timing light

[forddragteam]

hi,guys , is it real than a dial back timing light are not the same precision than a conventional timing light ,when is the to tune a race engine ,thanks

[CNC BLOCKS]

The only dial back timing light I like is the MSD light and I use the 1 wire timing light from flaming river.

[engineguyBill]

I use a Sears Craftsman dial back timing light and it works very well for setting and checking distributor advance. Also have an MSD #8990 (now superseded by #89921) timing light for checking timing at high RPM, as MSD claims that this light is reliable all the way to 10,000 RPM.

[joedoozer]

I had the MSD dial back light. It lasted about 1 year and I used it only a handful of times. It just broke a few weeks ago and it was frustrating when it happened. I will never use a dial back light again.

[Doug Schriefer]

The MSD lights seem to be the best, and have one of the brightest bulbs so you can see your timing mark during the day.

[#84Dave]

Depending on the manufacturer, dial-back timing lights are known for inaccuracy. Anywhere from 3 to 12 degrees inaccurate. Doublecheck with a MSD, Flaming River or Craftsman non-dialback. I threw our Chinese dial-back in the trash. It was 4-5 degrees off from mid to high rpm, using a MSD ignition box & 8mm MSD plug wires. -Dave-

[jsgarage]

Ford-drag, see if you can borrow several dial-backs to compare to a conventional. You'll likely get 4 different answers on the same motor, leaving you to wonder if they're ALL wrong.... That should settle it in your mind. I use such a light from Snap-On but not in the dial-back mode. Remember, whatever number a light gives you, the engine doesn't care. All it wants is a spark at the right time.

[forddragteam]

thanks for all response ,so M.JSGARAGE ,do you think, it will be the same case with different flow bench or engine dyno , i have an old 80 snap on dial back ( not made in china ) and i take always the same timing light for my engine and the same thing for the engine dyno ,always the same dyno test after test .

[Dodge Freak]

I like timing by ear-sound and just use the light to double check where is at. The light is helpful if you just want to change the timing 2--3 degrees

Whats wrong with just using a tach to see the rpm's the engines at. I see no need for dial back timing lights

[jsgarage]

In my opinion, dynos, flow benches and timing lights are fine as comparison tools for tuning improvements. Where guys get into trouble is when they start using any of them as absolute-answer machines. You may find yourself so far down Wrong-answer Street there's no way back except to scrap everything and start fresh.

[brad_m]

I see no need for dial back timing lights

I agree with this.

get a timing scale on the engine that suits and use a regular light, Even then I still wouldn't gamble my left ball on the accuracy.