To sleeve or not to sleeve?

[models916]

That's the question! I need to decide if I should use my MSD SBC distributor and a sleeve or sell it and buy a new one. Is there only one sleeve mfg? Give me the pros and cons on the sleeve. I have read old discussions on oil restriction, but no answer as to why that would be if it is machined correctly. $300 new dist. or $100 new sleeve + old dist. Thanks guys!

[jim_ss409]

I don't have any actual experience with the sleeves but I'd imagine they would work fine. But I could see where they would have to be installed pointing the right way in order to avoid blocking any oil passages. See this thread... http://www.348-409.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5227 Still, if I could afford it I'd rather have the new MSD designed for the 348/409 and eliminate the potential problem.

[models916]

Looking at pics of the new MSD distributors for 348/409, they appear to be small block with a sleeve. Anybody have one or seen one of these? Hate to purchase what I already own.

[jim_ss409]

I've got one. It's a solid billet aluminum body that's made the right size for the 348/409. It works great.

[Tony Salins]

I use the new MSD distributor in my dragster and I went almost .2 faster than it did with an old mallory dual-point. The only other change that was made at the same time I replaced a Holley 800 cfm spread bore with a new Quick-Fuel 750 cfm Holley. I think MSD makes a quaility part and their help line was great. I have never used the one that is sleeved but the new one, made for an 09, is well worth the money.

Tony

[SS425HP]

Give Ignition man a try. DQ swears by his work. Haven't had the chance, myself. emailed him last winter, but had other things going on at the time. A quote from him might just turn your head.

[Mr Goodwrench]

I can also vouch for that, ignition man built mine, could not work any better and reasonable as well.

[Nuts]

I have the Mallory Unilite distributor made for the 348/409 applications. Seems to work fine and does not require a control box. Works with the stock wiring harness also...

[models916]

I have a new billet MSD distributor for sbc and would like to use it in the new engine. I want to know if there are issues with the sleeve for the W engine. Anybody using it now or had used it in the past? Looking at pics of it, I don't see where there would be a problem anywhere. It looks like it raises the base and incleases the dia. of the shaft that directs the oil to the lifter galley. I just thought if there is a problem I would just buy a new MSD, but hey, thats $300+. Thanks

[bluescreamer]

Models916
I've been using a sleeve in my motors for the past 10+ years, in the Screamer
have used a aluniumin and or a steel unit in 4 different motors. I do not have
any oiling issues using the sleeve. Been using the same duel pickup MSD dist.
in all of these motors.
Go for it. :)
Allen

[models916]

That's what I was looking for. Thanks

[Mr Goodwrench]

could someone give some technical dimensions on these sleeves? I would like to machine one.

[Tman]

That and some pictures would be helpfull!

[Ronnie Russell]

If noone has any pictures and desription handy, I will take measurments and pictures tomorrow and post as soon as I can.

[Ronnie Russell]

From bottom of flange to bottom 5 1/8 in. flange thickness 7/16 in. flange width 2 1/8 in. outside diamiter of bottom of sleeve 1 3/8 in. Hope this helps.

[JimKwiatkowski]

Ronnie,I see you know how to post photos now,good job :clap Is that your Pontiac in the background your trying to sell?

[Ronnie Russell]

Jim, I decided it was time to see if I could figure this picture thing out. A bunch of punching buttons and experimenting. Ya know, these computer gadgets just might stay around awhile. Yes , that is my 82 Trans-am. Gotta get off my can and take pictures and get it listed and turn it into 409 money.

[region rat]

Msd does make a drop in unit. Show cars offers several different msd units with sleeves attached from what their pictures show. I'd believe Allen. If they hold up in his car, they'd old up in anything. Bob

[Mr Goodwrench]

thanks ronnie!! looks like a piece of cake....... to make anyway.

[Mr Goodwrench]

looking again ronnie do those three holes, on each one of those steps go all the way through to the other side? the diameter of those steps I guess I can get from a 348/409 dist.

[Ronnie Russell]

Mr Goodwrench, You forced me to break out the trusty dial calipers. Yes, the three holes do go all the way through. First diamiters of , the three steps----- Bottom 1.370 middle----1.445 top----- 1.490 Measurement from bottom of sleeve to first step---2.950 middle---1.100 and top 1.17 Hole diamiters measure .210 13 holes in the bottom sleeve ( .450 from center of hole to bottom edge of sleeve) holes at top of bottom "section" are 2.650 from center of hole to botttom of sleeve. 3.820 from bottom of sleeve to center of holes in middle section. 4.450 from center of top holes to bottom of sleeeve. Using calipers instead of original tape measure the sleeve from bottom of flange to bottom of sleeve is 5.150 Flange thickness .440 Inside diamiter of sleeve 1.250

[models916]

Is that a CH sleeve? I have never seen one before. I ordered one from Late Great, but I don't know if I will ever get it. C. Harvey says he does not make them anymore. LW no longer sells them.

[Mr Goodwrench]

thanks ronnie. who does sell them??? what di they cost??? might just whip a few of these up this winter.

[Ronnie Russell]

models916, 9 years ago, a friend who ordered a sleeve from one of the vendors , decided he was not satisfied with the quality of the sleeve he revieved so he made 3. Two went into his engines and he gave me the third. That is why it may look a little different from the ones sold today. I have used mine in 3 different engines, I end up selling the engines and always keep the sleeve. Not only is it good quality, it was a gift, so I wont ever sell it. I dont know who sells sleeves today, but certainly someone must.

[Tman]

So, would it be possible to get a measured drawing? A guy could whittle his own on the lathe that wway!

[Mr Goodwrench]

T man I'm going to do just that and will be happy to share with anyone that wants one (drawing that is) I would like ronnie to check my drawing against his part first though, I he is willing.

[TomO]

How much higher does the head of the distributor set with the sleeve? Could there possibly be interference with the air cleaner? I have a HEI filled with the MSD goodies that I would like to re-use if possible.

TomO

[Ronnie Russell]

Mr Goodwrench, Send your drawing to rocks409@peoplepc.com I think I can compare the drawing to my measurements and arrive at a conclusion. TomO , The flange is only a 1/2 in. tall ( .440 ) so I dont think a HEI would be a problem, hope not, because I intend to use a HEI in mine .

[Mr Goodwrench]

will do....might be a few days though, cant seem to get caught up :doh