MSD Optispark Timing Adjust

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Oct 26, 2006 | 05:29 PM

Vette Threat

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2000

Posts: 1,148

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MSD Optispark Timing Adjust

I've tried a search but can't find it anywhere.

If I tighten the timing screw, does that advance or retard timing?

Oct 26, 2006 | 06:16 PM

jonecap

Drifting

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 1,370

Likes: 1

From: Raleigh NC

I'd think tightening would advance the timing. You can tighten it and if the idle rpms increase, you've likely increased the timing. Or you could call MSD and ask.

Oct 26, 2006 | 08:27 PM

Desert1957

Racer

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 271

Likes: 0

From: New Freedom PA

MSD Distributor Info

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vette Threat

I've tried a search but can't find it anywhere.

If I tighten the timing screw, does that advance or retard timing?

See if this helps you out , took a while to upload , great pictures , good info..

http://www.msdignition.com/pdf/8381_frm27275.pdf

Desert

Oct 27, 2006 | 06:35 PM

RetroTA

Racer

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 306

Likes: 1

From: StLouis, 93 Vert LT1

Msd

MSD says that 2.5 turns out is equivelent to factory opti, I read a post quite a while ago that said his would not run unless it was screwed in all the way. I just installed mine and started with it all the way in but the car surged at idle sometimes almost quiting. After messing with it and several trips up and down the road, I found it ran best with it turned two times out. I guess it depends on your cars set up or MSD has some quality control issues. Even the instructions dont specify. Good luck talking to MSD Tech. I had an unrelated question and I could have got a better response from my Dog!

Last edited by RetroTA; Oct 28, 2006 at 03:37 AM.

Oct 27, 2006 | 10:27 PM

Lichen

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 2,471

Likes: 2

From: 1993 Quasar Blue 'vert Scottsdale AZ

I may be an idiot, but I didn't know that you could set the timing via the optispark.

Oct 27, 2006 | 10:46 PM

STL94LT1

Race Director

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 12,261

Likes: 85

From: O'Fallon Missouri

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lichen

I may be an idiot, but I didn't know that you could set the timing via the optispark.

Stock optispark, no. MSD unit, yes.

Oct 27, 2006 | 11:37 PM

jrzvette

Safety Car

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 4,971

Likes: 9

From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lichen

I may be an idiot, but I didn't know that you could set the timing via the optispark.

That's MSD's gimmick with their opti, adjustable timing.

Oct 28, 2006 | 12:33 AM

imaruby

Instructor

Joined: Nov 1999

Posts: 143

Likes: 3

From: Erie PA

When I called MSD it was two turns out for 0 advance.
Mine was 2 & 1/2 turns out when I got it.So I guess that anything between the two will work.The ECM will adjust it.
If anyone has better info let us know.
Keep waving,Ray