Haven't replaced a distributor before have couple of questions. These questions are probably gong to be really obvious.

First I picked up a MSD HEI Cap and Rotor Kit. When I got it back to my car I noticed that the one in there was the one with 9 terminals. The MSD only has 8 and it looks like the coil needs to go on top. Are these all universal or do I need to go back and get the 9 Terminal one?

Tips for replacing?

 

the cap & rotor kit you want is MSD# 8406 . installation is easy , remove old cap & rotor . do not remove plug wires (DO NOT) from old cap . install new rotor & cap . then remove 1 at a time wires from old cap and re-install on new cap in correct position . take great care that you do not mess up the sequence or wire position . good luck .

 

it seems like you got the cap& rotor for a coil in cap HEI. The one you need is the kind with 9 terminals,8 for plugs and 1 for the wire that goes to the external coil