Bought an MSD 8383, Blue Thunder intake, and an aluminum REX valley pan, pretty excited until I started the install.  The BT hits the valley pan breather/oil fill, and the BT is a good 1/8 inch maybe more from seating because it's up against the MSD at the rear bolt hole.  These parts just aren't designed to be installed (together) as issued, I'm realy frustrated as I did not anticipate problems.  The valley pan is likely no big deal, grind it down make it fit but why? and I really hate to start hacking on this well crafted manifold.  Maybe I missed a thread about this, but I can't believe these vendors don't realize that there are other aftermarket parts for a Y-block, at least a warning would have been nice, like if you're running an MSD the BT won't fit, or visa versa.  If I was running that other engine these parts would fit as purchased, what a pain in the posterior, or am I expecting to much. 

I'm thinking about going back to the stock manifold or maybe the distributor, any help or experience with the BT/MSD issue would be appreciated.  Also does the Mummert intake have the same issue with the MSD?  Thanks for any advise you can offer, sorry about the attitude.

Ted, Redding, CA

  Had the same problem on my '57 with the #8383/Blue Thunder! First problem was getting the MSD past the lip on the firewall,then getting the Blue Thunder manifold to clear the MSD(used a small rotary grinder on both,but mostly on the rear corner of the manifold)got it to fit.Then I install a Road Demon(525)carb and a 1" spacer and a custom oval air cleaner! Guess what! Hood wouldn't close,had to remove the spacer and run just a carb gasket to get enough clearance to close. Ain't life grand!! LOL   KID

Take KidCourier's advice and just massage it to fit. The BT manifold is a great manifold that would be snapped up here in a heartbeat.

Regards

Rick - West Australia
Do Y Blocks Downunder run upside down? Gravity Sucks!!

The newer the Blue Thunder intake, the more the problem with the distributor clearance and especially with the MSD #8383 billet distributor.  With the newer batches of BT intakes, I’ve been simply milling the back of the intake in the milling machine.  There’s just an excess of material on the intake for some reason but easily trimmed off.  Here are some pictures showing both the before and after clearances and also with the intake clamped up in the milling machine.  A grinder can also do the same ‘removal’ operation.

   Before.

   Machining off the excess amount of aluminum.

   After.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Great tech there Ted!  As for me I've had very good luck with modified stock dizzys.  I haven't seen the need for a MSD distributor, althought I do trigger an MSD box with the stock one.

   God Bless.   Tim                           http://yblockguy.com/

350ci Y-Block FED "Elwood", 301ci Y-Block Unibody LSR "Jake", 312ci Y-Block '58 F-100, 338ci Y-Block powered Model A Tudor

tim@yblockguy.com  Visalia, California    Just west of the Sequoias

Mr. Ted Eaton, I took the pictures to a local machine shop and am having milling work done today.  They were invaluable in explaining what needed to be done, not sure how well that would have gone without them. Thank you Sir. 

Ted, Redding, CA

Did Ted's dad post something here? Who is this Mr Ted Eaton? Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Now I'm really glad I didn't go with Your Highness

Ted, Redding, CA

Do you trigger the MSD with points or ?? I use a Pertronix to trigger the MSD 6A in my Ranchwagon.

"The Master Cylinder"

Enjoying life at the beach in SOCAL

I use a Petronix also but I have used points in the past.

   God Bless.   Tim                           http://yblockguy.com/

350ci Y-Block FED "Elwood", 301ci Y-Block Unibody LSR "Jake", 312ci Y-Block '58 F-100, 338ci Y-Block powered Model A Tudor

tim@yblockguy.com  Visalia, California    Just west of the Sequoias