advice for timming light
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 127
From: Mequon WI
advice for timming light
I plan to buy a timming light. Have a 1978 with L82 stock. Only experience with this is what I have read here as well as other sites and some you tube. I sent a message to Lars for his paper on timing.
Seems timing lights run from 33 bucks on up to 150. Dont want to waste money on junk but maybe dont need one to work on new fuel injected computerized systems either. Will almost always be working alone. Does one light include a tack as well?
what are some of the must haves for this?
Thanks
Seems timing lights run from 33 bucks on up to 150. Dont want to waste money on junk but maybe dont need one to work on new fuel injected computerized systems either. Will almost always be working alone. Does one light include a tack as well?
what are some of the must haves for this?
Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,121
Likes: 1,231
From: Madeira Beach, FL
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Last Christmas, I got a Craftsman digital, dial back capability style,
I think it was under $99.00. It times and does RPM's, and has a bright light which helps see the marks.
This is really the only way to go.
When you get Lars papers it will describe how to set timing old school with the timing tape on the balancer.
With the dial back style this step is avoided and you set the light an go.
Its just that easy
You don't need a $150.00 Matco or Mac or Snap On for as infrequently you'll be using it.
I'd also avoid the ultra cheapo lights as well.
Marshal
I think it was under $99.00. It times and does RPM's, and has a bright light which helps see the marks.
This is really the only way to go.
When you get Lars papers it will describe how to set timing old school with the timing tape on the balancer.
With the dial back style this step is avoided and you set the light an go.
Its just that easy
You don't need a $150.00 Matco or Mac or Snap On for as infrequently you'll be using it.
I'd also avoid the ultra cheapo lights as well.
Marshal
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
Throw it out (just kidding)and time it by ear and seat of the pants dyno! They do come in handy to make sure the timing advance is working properly.
If it's pinging or popping off idle back it off (turn it clockwise) retard
If it's bogging off idle or not pulling at high rpm (turn it counter clockwise) advance
Mark where you started and test drive on every adjustment so you can always go back.
The diehard purist wrenches will hammer you with detail that may be above your skill level but this is the easiest way to get results. I could fill the page with advance curves, theory and detonation but it's no use to anyone who doesn't have the knowledge. Not saying you or anyone else can't get there but for today. You'll get as close to the best timing for your car as any professional will without pulling the distributor apart.
Have fun!
If it's pinging or popping off idle back it off (turn it clockwise) retard
If it's bogging off idle or not pulling at high rpm (turn it counter clockwise) advance
Mark where you started and test drive on every adjustment so you can always go back.
The diehard purist wrenches will hammer you with detail that may be above your skill level but this is the easiest way to get results. I could fill the page with advance curves, theory and detonation but it's no use to anyone who doesn't have the knowledge. Not saying you or anyone else can't get there but for today. You'll get as close to the best timing for your car as any professional will without pulling the distributor apart.
Have fun!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,126
Likes: 15
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 299
From: Midlothian VA
I still have the cheapo light I purchased in 1978. These things never die. I like the pawn shop suggestion or try some local yard sales. This is a hobby, unless you're timing cars for a living you don't need anything fancy or new, save the cash for all the parts you're gonna be buying.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
Likes: 281
From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Not sure what ignition you have, but I hear some like Msd do not work with all timing lights. I had a craftsman dial back in the past and it was nice until it went under water. My next timing light will be a flaming river (link below). The flaming river seems to have stellar reviews from a lot of people and will work with the Msd boxes. https://www.flamingriver.com/index.p...glights/FR1001
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
I recently picked up the same model as 7t9. I have all msd ignition components. It's compatible. What I like is it also shows rpm, voltage and dwell if you're still running points. The tach is accurate and a real help while adjusting idle air fuel mixtures. Of course if you're an old timer you probably do that by feel.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,487
Likes: 83
From: Titusville Florida
Last Christmas, I got a Craftsman digital, dial back capability style,
I think it was under $99.00. It times and does RPM's, and has a bright light which helps see the marks.
This is really the only way to go.
When you get Lars papers it will describe how to set timing old school with the timing tape on the balancer.
With the dial back style this step is avoided and you set the light an go.
Its just that easy
You don't need a $150.00 Matco or Mac or Snap On for as infrequently you'll be using it.
I'd also avoid the ultra cheapo lights as well.
Marshal
I think it was under $99.00. It times and does RPM's, and has a bright light which helps see the marks.
This is really the only way to go.
When you get Lars papers it will describe how to set timing old school with the timing tape on the balancer.
With the dial back style this step is avoided and you set the light an go.
Its just that easy
You don't need a $150.00 Matco or Mac or Snap On for as infrequently you'll be using it.
I'd also avoid the ultra cheapo lights as well.
Marshal
