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Product Summary

External Ignition Box Required, HEI / Male Cap Type

  • Specifically designed for the Ford 302 C.I. engine
  • The billet housing is 5/8 smaller in diameter than stock Ford distributors
  • Has easy-to-adjust mechanical advance with supplied springs and stop bushings
  • Features a CNC machined billet aluminum housing and billet aluminum base
  • Steel shaft is QPQ coated and guided by a sealed ball bearing

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Key Specs

D-40-39
MFG. Part #8579
BrandMSD
Cap TypeHEI / Male
Advance TypeMechanical
CARB EO#
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MSD 8579 Details

MSD engineers fit all of their high performance distributor experience into a special compact housing designed to be less obtrusive for Ford engines. The diameter of the special cap and housing are 5/8 smaller than stock Ford distributors providing extra room in front of the engine. The new MSD cap features spark plug style terminals and is firmly screwed down to the housing. The distributor relies on MSDs race proven magnetic pick-up and precision reluctor to deliver accurate trigger signals to the MSD Ignition throughout high rpm. The reluctor assembly is turned by a hardened steel shaft which rides in a sealed ball bearing for high rpm stability and endurance. Mounted to the top of this shaft is a fully adjustable mechanical advance assembly. The rate at which the chro-moly assembly advances the timing is easily controlled by changing the supplied advance springs and stop bushing for total advance.
  • Billet housing is 5/8 smaller in diameter than stock Ford distributors
  • Easy-to-adjust mechanical advance with supplied springs and stop bushings
  • CNC machined billet aluminum housing and billet aluminum base
  • Maintenance-free magnetic pickup and precision reluctor create stable trigger signals throughout the rpm range
  • Polished steel shaft is QPQ coated and guided by a sealed ball bearing
  • Advance plate and weights are fine blanked from chrome moly steel and QPQ coated for friction reduction
  • Mechanical advance assembly can be locked out for crank trigger systems
  • Advance weight pins are staked and tig welded to the plate
  • Nylon pads ensure smooth operation of the advance weights
  • Supplied with small diameter cap with HEI style terminals and race rotor (will accept 8441 Cap-A-Dapt)
  • Must be used with an MSD Ignition Control
  • No CARB Exemption Order Number

Charts

Rebates

Holley Fuel Up Spring Savings Event 2026

Save 10% instantly on select products across the Holley family of performance brands during the annual Holley Fuel Up Spring Savings Event 2026. Instant rebate period runs from March 30, 2026 through April 19, 2026.

MSD 8579 Specifications

D-40-39
KEY SPECS
MFG. Part #8579
BrandMSD
Cap TypeHEI / Male
Advance TypeMechanical
CARB EO#
GENERAL
External Ignition Box RequiredYes
Cap Terminal StyleHEI / Male
Trigger StyleMagnetic
Hall EffectNo
Sync SignalNo
Trigger SensorsSingle
Gear MaterialIron
Gear RotationStandard
Distributor Cap ColorRed
Ignition Box RequiredYes
Mechanical Tach DriveNo
Slip CollarNo
Housing MaterialBillet Aluminum
Housing FinishNatural
EmissionsCalifornia EO Approved
Marine UseNo
Sold in QuantityEach
NotesSmall base diameter for extra clearance. For use with flat tappet camshafts. Roller cams should use a steel gear.
GTIN Code085132085798

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I would buy again great company

5.0

5 years ago

Jeremy

Riverside ca

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Everything is great

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