Difference in timing lights - which do I need?
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From: West Dundee IL
Difference in timing lights - which do I need?
Hi,
Looking to get a timing light from Sears Craftsman. I notice they sell 2 - the inductive one and the plain one. It seems like the inductive one is for computer controlled cars as well.:confused:
I don't mind spending the extra 20, but if I don't have to I'd rather not. Is the plain ol' timing light good enough for my needs with my vette? I won't be tinkering with any other cars.
Tom
Looking to get a timing light from Sears Craftsman. I notice they sell 2 - the inductive one and the plain one. It seems like the inductive one is for computer controlled cars as well.:confused:
I don't mind spending the extra 20, but if I don't have to I'd rather not. Is the plain ol' timing light good enough for my needs with my vette? I won't be tinkering with any other cars.
Tom
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
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From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Re: Difference in timing lights - which do I need? (tdellaringa)
I just bought a really nice digital timimg light from http://www.SummitRacing.com It's great! It has built in Tach,adjustable advance and a bunch of other features. It was really worth the price ~$130 or so. It replaced an old POS that did the job but finally bit the dust.
If I would have known how easyit made life I'd have :smash: the old one years ago...:mad ( ever get shocked by the cars ignition!?? WhoooHooo!!!)
Oh and YES inductive pickup is easily worth $20!! :cool:
[Modified by 427V8, 9:25 AM 8/7/2001]
If I would have known how easyit made life I'd have :smash: the old one years ago...:mad ( ever get shocked by the cars ignition!?? WhoooHooo!!!)
Oh and YES inductive pickup is easily worth $20!! :cool:
[Modified by 427V8, 9:25 AM 8/7/2001]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
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From: San Diego CA
Re: Difference in timing lights - which do I need? (tdellaringa)
The best timing light you can get is a dial back light which allows you to see on a digital screen what the timing is and allows you to always time to 0 degrees.
This is done by entering the timing value you desire (say 12 d BTDC) on the light itself and then setting the mark so it hits zero on the engine, this way you do not have to look up furthur under the water pump to see the timing mark and it is almost certainly more accurate.
I havent seen an non-inductive timing light in at least 18 years and I wouldnt touch one with a 10' pole anymore. Inductive lights have a pickup that clamps around the sparkplug wire and it picks up the ignition signal through the insulation, the last non-inductive one I saw, required a lead that was inserted between the plug and plugwire to directly pick up the signal.
[Modified by fauxrs, 9:23 AM 8/7/2001]
This is done by entering the timing value you desire (say 12 d BTDC) on the light itself and then setting the mark so it hits zero on the engine, this way you do not have to look up furthur under the water pump to see the timing mark and it is almost certainly more accurate.
I havent seen an non-inductive timing light in at least 18 years and I wouldnt touch one with a 10' pole anymore. Inductive lights have a pickup that clamps around the sparkplug wire and it picks up the ignition signal through the insulation, the last non-inductive one I saw, required a lead that was inserted between the plug and plugwire to directly pick up the signal.
[Modified by fauxrs, 9:23 AM 8/7/2001]
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Joined: Jun 2001
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From: West Dundee IL
Re: Difference in timing lights - which do I need? (tdellaringa)
The digital one sounds interesting even tho its a lot...hmm. Yes, I did INDEED shock myself once :eek: timing my old LeMans. It was NOT fun.
I'll check out the digital one, thanks!
Tom
I'll check out the digital one, thanks!
Tom
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Re: Difference in timing lights - which do I need? (tdellaringa)
Seems to me I've seen them at Checkers, But I hate Checkers and LOVE Summit :D
If you really want to save a few bucks try the EQU-3555 pretty much the same without the Tach I think...
But man when you're doing total advance the tach rocks! :cheers:
If you really want to save a few bucks try the EQU-3555 pretty much the same without the Tach I think...
But man when you're doing total advance the tach rocks! :cheers:
