MSD Distributor

[Sunbeam Fanatic]

Hi All,

This is my first post as I've been looking around a few RV8 forums for a while and this one looks like it's one I'd get the most out of and hopefully contribute to!

So for my first question, and you'll tell I don't know an awful lot about the RV8, I wanted to ask if anyone knows if the MSD 8548 Distributor will fit and work? It's designed for the Buick 215 which I am told is the basis of the RV8 but does anyone know if it will fit and work (with the correct MSD ignition box etc.)

The engine in question is a 1988 vintage 4.2L from a TVR, any help and advice much appreciated

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/s ... 2_70092_-1

Cheers,

Steven.

[katanaman]

Yes it will fit but you will need to cut the drive shaft and fit the newer drive gear.

[Sunbeam Fanatic]

Yes it will fit but you will need to cut the drive shaft and fit the newer drive gear.

Hi,

Thanks for that, any chance of a little more info? Do you mean cut the shaft of the dizzy or just cut the drive cog off? Is it not impossible to get a straight shaft by cutting and welding a new drive to the dizzy shaft? Sorry if I'm asking an obvious question.

Alternatively, is there an equivalent quality dizzy from a different manufacturer that doesn't need this mod?

Many thanks for the help.

Steven.

[ian.stewart]

On the bottom of the early dissy shafts there is a piece of machined shaft that fits into the oil pump, on the later engines the shaft is with what is best described as a wobbely drive and is held on by a roll pin, to retro fit the later drive you have to cut the tang off the bottom of the Mallory dissy fit a newer type drive and drill the shaft for the roll pin. its easy to do but if you dont want to risk doing it yourself most sellers of the dissy should be able to get it done for you.
Ian

[Sunbeam Fanatic]

Thanks for that, I've been in touch with a couple of places who say they can supply and modify the dizzy to suit, when I get it done I'll post the results.

Cheers,

SF