It seems that a new MSD distributor comes "off-the-shelf" with the huge Recreational Vehicle springs in it. In a light car, like the Maverick, this results in almost no ignition advance whatsoever.

The fellow at MSD told me they do this on purpose to keep from running to quick an advance curve "just in case" somebody puts the 302 distributor on an RV. Lighter springs (supplied BTW) would result in a too-quick ignition advance for such a heavy vehicle and they put the heavy springs on it to make sure it does not subject them to blown-engine lawsuits.

After fighting with my 302 for 3 weeks, spitting, backfiring through the carb, etc. I finally checked the advance on the ignition timing (base was fine) and found a total of 2 (two) degrees of advance at 3500 rpm with the "stock" heavy springs supplied. Moving to one "yellow" and one "blue" light springs brought it to life!

Just a word to the wise on the MSD distributors for anyone looking to get one.

I'm not downing MSD ignitions, but they can be a bit expensive if your not careful. Here is the breakdown on my '76 Maverick full MSD ignition setup:

8479 Distributor: $259
MSD 6A Box: 148
MSD 8.5mm wires: $84
MSD Blaster II coil: $27

Regards,
Tracy