I want to check my timing since I installed an MSD optispark and want to make sure it matches what my scanner says the timing is at. I have a ATI super damper on the car that is keyed onto the crank and has timing marks. Now my question is how can I fab up pointer? Can I put it any where as long as it points at the timing reference marks or do I have to find TDC on #1 and put the timing pointer there?

 

The MSD Distributor can alter the timing +/-7°. The adjusting
screw has a soft Loctite compound applied to it for a seal (Figure 2). Repeated adjustments may loosen the screw. If this occurs, remove the screw and apply Blue Loctite to the threads. The screw can safely be removed
from the distributor.
Too much advance may cause detonation resulting in the ECU retarding the timing through the engine’s knock sensor.
When adjusting the timing, take note that the ECU varies
the timing at an idle. It is recommended to bring the engine rpm up to 1,500 - 2,000 when setting the timing.If you
have it in the right slot on the cam gear, plus set the timing set straight up (not advanced or retarded) the timing your scanner says would be correct if you turn the screw to adjust it, it would increase timing up to 7* retard or advance over what you would have with it set on 0* (like a stock opti would be)

Figure 2 shown below

 

klortho, that is what I am trying to do. Since Ihave a keyed a keyed balancer with timing marks on it can I just slap a timing pointer on any where I can or does it have to be in the correct spot? Do I need to find TDC for #1 and put the timing pointer there?

 

If you didn't change out the timing set, when you put the opti on the car, it's timed. There isn't a really true way to get the distributor out unles you forced it into one of the other slots in the opti itself. From the pictures I've seen, the longer slot is what goes into the pin of the cam. As long as you have that slot in the pin you are set. Now as far as the damper, is it a 0-balance damper since the stock hub/pully assembly are 0-balance.

 

The MSD opti can be adjusted +/- 5-7 degrees, and it is recomended that when you install this unit that you check the timing and make sure it is what a scanner says compared to a timming light.

I have an ATI super damper that has timing marks on it and is keyed on the crank with TDC. Is TDC at 12:00? Where do I need to install the timing pointer?

 

That's what I'm trying to say, if you installed it correctly, the timing you get from the scanner is what it the timing on the motor is and you adjust it with the motor running reading what the scanner is with the engine around 1500-2000 rpm. I read through the instructions for the opti and didn't see anything about checking the timing with a pointer and timing light.

 

I was told that the MSD opti adjusts the timing after the computer so how will the scanner pick up the changes, this is why I am talking about a timing light?

 

The computer will still see the timing changes, this is how it retards the timing back if you get knock.

 

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OK, I got the kind of piston stop that you screw into #1 spark plug hole. I put it in and turned the engine clockwise on the compression stroke till #1 piston stoped and marked the location of the TDC mark on the ATI balancer on the block. I then rotated the engine counterclockwise until it piston stoped and marked the TDC mark on the balancer on the block as whell. Then I found the exact center of these to marks on the block and put a timing pointer there it is about 4:00 on the balancer (85 degrees).

But when I went to chect the timing with a timing light I got 90 degrees??

So, I put the piston stop back into #1 cylinder and did the same thing. I rotated the engine clockwise until the piston hit and recorded the timing mark value on the balancer with the pointer that I fab up in the last step, the value was 245 degrees. Next I rotated the engine counterclockwise and got 114 degrees. 0 on the balancer is marked TDC, so from my last measurements I am 114 degrees counterclockwise and 115 degrees clockwise, 1 degree off.

Did I do somthing wrong I cant see, from what I think my timing mark should only be off 1 degree or so. But why am I getting 90 degrees when I use a timing light.

Now I know from my scanner that this car reads 28 degrees at idle, I just want to be sure that is where it is at since I installed the adjustable MSD optispark.