Sal routes the dark blue launch-limiter wire through the firewall and into the coupe's cockpit. The wire will be tied into a toggle switch to arm the limiter; then to a momentary switch installed on the shifter handle. With a Two-Step, Sal will be able to stage with his foot mashed on the floor while rpm holds steady at whatever rpm he programs into the 6AL-2.
Removing the OEM distributor is easy. Simply remove the hold-down apparatus, disconnect the ignition wires from the spark plugs, and pull straight up.
The stock distributor is replaced with this CNC, ready-to-install Pro-Billet unit (PN 8456; $290.10). When installing the distributor, Sal cranks the engine until the No.1 piston is at top dead center on the compression stroke (Important note: The crank will line up on TDC two times as the distributor turns--once on exhaust-stroke TDC and a second time on compression. After installing the distributor's O-ring and lubing the steel distributor gear, Sal drops the unit into the block with the rotor pointing at the number one position (where the No. 1 spark plug wire will be when the cap is reinstalled). Once the distributor housing and gear are seated, Sal sets the TFI module on the new piece in the 5 o'clock position, which allows him to easily connect the harness.
Sal recommends using a dab of dialectric grease on each tip of the distributor cap to help ward off moisture.
Installing MSD's Super Conductor 8.5mm spark plug wires (PN 35399; $91.40) closes out the ignition makeover. After plugging in the wires, Sal sets timing at 21 degrees (initial timing advance) as that gives his 'Stang's 302 the best throttle response from idle.
Fresh, new, and ready for action! Upon firing the coupe's engine, we immediately noticed that the bullet sounds crisper (at idle), and its hotter ignition has improved throttle response.