MSD timing on OEM spec'd 440

[hemi68charger]

Hey gang..
Got the MSD up and running. I noticed that the timing characteristics if it versus OEM points is different. I both ran the MSD with the points dist. as a trigger ( with condensor out ) and last night ran it with my Chrysler electronic distributor. Didn't get to take her out last night due to son's football game. But, I did drive it Sunday with the points as a trigger. The idle seems rougher than with the OEM points distributor, but man oh man, the performance enhancement when driving and getting on it is like night and day. I was curious for those running the MSD on their somewhat stock 440's, what are you doing for timing?

1. Are you setting the timing to OEM spec ( about 10 degrees BTC at curb idle without vacuum advance ) or

2. Setting it at total degree advance ( say about 32-35 at 3000rpm ) and letting it be?

This will eventually be used on the 426 HEMI when I install it in the next couple of months

Thanks in advance...

[cdr]

i like to set total at around 36.all in at 2500,initial at idle around 18
no vac advance

[Ghoste]

Sometimes multistrikes confuse timing lights and some of the Mopar electronic distributors have an issue with the advance making for erratic timing.  Beyond those two things, I did it pretty much like cdr.

[firefighter3931]

As mentioned above the 16-18 & 36-38 are good numbers to shoot for with the stock 4bb cam. 


Ron

[hemi68charger]

Thanks guys.... I will try this when I get home............ If I don't have to take any of the kids, along with Kim, to any after-school functions........ 

[A383Wing]

I'm running Mopar electronic dist in mine as the trigger...basically using 12.5* as initial timing setting

[hemi68charger]

People have mentioned that some timing lights aren't suited to be used with a multi-spark system. How do I know if mine is or isn't? It does have the dial adjuster.

[A383Wing]

both my lights work just fine...one has a dial back knob, the other does not. Both are "clamp on inductive" style....

[firefighter3931]

People have mentioned that some timing lights aren't suited to be used with a multi-spark system. How do I know if mine is or isn't? It does have the dial adjuster.

Many dialback lights will not work with a multiple discharge CD ignition box so if you have access to a basic non-dialback light i would use that and compare the readings to your current timing light. If the readings from both are the same you'll know that yours is compatible. 


Ron