C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

MSD Optispark Timing Adjust

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Old Oct 26, 2006 | 05:29 PM
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Default 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?
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Old Oct 26, 2006 | 06:16 PM
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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.
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Old Oct 26, 2006 | 08:27 PM
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Default MSD Distributor Info

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
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Old Oct 27, 2006 | 06:35 PM
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Default 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.
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Old Oct 27, 2006 | 10:27 PM
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I may be an idiot, but I didn't know that you could set the timing via the optispark.
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Old Oct 27, 2006 | 10:46 PM
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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.
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Old Oct 27, 2006 | 11:37 PM
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From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
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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.
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Old Oct 28, 2006 | 12:33 AM
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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
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Old Oct 28, 2006 | 03:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Lichen
I may be an idiot, but I didn't know that you could set the timing via the optispark.

Thats Right! I believe MSD engineered that timing screw in there to cover they're butt. Because every application is different.

Last edited by RetroTA; Oct 28, 2006 at 03:35 AM.
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