I'm looking at timing lights and I've read threads that state that a dial back timing light works the best.
I'm looking at this Innova timing light that is a dial back light, however it is not Multi Spark Compatible.
Does anyone know if this timing light will work with my MSD ignition system?
If not, Does anyone know if the MSD timing timing light in the below add is a Dial Back?
If you have an MSD Ignition system, what timing light do you recommend?
Thanks, Greg

Innova 5568 - Innova Pro Timing Lights

Power Supply:
12 V DC
Works on Points Ignition:
Yes
Works on Electronic Ignition:
Yes
Works on Computer-Controlled Ignition:
Yes
Works on DIS Ignition:
Yes
Multi-Spark Compatible:
No
Advance Analog Dial Included:
No
LCD Readout:
Yes
Timing Light Material:
Plastic
Timing Light Finish:
Red/Black
Backlit:
Yes
Inductive Pickup Included:
Yes
Dual Display Included:
Yes
Displays Advance Readout:
Yes
Displays Dwell Reading:
Yes
Displays Tachometer Reading:
Yes
Displays Volt Reading:
Yes

MSD Ignition 8992 - MSD Inductive Timing Lights

Power Supply:

12 V DC
Works on Points Ignition:
Yes
Works on Electronic Ignition:
Yes
Works on Computer-Controlled Ignition:
Yes
Works on DIS Ignition:
Yes
Multi-Spark Compatible:
Yes
Advance Analog Dial Included:
No
LCD Readout:
No
Timing Light Material:
Plastic
Timing Light Finish:
Red
Backlit:
No
Inductive Pickup Included:
Yes
Dual Display Included:
No
Displays Advance Readout:
No
Displays Dwell Reading:
No
Displays Tachometer Reading:
No
Displays Volt Reading:
No

 

MSD's light is not adjustable.
If you have a box.....use a straight up strobe and timing tape on your balancer......same difference.
I have both because like nobody has a timing tape on their car and few have a box........I use an ancient Craftsman strobe for MSD.
That said...the dial back lights are only a degree or two off when set at zero.......so it will get you in the ballpark but if you have a box, you should have a timing tape or marks embossed on the balancer.

Jebby

 

My timing tape fell off decades ago, lol. The Innova will or can be made to work on multi spark ignition below 3000 rpm. Above 3000 rpm, there is only a single spark so it doesn't matter.

Edit: I have the MSD 6530 programmable multi spark ignition and use the Innova digital light with dial back and rpm functions.

 

I'm running a ATI Super Damper which has the tape and a MSD 6AL Box.
I've always just used the old strobe lights but sold mine after I sold my last project.
I thought I would get something a little better this time around, but maybe it isn't necessary.
Thanks.

 

I did see on Summits website numerous people stated that even though Innova says it won't work with multi spark systems they are using one and it works.
Which Innova model number are you using?
Thanks

 

This one: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ino-3568

 

I've got an innova 5568, works great.... when I was running points, also with the HEI
With the MSD it moves around a few degrees at idle but improves above about 1000, still off about 1 degree compared to a basic non-digital light at 3000. Both are/were identical across the scale with the points.
As long as you know what it's doing and if / where / what to compensate with the MSD it's a great light but I'll usually grab the basic strobe since my balancer is engraved I don't need the dial-back really
M

 

I like this forum because when I get different answers from people I respect, I know I need to do additional research.
In this case I called Tech Serices for both MSD and Innova.
Innova, told me that their timing lights will not work with any multiple spark distributors especially an MSD.
They said the pulse voltage going through the plug wires from an MSD is to high for their timing lights which effects the readings and will at some point blow the circuit and destroy the electronics in the timing light.
Innova told me it’s best to use a basic strobe timing light with any multiple spark distributor and rely on the timing tape on the balancer.
When I told them about the comments here on the forum and on the Summit Racing website from people who are using their timing lights with an MSD distributor, they said they may be working, but the results may not be accurate and it’s only a matter of time before they malfunction.
They also suggested that I call MSD and ask them for their recommendation.
Next I called MSD (Holley) and they said to use any inductive strobe type timing light and suggested their model number 8992.
Its pricey but if it works the best, I guess that’s what I need.
Now I can start looking at good vacuum gauges and an AF gauge.
Thanks everyone!

 

I have an ignition box and use the Flaming River self powered light. While a dial back light will not work with an ignition box in the rpm range where it is still putting out multiple sparks, it will be accurate once the box is putting out one spark, so it can work fine for setting total timing. My dial back light matches the Flaming River at 3000rpm and up. I have used two engine builders who also had dyno facilities. Neither used a dial back light, and it was one of them who recommended the Flaming River light.

Bill

 

I would have a real problem dropping $200 on a basic inductive strobe timing light in 2021. These can be had for as little as $15 new (Northern Tool) or a used vintage Snap On for $100 on eBay.

 

My Innova works, other forum members say they work and customer reviews say they work. So, what's up with that? Can someone comment on why one inductive timing light e.g. Innova, isn't recommended for a CD multi spark box while another inductive timing light e.g. MSD's, will work. They both use 'inductive theory' to work and are very similar in design i.e. timing gun and inductive pickup. So what's on the inside that's so different?

 

If I didn't compare them I'd not have noticed, it's not like it's swinging wildly or anything and I can't believe I'd notice on the butt-dyno

If I had to guess it would only be where on the "multi-spark" the light triggers on. I know mine floats around a little (zero to about 2 degrees) at just off idle and then it's stable above about 1000, but roughly a degree or so off (retarded) compared to my regular self-powered light.
With points both lights were basically exactly the same across the range, same with the HEI without the MSD box but as soon as the box in on they change slightly
Wires, plugs, etc. the threshold on the light itself, might explain why some have no issues and others do.
If MSD sells their own light and there was any difference inside it I'd guess they have something to detect a longer chunk of signal before triggering.
Or clever marketing ​​​​​​​
M

 

Thanks, I’ve never used a dial back light so it would have been new technology for me.
I’m happy to read doing it the old fashioned way is still maybe the best.

 

I agree and will shop around before I purchase one.
It makes sense that MSD will suggest their own product over another manufacture’s.
Now I know what type will work best.
Thanks!

 

I did not ask for specific details as to why Innova’s own Technical Services Rep said their light doesn’t work on multiple spark ignition systems.
All he said was they won’t give accurate readings and will be damaged by the higher voltage from the ignition system.
I believe they know more about their product than I do.
It could be one of those legal issues where their light may work, but could give inaccurate readings or could be damaged, so their legal department says they can not recommend them of state they can work.
Makes no difference to me, I’ll purchase the type MSD recommends because it’s what they say will work best with their system.
MSD did say any inductive strobe timing light will work and of course preferenced their own band.
I wish I would have kept my 40 year old Craftsman.
Thanks!

 

Thanks,
I’ll do more research and call MSD back to find out what makes their light so specially expensive compared to other manufacturers.
I’m no professional racer, won’t be racing my 73, and won’t be wrenching for a racing team, so I’m sure a good strobe type light will get the timing close enough for my street driven 496.

 

Thats what i use, a 35+ year old Sears Craftsman.

 

Thanks,
I’ll do more research and call MSD back to find out what makes their light so specially expensive compared to other manufacturers.
I’m no professional racer, won’t be racing my 73, and won’t be wrenching for a racing team, so I’m sure a good strobe type tight will get the timing close enough for my street driven 496.

 

MSD's light is not a dial back......Innovas are "dial back" or adjustable.....MSD knows it doesn't work with a box. There is nothing special about the MSD light.
Ok...so here is the real skinny.....the adjustable light is a delay. The delay doesn't sit well with the multiple spark. So some say: Just rev it past 3k.....ok......but what if your advance is all in at, say, 2500rpm? And what if you have a race engine that is locked out? You have to rev it to 3k + too to check timing......well, why would you use something like that? Just get a straight up old strobe. If you have a stock ignition, use a dial back....simple as that.

Jebby

 

Thanks and I totally agree with your statement.
I will be hunting for a straight strobe type light.