I've read through the many posts and the article on distributor recurving... but I only found a mention regarding these timing controllers.

I already have electronic ignition using an MSD 6A. Instead of recurving the distributor, I was considering locking it out and using a MSD programmable timing computer P/N 8961 http://www.msdignition.com/tc_3.htm. With this, you can set initial timing, rpm of beginning advance, rpm of all-in advance (slope), and rpm of high speed retard (if necessary). The high speed retard control can be turned on at anytime with the flick of a swith and can be used with a control knob to retard timing up to 11*.

Has anyone used this kind of setup? Does it work well? Any other thoughts? I should mention that I'm using it in a motorhome, not a race car.

...Yes I know it would be a lot cheaper to do a recurve, but this sounds like more fun.

- Moose

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1966 Clark Cortez, Industrial /6

P/N 8981 at summit is $240 8961 is some relay?

If you want fun and don't mind spending a bit, how about going completely programable? With megasquirt (yes its an EFI computer, but you can use it only for ignition, www.diyautotune.com shows unassembled kit for 134) and interface with your distributor with some basic mods. There are a variety of kits availble. This leaves the doors open for EDIS and EFI in the future.

If you don't care for the upgradability, and want to do EDIS now (entails mounting trigger wheel/sensor) you can go the cheaper route MegaJoltLiteJr, http://www.autosportlabs.com/

Sorry. Typo. P/N 8981 is correct.

I'm a big fan of the whole Megasquirt project, but I don't have enough time or interest put it it all together and go through the learning curve right now. (Certainly still considering it though).

I already have an MSD 6a. The MSD programmable timing computer and the retard module selector, P/N 8676, would cost about $300 together, which I don't mind spending if it would be worthwhile.

I know there are other (maybe better) things I could spend my money on... I've already bought Dutra Duals, MP244 cam, Offy Intake (planning to use a Q-jet that I have), new double roller timing chain kit, and various other engine rebuild parts (machining still to come). This motorhome is my only hobby, so I'll take advantage of it while my wife still lets me (he he).

-Moose

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1966 Clark Cortez, Industrial /6

The MSD timing computer will probably be a bit easier to install. Its main disadvantage is that it has no equivalent of the vacuum advance. So to get the best mileage, you'd probably have to lock out the mechanical advance but leave the distributor's vacuum advance operational.

I work for DIY Autotune, and we can build a Megasquirt to work as an ignition controller if you want one that you just need to wire up and tune. Contact me through the site if you're interested.

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"Mad Scientist" Matt Cramer
'66 Dart - turbocharged 225
My blog - Mad Scientist Matt's Lair

Thanks for the info Matt. I had considered the vacuum advance issue; if I go this way, I'd probably try it with and without vacuum as a test.

What I liked about the MSD system is that I could retard the timing on the fly, so if I happened to get pinging on a steep incline for example, I could flip a switch and retard the timing as much as necessary while moving. Is there any possibility of doing that with the Megasquirt?

Thanks,

-Moose

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1966 Clark Cortez, Industrial /6

If it's dialed in correctly, you should not get sudden pinging like that. However, you can do a little tinkering with the IAT spark retard settings to produce this result. This routine is not meant for spark retard at the touch of a button, but it is possible to adjust the settings to make it do this if you add a button that grounds the intake air temperature sensor wire when you press it, and ordinarily has this wire grounded through a 10K resistor.

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"Mad Scientist" Matt Cramer
'66 Dart - turbocharged 225
My blog - Mad Scientist Matt's Lair