I have the 1975 B20 engine in my '64 PV544. It had the MSD-6A ignition system in it when I got it in 2004, but a few weeks ago something in that system went bad and stranded me. Luckily I was only about 1/2 mile from my Dad's place.

To date I haven't been able to diagnose the problem, so I pulled all the MSD stuff out and borrowed a VW .050 distributor to fix the one in the Volvo.

The Bosch distributors in these two cars have the same internal parts.

I found that the only things you need to do to convert it from electronic to stock is to replace the points plate and install a stock set of points and condenser.

Carrying a little steel plate, points, and condensor is a lot handier than keeping a whole spare distributor in the trunk.

Remember, if you're removing the distributor, just remove the two bolts that secure the distributor clamp to the block. If you don't loosen the distributor clamp so the distributor will turn, you can drop it back in and be sure the timing is still set up. Also, the Volvo distributor will only go in one way, unlike so many others that can be put in backwards. You'll never end up 180 degrees out of time.

I've recently installed the Pertronix igniter inside my distributor so the car looks much more stock under the hood again.

While I was under there, I also found an old Crane system that someone had disconnected but not removed.

Now, to fill those screw holes in the firewall and get it repainted!



Steve in Southern California
(Near Death Valley)
1964 Volvo PV544
1965 Volvo P1800s
1967 Fiat Abarth 100-OT Coupe (one liter engine)
etc.