Anyone using an MSD digital e-curve dist?
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 1999
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Anyone using an MSD digital e-curve dist?
The HEI unit in my 383 stroker is worn and noisy, so I bought an MSD digital e-curve unit to replace it thinking I can set up the curve easily. Anyone using one? I would be interested in a good set up start point to work from when I instal, or any general comments on your success or concerns with this distributor.
Engine is 383 (stroked, .30 over 350 4 bolt) in a '75 automatic (700R4) with the following mods: ported GM iron heads with 2.02 valves, cam about equal to a 350/350HP cam, 2-1/2 inch ram horns through 2-1/2 inch true duals, stock L82 intake, 780 CFM quadrajet richened up, flat top pistons and all the basic life extending bottom end stuff.
This is a very stock looking street sleeper that runs low to mid 13's in drive. I want to keep the flat torque curve and usualy don't exceed 5500 RPM (unless I'm losing, of course, because it does pull hard well past 6500 RPM, but that can get so expensive!)
Engine is 383 (stroked, .30 over 350 4 bolt) in a '75 automatic (700R4) with the following mods: ported GM iron heads with 2.02 valves, cam about equal to a 350/350HP cam, 2-1/2 inch ram horns through 2-1/2 inch true duals, stock L82 intake, 780 CFM quadrajet richened up, flat top pistons and all the basic life extending bottom end stuff.
This is a very stock looking street sleeper that runs low to mid 13's in drive. I want to keep the flat torque curve and usualy don't exceed 5500 RPM (unless I'm losing, of course, because it does pull hard well past 6500 RPM, but that can get so expensive!)
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Forked River NJ
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Austin TX
I run one, but I can't remember what I have it set at right now. 
I set my total timing at idle ~33* then an "electronic advance" and vacuum advance all in by 2500 rpm. DavidEy is a forum member here that helped me out with the base settings. My engine is a 406ci with ~9.7 static compression ratio. My optimum shift points will be around 6000rpms or so once the engine is broke in. Right now I have a small amount of detonation happening so I need to go through the timing and carb settings. Not optimized right now by far, but somewhere along the 3-4000rpm range by tires start squeeling after I'm already moving, so it's close but not quite a cigar yet.
If you get confused trying to set your timing up you can call MSD and they'll tell you how the distributor works. The instructions are pretty much crap.
I set my total timing at idle ~33* then an "electronic advance" and vacuum advance all in by 2500 rpm. DavidEy is a forum member here that helped me out with the base settings. My engine is a 406ci with ~9.7 static compression ratio. My optimum shift points will be around 6000rpms or so once the engine is broke in. Right now I have a small amount of detonation happening so I need to go through the timing and carb settings. Not optimized right now by far, but somewhere along the 3-4000rpm range by tires start squeeling after I'm already moving, so it's close but not quite a cigar yet.
If you get confused trying to set your timing up you can call MSD and they'll tell you how the distributor works. The instructions are pretty much crap.
