{"id":16389,"date":"2015-07-09T09:59:40","date_gmt":"2015-07-09T16:59:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.racingjunk.com\/news\/?p=16389"},"modified":"2016-11-30T11:53:10","modified_gmt":"2016-11-30T19:53:10","slug":"in-tune-with-the-times-figuring-timing-lights-part-ii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.racingjunk.com\/news\/in-tune-with-the-times-figuring-timing-lights-part-ii\/","title":{"rendered":"In Tune With The Times – Figuring Timing Lights Part II"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last issue, we took a sort of look at timing lights. \u00a0But what’s the big deal if your timing light is off a degree or two at 2,500 RPM? While it might sound like a marginal amount, keep in mind that whatever error exists in the light at low engine speed levels will be multiplied as the engine speed increases. \u00a0If the light is off by two degrees at 2,500 RPM, it might be off by eight or ten degrees at 8,500 RPM – and, as you can imagine, that happens to be a significant amount of error.<\/p>\n

To determine the accuracy of your particular timing light, it should be checked against a digital engine analyzer at speeds below 2,500 RPM. \u00a0Be certain that your light is installed properly (see below) Unfortunately, you can’t trust all digital analysis equipment over the 2,500 RPM ceiling.<\/p>\n

Autotronic Controls Corporation (makers of the MSD ignition systems) recognized this problem and began to test a rather large number of available timing lights. \u00a0Through this testing, they decided to develop their own timing light. \u00a0Additionally, this testing also revealed that an older model Sears Craftsman Timing Light (P\/N A-2134 – still available used on that big auction site) was considered very reliable and accurate. \u00a0Both lights are stable and accurate from zero to 8,000 RPM and because of this, they are well-suited to a modified (as in “drag race”) application. \u00a0I’ve had the opportunity to test these lamps against several well known “professional” models, and I found that a few of the other lights were showing much different timing at engine speeds slightly over 1,200 RPM. \u00a0At the same time, the MSD light and the Sears light were virtually identical in performance. \u00a0And yes, these two lamps compared favorably with a digital engine analyzer below 2,500 RPM.<\/p>\n

There’s more to timing lights, too. \u00a0In truth, many enthusiasts (and believe it or not, that includes many of us in the drag racing community) hook up timing lights incorrectly. \u00a0It sounds bizarre, but it isn’t. \u00a0Often, a convoluted header configuration coupled with a tight engine compartment will only allow one easy light installation. \u00a0Trouble is, that installation might not be correct. \u00a0If the timing light is set up incorrectly, the timing marks you are watching could be a mile (and more than a few degrees) off. \u00a0According to MSD, when setting up your timing light, there are several things to consider:<\/p>\n