Timing light

[Frogeye]

OK looks like I'm going to have to buy a new timing light; unless someone returns the one I loaned to someone (unknown or at least I don't remember who) at Road Atlanta in the spring. I've been looking at the Equus #3555 which I think is an older dial version or the #3568 which is newer digital verson. $45 or $65 on net. I will be using it with Electromotive HPV1. I had a Craftsman dial type which I have used for years without problems. $70. Recomendations?

 

[Bobby Lentz]

I learned to never trust a dial back timing light with the electomotive. I finally bought the cheapest light I could find and it worked great.

 

[peterzekert]

Rob, I echo what Bobby said. I have a NON dial back timing light that I use with my HPV units. Peter

 

[Acme Speed Shop]

I've had absolutely zero problems using my Mac Tool dial back timing light on engines with Electromotive or distributor, best timing light I ever owned, but a bit more expensive than what you mentioned, around $200 for the model I have, no LED stuff, just their simple anlog dial back timing light. I spent most of my adult life using BS auto parts/department store timing lights, before I finally broke down and bought the Mac Tool unit, my biggest complaint were the leads on alot of elcheapo timing lights, cheap ass plastic plugs, spark plug leads you had to jiggle to get to work, the Mac Tool unit has very nice leads, and they are metal and screw in, and the spark plug lead works everytime wonderfully, worth every penny I paid for it. I often have to ask myself, why it took me so long to buy a good timing light.

 

[hpmowog]

Dave Tabor told me not to use a dial-back timing light on an MSD or Electromotive.

 

[disquek]

Good article on timing lights: http://www.dragracingonline.com/technic ... hts-1.html

I have a $500 digital Snap On, a $250 analog dial back Fox, and a $40 fixed Sears.

Want to buy a Snap On or Fox timing light cheap? But in all seriousness, if your crank is marked with indications beyond TDC, you don't need or want an advance light.

I'm told that Sears doesn't make a fixed timing light anymore. If that's the case, I'd grab an MSD fixed light. I'd start with Summit or Jegs and shop around. You could also look for the older Sears mentioned in the article above on eBay.

-Kyle

 

[Mike Unger]

I also like a simple fixed light with a degreed balancer. My favorite is the Flaming River timing light. Battery operated with only one wire for the plug lead. Very handy for race cars.

 

[RonInSD]

When looking at timing lights, avoid the chrome plated one. The chrome will conduct electricity and can cause shocks on high output ignitions. May not happen on a Electromotive or MSD 6AL but when you get up to the MSD 8, MSD 10, and the MSD Mags this is a real problem. These spark so strong we have to run larger diameter caps and drill holes in the cap to let the ionized gas out because it causes cross fire.

 

[Dennis Shaw]

I would not recommend any dial timing light. I have seen several that have been off 10% or more. If you are checking 6 to 8 degrees not a big deal. If you are checking 34 to 40 degrees it's enough to KILL AN ENGINE.
Use a quality non adjustable light and accuratelt degree the pulley or damper.

Dennis Shaw
Racesports Performance Engines