

MSD 8381 Distributor
Key item features
- Advanced Triggering: Features an advanced optical encoder trigger design for enhanced accuracy and reliability, differing from the OEM optical pickup.
- Secure Rotor: The rotor drive design is positively indexed and bolted to a drive assembly, preventing slippage and ensuring stability.
- RPM Stability: A large ball bearing assembly stabilizes timing effectively, supporting performance through 10,000 RPM.
- Leak-Proof Design: Improved housing design with an extra bolt and a thick mounting surface for the cap eliminates leaks.
- Environmental Protection: Equipped with a fresh air vent and sealed construction to keep out environmental elements.
- Adjustable Timing: Offers unique timing adjustability, allowing for easy adjustments of up to +/-5 degrees via an adjustment screw.
- Billet Construction: Precision-machined from a solid billet aluminum block into a precise housing for durability and fit.
Specs
- Vehicle modelLT1
- Vehicle makeGM
- Vehicle fitment typeSpecific
- Automotive parts divisionPerformance
- BrandMSD
- Automotive specialty part typeDistributor
- Free shipping
Free 30-day returns
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Compare with similar items
| Product | Viewing this itemMSD 8381 Distributor ![]() Now $736.95 current price Now $736.95, Was $819.95$819.95 34.7 out of 5 Stars. 3 reviews | MSD 8552 Distributor ![]() Now $644.95 current price Now $644.95, Was $716.95$716.95 15 out of 5 Stars. 1 reviews | MSD 8589 Pro-Billet Distributor ![]() Now $665.95 current price Now $665.95, Was $731.95$731.95 | MSD 85793 Distributor ![]() Now $505.95 current price Now $505.95, Was $562.95$562.95 25 out of 5 Stars. 2 reviews |
|---|
| Vehicle model | LT1MSD 8381 Distributor | LT1MSD 83811 Distributor | 7227MSD Ultra 7AL Ignition | 8560MSD 8560 Distributor | ElectraMSD 8552 Distributor | 8589MSD 8589 Pro-Billet Distributor | 85793MSD 85793 Distributor | 23843MSD 23843 Distributor | 8356MSD 8356 Distributor | JeepMSD 8516 Distributor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle make | GMMSD 8381 Distributor | GMMSD 83811 Distributor | -MSD Ultra 7AL Ignition | ChevyMSD 8560 Distributor | BuickMSD 8552 Distributor | HoldenMSD 8589 Pro-Billet Distributor | FordMSD 85793 Distributor | PontiacMSD 23843 Distributor | ChevyMSD 8356 Distributor | -MSD 8516 Distributor |
| Vehicle fitment type | SpecificMSD 8381 Distributor | SpecificMSD 83811 Distributor | SpecificMSD Ultra 7AL Ignition | SpecificMSD 8560 Distributor | SpecificMSD 8552 Distributor | SpecificMSD 8589 Pro-Billet Distributor | SpecificMSD 85793 Distributor | SpecificMSD 23843 Distributor | SpecificMSD 8356 Distributor | SpecificMSD 8516 Distributor |
| Automotive parts division | PerformanceMSD 8381 Distributor | PerformanceMSD 83811 Distributor | PerformanceMSD Ultra 7AL Ignition | PerformanceMSD 8560 Distributor | PerformanceMSD 8552 Distributor | PerformanceMSD 8589 Pro-Billet Distributor | PerformanceMSD 85793 Distributor | PerformanceMSD 23843 Distributor | PerformanceMSD 8356 Distributor | PerformanceMSD 8516 Distributor |
About this item
Product details
Leave it to MSD to build an all-out performance distributor to replace the OEM GM LT1 Optispark! We machine an entire billet block of aluminum down into a precise housing that fits in place of the factory piece. Then, we fill it with a reliable new pick-up assembly, a trick timing adjustment mechanism and top it off with an all new MSD distributor cap!
The pick-up is an advanced optical encoder, a different style of optical pickup than the OEM. This type of pick-up has proven to be very reliable and stable through extreme rpm and conditions. The rotor is bolted to a drive assembly that is indexed to the shaft and is stabilized through the use of a large ball bearing assembly.
Once installed, you have the ability to adjust the ignition timing - the only distributor that offers timing adjustability! An adjustment screw allows the timing to be tweaked up to +/-5°:. The distributor is equipped with a fresh air vent and has an extra thick mounting surface for the cap to eliminate leaks.
The distributor is supplied complete with our heavy duty LT1 Cap, Rotor and the components required for installation.;
- Advanced optical encoder trigger design for accuracy and reliability.
- Rotor drive design is positively indexed and cannot slip.
- Large ball bearing stabilizes timing through 10,000 rpm.
- Fresh air vented and sealed to keep the elements out.
- Improved housing design and extra bolt eliminates leaks.
- Easily adjust the timing up to +/-5°.
Specifications
Vehicle model
Vehicle make
Vehicle fitment type
Automotive parts division
Warranty
Warranty information
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Customer ratings & reviews
Filtered and sorted results would be available on the new 'Customer ratings & reviews' page.
Showing 1-3 of 3 reviews
MSD Optispark
Absolutely amazing…fired right up and absolutely no issues. Love the way the cap is well sealed to prevent leakage from entering the distributor, not to mention an anti corrosive billet aluminum case. Also, had everything needed for the vacuum lines to hook up to convert earlier models to vented Optispark. Can't wait to play around with adjustable timing as well.
Nice product
Works great so far! Just need to take your time with install
MSD LT-1
2nd time replacing the distributor on the LT-1, hoping for longevity and reliability since this motors like to eat the distributors.. Last one lasted a year, that came from NAPA - shop that installed the MSD is eating all labor and cost of the MSD. Only down fall I didnt like on the MSD is the adjustiable timing screw, having a strong background in machining and aviation mechanics you would figure MSD would make the thread pitch a little tighter or use a close interference insert, instead of saying in the directions "if screw losens up apply loctite" Over time the loctite will break down and the screw will back off! But other then that car runs great!! And there isnt that many more choices for the LT-1, cant get the AC-DELCO any more.......
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