Locked out timing

[onjacks]

Been reading up one this since my MSD Dizzy is mechanical advance.

What are the pros /cons of doing this on a street/track driven car. Carbed of course.

Seems most prefer to lock it out for simplicity.

And what are you guys running for total timing

[FoxBodyNick]

36 degrees.

[racrguy]

If it's a street/mild track car, I wouldn't go with a non-advance setup. The advance curve makes it easier to start. The pro's: easier to time, more consistent spark response, no advance curve to adjust.

[turbostang]

Locked out timing serves one purpose - accuracy.

If you lock it out, you'd tend to lock it at a point where the engine would make the most power, say 32*. The problem is that you'd struggle with getting it to idle decent in 'all' conditions.

I don't think you'd ever notice any big side effects either way. The only problem is that with the MSD distributor you have to take the inner shaft out and rotate it, put it back and screw it in place - while this sounds easy enough, I can assure you it's a mild pain in the ass.

Oh, starting it won't be a problem - as nearly all aftermarket ignition systems have a built in start retard that automatically knocks the timing back if the engine is below a certain RPM. (aka turning over).

[racrguy]

Locked out timing serves one purpose - accuracy.

If you lock it out, you'd tend to lock it at a point where the engine would make the most power, say 32*. The problem is that you'd struggle with getting it to idle decent in 'all' conditions.

I don't think you'd ever notice any big side effects either way. The only problem is that with the MSD distributor you have to take the inner shaft out and rotate it, put it back and screw it in place - while this sounds easy enough, I can assure you it's a mild pain in the ass.

Oh, starting it won't be a problem - as nearly all aftermarket ignition systems have a built in start retard that automatically knocks the timing back if the engine is below a certain RPM. (aka turning over).

My experience is limited solely to magnetos, not exactly street stuff. Heh.

[turbostang]

My experience is limited solely to magnetos, not exactly street stuff. Heh.

That's fancy shit!!

[racrguy]

That's fancy shit!!

Man, it's SO easy to wire one up. One wire from the mag to the ignition switch, from the switch to a ground, that's it. WINNING

[DriveWayBuilt]

If you are going to lock it I suggest getting a msd digital 6 plus ignition box. It has a built in starting retard so starting and idle isn't a problem.

[onjacks]

Locked out timing serves one purpose - accuracy.

If you lock it out, you'd tend to lock it at a point where the engine would make the most power, say 32*. The problem is that you'd struggle with getting it to idle decent in 'all' conditions.

I don't think you'd ever notice any big side effects either way. The only problem is that with the MSD distributor you have to take the inner shaft out and rotate it, put it back and screw it in place - while this sounds easy enough, I can assure you it's a mild pain in the ass.

Oh, starting it won't be a problem - as nearly all aftermarket ignition systems have a built in start retard that automatically knocks the timing back if the engine is below a certain RPM. (aka turning over).

Trust me. I plan on having it done along with the steel gear I bought. Was just curious to know, before dropping it off.

Thanks for the replys fellas.

[slow55]

There is no down side, especially now with the msd box's having the start retard.
It will idle better, respond better, run better, everything is better.

I've been doing it on my street cars for the last 22 years. Only way back it was a bitch to get one started sometimes.