Reply to "MSD8350 vs. MSD8577"

A corner of the distributor sits below the cross-brace over the firewall opening, the leading edge of the engine screen rests on the brace I am referring to.

The 8350 "just" fits below that brace. I can't remember for sure, but the top of one of the spark plug wire "boots" may rub the brace. If it doesn't rub, it comes very close to rubbing. You gotta take the cap off to install the distributor in the hole. Once its in, its in. It works fine. I've seen more than one installed in L models. I can't remember if I've seen one mounted in a Pre-L. I don't think there's a difference.

The 8477/8577 distributors fit like a charm. Like you wrote, there's 3/4" clearance.

For anyone worried about the height of the 8350, I just recently learned the Accel #59205 Performance Replacement Distributor is a drop-in ignition like the MSD #8350 (I used to think it was just a distributor, didn't realize it contained an ignition module). The Accel is shorter than the MSD, but the cap is larger in diameter.

Both use magnetic triggers, both have user adjustable advance mechanisms, both are good choices.

-G