MP Distributor Tuning Tutorial

pretty good writeup. You haven't gotten into the speed of the curve yet. I've only worked with the small block distributors with the stock advance mechanism. I will make a few suggestions, some of which are only relevant to the factory style advance mechanism.

First thing is that I never worry to drive out the roll pin first. Its used like a keyway on on the shaft, which fits in a slot underneath the step. Therefore, its fit on the shaft is not an issue if you lift it up. I use two large screwdrivers and pry straight up without disturbing the pickup. You pry from both sides evenly and its easy. That alone will save you time.

Then, i pull the advance mechanism out by removing the two screws then separating the pickup plate a bit until it comes out. easy. next thing is to take the other screws out and remove the mounting plate.

The length of the slot determines the total advance. So on the MP distributor if you know the length of the slot and the distributor degrees that it did before (as a result of your dial back light), you can create a ratio for what you have and what you're looking for and cross multiply. On the stock distributor you have to subtract the diameter of the pins before you make your ratio. On the stock distributor, you have to weld and file it to the right length...still not bad.

I've found you want to have total timing come in by 2400rpm and start around 1100-1200rpm. On my distributor I have ONE light spring with a coil removed. Now she runs great...15 inital and 35 total without the vacuum can hooked up.