. Got it yay, I get to save myself 6 or 7 Bucks!

 

Thanks Gone Johnson, Ive never had so much power than since I installed this distributor. What a smooth running engine!!

 

Awesome

 

Thanks oldcutlass, the help was invaluable