Hello Gerry,
I have the MSD 8577. Here:
http://www.msdignition.com/dist_19.htm
I didn't measure from the manifold because we may not have the same manifold, so I measured up from the block: 9-1/8" to the top of the plug boots which are the MSD right-angle ones.
The tape had to bend a little to get from the block (next to the distributor hold down clamp) up the to top, so the actual height may be a fraction less.
This distributor is the smallest for the 385 I could find!
Tom