MSD Billet help! 85551 or 8366
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,992
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From: Henryville IN
MSD Billet help! 85551 or 8366
Ok Im replacing the distributor in the 90 L98. I bought the 6al and the MSD 2 coil. Now the fun part I was told that the MSD PRO BILLET DISTRIBUTOR 85551 will work fine on the car. Well got it all hooked up as per all the directions and it doesnt. Doesnt seem to be getting gas so it has to be something with the computer right. So I did a seach and all I find anyone putting in thier L98s is the MSD 8366. I think maybe I was steered wrong here and will now have to invest in the 8366. Any one know for sure? 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 752
Likes: 0
From: richardson tx
hi was just about to post again about the msd dist. i too have a `90 and going to order the msd this weekend ill be watching your post for info. my question to you is do i have to get a seperate coil doesnt the hei have it in the cap? what are my options on this. also i already have the msd 6a box. thanks
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,992
Likes: 0
From: Henryville IN
Well since I posted here I have been on the MSD site. It looks like the 85551 will not work for me. Eveywhere they point is to the 8366. Since I have the factory ECM I have to go with this or the injectors will not fire. Thus the problem I had tonight of high spark no fuel. As to your question the true HEI does have the coil in the top of the cap but so far the billet ones I seen do not and have to have a external coil. I mounted mine by my winsheild washer bottle. Now if I just had the right distib I would be a happy camper. This may shed some light they have a good site to ask questions on. http://www.msdignition.com/forums/in...=3207&hl=8366& http://www.msdignition.com/forums/in...=3229&hl=8366& 
Last edited by ABNVET.I; May 12, 2005 at 01:24 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 752
Likes: 0
From: richardson tx
thanks. i posted awhile ago on my other thread havent got no replys maybe you can answer. what are my other options as far as a billet or just as good dist with the coil in the cap so i can just hook it back up to the msd6a that i already have. if msd doesnt have it than maybe im looking for another option. thanks
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,992
Likes: 0
From: Henryville IN
Here is the only one I seen but it looks like it has vacume advance http://www.msdignition.com/dist_5.htm
Yep it does but you can take that off http://www.msdignition.com/pdf/8365_frm%2026045.pdf
Yep it does but you can take that off http://www.msdignition.com/pdf/8365_frm%2026045.pdf
Last edited by ABNVET.I; May 12, 2005 at 10:14 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 1
From: Geneseo Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by 1hot90
Well since I posted here I have been on the MSD site. It looks like the 85551 will not work for me. Eveywhere they point is to the 8366. Since I have the factory ECM I have to go with this or the injectors will not fire. Thus the problem I had tonight of high spark no fuel. As to your question the true HEI does have the coil in the top of the cap but so far the billet ones I seen do not and have to have a external coil. I mounted mine by my winsheild washer bottle. Now if I just had the right distib I would be a happy camper. This may shed some light they have a good site to ask questions on. http://www.msdignition.com/forums/in...=3207&hl=8366& http://www.msdignition.com/forums/in...=3229&hl=8366&
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,992
Likes: 0
From: Henryville IN
I just found out that MSD said that the 8366 wont work just as you said. They said they make nothing for a 1990 vette.Should have looked back here again instead of on the phone for the part 1/2 hour. Do you have to call Jims and do you know what the cost of the harness is? Also how did it work out for you?
Well after all this tail chasing I have decided to beef up my current HEI and put on a 6al. This will do what I want for the most part and it means I dont have to buy another distrib since I have 3 laying around here now.
Well after all this tail chasing I have decided to beef up my current HEI and put on a 6al. This will do what I want for the most part and it means I dont have to buy another distrib since I have 3 laying around here now.
Last edited by ABNVET.I; May 12, 2005 at 02:10 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,970
Likes: 20
From: San Marcos Texas
Check out this thread...BTW I used the 8366 in my 91'. Lots of guys running the 8366 here
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1048463
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1048463
Me to, 8366 with Jims Connector
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 1
From: Geneseo Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by 1hot90
Do you have to call Jims and do you know what the cost of the harness is? Also how did it work out for you?
I called him. Takes two connectors. about $45.00. I found out about this here on the forum too.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,251
Likes: 2
From: Thomson Georgia
MSD 8366 is the one to use. The harness adapter is easy to make, go to a junk yard and get the harness pieces from almost any V6 or V8, cut the connector off your hei or get a connector and wires from a junk hei.
Solder the wires together and use heat shrink over the wires, takes you about 20-30 minutes and a couple dollars for parts.
Solder the wires together and use heat shrink over the wires, takes you about 20-30 minutes and a couple dollars for parts.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 13,911
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From: Manassas VA
NoVa Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '14
Originally Posted by 1hot90
Ok Im replacing the distributor in the 90 L98. I bought the 6al and the MSD 2 coil. Now the fun part I was told that the MSD PRO BILLET DISTRIBUTOR 85551 will work fine on the car. Well got it all hooked up as per all the directions and it doesnt. Doesnt seem to be getting gas so it has to be something with the computer right. So I did a seach and all I find anyone putting in thier L98s is the MSD 8366. I think maybe I was steered wrong here and will now have to invest in the 8366. Any one know for sure?
