Best Timing Light
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 558
Likes: 22
From: Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Best Timing Light
I need to buy a new timing light. Mine is very, very old. Anyone got a recommendation for a reasonably priced, adjustable light that will work with MSD multi-spark ignition??
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 32
From: Bowtie, Pennsyltucky
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15,'21
I just purchased a Sears non adjustable light for less than 40$. Works well and has a bright light you can see outside. Don't know about the adjustable part though.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,666
Likes: 1
From: Where it's always hot as Hell-South Louisiana.
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Harbor Freight has one for $29.95 that is adjustable and has a bright light.
It is THE SAME light sold at SEARS for $49.99
It is THE SAME light sold at SEARS for $49.99
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 378
Likes: 3
From: Oregon City Oregon
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 558
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From: Vancouver, B.C., Canada
I like this light but the Summit web site says that it is "not compatible with multi-spark ignition" (under notes). Are you running multi-spark ignition??
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 378
Likes: 3
From: Oregon City Oregon
I have a Craftsman timing light (no advance).
Just want to know if MSD requires something different? Better?
What are you guys using with MSD?
Recommendations for what will work ??
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,821
Likes: 204
From: Lincoln CA
Just a guess, but I think that "multi-spark ignition" probably refers to dual point ignitions that were popular on high performance cars in the 60s, prior to the advent of solid state electronic ignitions (like MSD). I've got a Sears adjustable light that works great with the Pertronix setup on my 69 Mustang. My Vette is the stock single point distributor, so I suppose it would work fine with that too. I doubt that MSD would require a special timing light.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 558
Likes: 22
From: Vancouver, B.C., Canada
I've just emailed Summit, on this light, asking them if this will work with MSD ignition. Hopefully they will reply. I'll post if they do.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
I just got a new light this year myself. Its Innova 5568 digital. I bought it for $100 from Amazon. What I like about it is not only an advance timing light but also has a tach and charging system read out as well.
So in one device you can set it to 36 deg and then rev until you hit it and see the exact rpm right there on the light. It is a little more but it is nice. Not sure about MSD.
So in one device you can set it to 36 deg and then rev until you hit it and see the exact rpm right there on the light. It is a little more but it is nice. Not sure about MSD.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I just got a new light this year myself. Its Innova 5568 digital. I bought it for $100 from Amazon. What I like about it is not only an advance timing light but also has a tach and charging system read out as well.
So in one device you can set it to 36 deg and then rev until you hit it and see the exact rpm right there on the light. It is a little more but it is nice. Not sure about MSD.
So in one device you can set it to 36 deg and then rev until you hit it and see the exact rpm right there on the light. It is a little more but it is nice. Not sure about MSD.
Yes it worked when I had a Multi spark ignition and it works on my buddys MSD distributor.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 558
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From: Vancouver, B.C., Canada
I have heard back from Summit and they confirm this light doesn't work with MSD. To bad, it looks like a good light for the price. I will check out the Innova. It's more than I wanted to spend but as you know "you get what you pay for". We'll see.
I'm open to more suggestions.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I have heard back from Summit and they confirm this light doesn't work with MSD. To bad, it looks like a good light for the price. I will check out the Innova. It's more than I wanted to spend but as you know "you get what you pay for". We'll see.
I'm open to more suggestions.
I'm open to more suggestions.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 4
i have one of these.
http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP7529-.../dp/B000BSY9JE not sure if it works with an msd though.
http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP7529-.../dp/B000BSY9JE not sure if it works with an msd though.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 543
Likes: 2
From: Miami FL
St. Jude Donor '11, '14
Msd
Just a guess, but I think that "multi-spark ignition" probably refers to dual point ignitions that were popular on high performance cars in the 60s, prior to the advent of solid state electronic ignitions (like MSD). I've got a Sears adjustable light that works great with the Pertronix setup on my 69 Mustang. My Vette is the stock single point distributor, so I suppose it would work fine with that too. I doubt that MSD would require a special timing light.
Regards,
Rob
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 558
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From: Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Well ok, I bit the bullet and ordered the Innova 5568. Thanks to Johnt365, Gordonm's advice, and the fact that it comes with a nice case, I took the plunge. A few extra bucks won't kill me. It gets delivered end of next week. Thanks for all your help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
I don't think you will be disappointed... EQUUS/INNOVA is making some very fine and well respected electronics for the automotive industry.
http://www.equus.com/
If you have a '96 or newer vehicle you will find their code readers to be a very reliable and useful tool for any modern tool box.
Good luck... GUSTO
http://www.equus.com/
If you have a '96 or newer vehicle you will find their code readers to be a very reliable and useful tool for any modern tool box.
Good luck... GUSTO
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 142
Likes: 1
From: Fort White Florida
I am looking at buying the Actron CP7529 Digital Timing Light. I have one question will the cable reach to the battery in my '79? Also if anyone has any pros or cons on this it would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Rick
Thanks,
Rick
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Rick
Use the battery positive terminal on the back of your alternator, put the negative clip on an intake manifold bolt. Also, it is usually better to attach the #1 plug wire pickup near the distributor. No heat from the exhaust manifold to melt anything. Also pay attention to the pickup...it is probably directional and have an arrow pointing towards the spark plug end of the wire.
Dennis
Use the battery positive terminal on the back of your alternator, put the negative clip on an intake manifold bolt. Also, it is usually better to attach the #1 plug wire pickup near the distributor. No heat from the exhaust manifold to melt anything. Also pay attention to the pickup...it is probably directional and have an arrow pointing towards the spark plug end of the wire.
Dennis