MSD Optispark question re: timing adjustment
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,116
Likes: 3
MSD Optispark question re: timing adjustment
Early last week I had a coolant hose blow in my '93 and and coolant soaked everything under the hood, including the opti. I've had drivability problems since and after lots of research and troubleshooting, I believe the opti is failing. I'm pretty close to replacing it with an OEM unit. I know they have a bad rap, but mine has apparently lasted 86K without problems, and if the coolant hadn't messed it up, it would probably still be fine.
The only alternative that I've found is the MSD unit, however a forum search reveals that half of the buyers reporting on this board have reported problems with them or other MSD ignition products. The only thing that piques my interest about them is that the timing can supposedly be adjusted via a screw.
Does this feature have any value on an otherwise stock engine?
Thx!
The only alternative that I've found is the MSD unit, however a forum search reveals that half of the buyers reporting on this board have reported problems with them or other MSD ignition products. The only thing that piques my interest about them is that the timing can supposedly be adjusted via a screw.
Does this feature have any value on an otherwise stock engine?
Thx!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
For me, it has NO utility.
When I recently built a 388 for my 96, I had PCMFORLESS re-burn my PCM. The timing curve Bryan programmed in is predicated on the Opti timing being as stock.
Unless I'm wrong, adjusting the timing using the aftermarket Opti effects the entire timing curve.
I'd rather not fool with the entire ignition timing curve. I'd rather go with Byran's programming to tweak any timing change I might decide to try.
Jake
When I recently built a 388 for my 96, I had PCMFORLESS re-burn my PCM. The timing curve Bryan programmed in is predicated on the Opti timing being as stock.
Unless I'm wrong, adjusting the timing using the aftermarket Opti effects the entire timing curve.
I'd rather not fool with the entire ignition timing curve. I'd rather go with Byran's programming to tweak any timing change I might decide to try.
Jake
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 0
From: Largo Florida
For me, it has NO utility.
When I recently built a 388 for my 96, I had PCMFORLESS re-burn my PCM. The timing curve Bryan programmed in is predicated on the Opti timing being as stock.
Unless I'm wrong, adjusting the timing using the aftermarket Opti effects the entire timing curve.
I'd rather not fool with the entire ignition timing curve. I'd rather go with Byran's programming to tweak any timing change I might decide to try.
Jake
When I recently built a 388 for my 96, I had PCMFORLESS re-burn my PCM. The timing curve Bryan programmed in is predicated on the Opti timing being as stock.
Unless I'm wrong, adjusting the timing using the aftermarket Opti effects the entire timing curve.
I'd rather not fool with the entire ignition timing curve. I'd rather go with Byran's programming to tweak any timing change I might decide to try.
Jake
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 619
Likes: 1
From: Reno Nv
Installed a MSD on my 92 last month. Had a couple of little tweaks to do on the install, but overall I'm satisfied. The quality and sealing is above GM and the cheapos.
On a stock motor (like mine), the timing adjustment is no big advantage,
you won't use it. Stock LT1's don't have any timing marks anyway.
According to MSD, the timing at idle is controlled by the ECM. If you're adjusting the timing with the MSD, it should be done above 1,500 rpm.
For a 92-93 with the non-vented Opti, I sure wouldn't put another GM on. Another waterpump failure would kill it. Converting to a 95 & up Opti is a pain. If I had to do it again, I'd by another MSD.
On a stock motor (like mine), the timing adjustment is no big advantage,
you won't use it. Stock LT1's don't have any timing marks anyway.
According to MSD, the timing at idle is controlled by the ECM. If you're adjusting the timing with the MSD, it should be done above 1,500 rpm.
For a 92-93 with the non-vented Opti, I sure wouldn't put another GM on. Another waterpump failure would kill it. Converting to a 95 & up Opti is a pain. If I had to do it again, I'd by another MSD.
