Hey Guys,
I'm looking into installing a PC programmable ignition controller on my SBC.
I'm hoping someone here has some experience with, or can fill in some information gaps about the boxes I see available. Or even recommend one that I haven't listed.
I'm looking for a unit that will not only allow me to dial in a timing curve (and kind of a wacky one at that), but will let me tune for vacuum advance as well.
The MSD Power Grid controller 7730, I've downloaded the MSD View software used to tune this system and it is easily maneuverable yet loaded with features I don't necessarily have a use for and it doesn't seem to have the capability to sense and tune for vacuum ignition timing. (Right?) This unit is also the most expensive of the bunch.
The MSD Programmable 6AL-2, this unit looks like you set the locked out distributor to your preferred mechanical max and use the GraphView software to subtract and remove timing at various RPM to build your curve. Sounds a bit more cumbersome and wouldn't be as easy to tune on the fly. Granted, turning the dizzy is no biggy either. This unit can sense boost and has a separate table for boost retard but nothing for vacuum advance (right?). This unit would also replace my already installed Digital 6A.
CB Blackbox, so far this unit sounds like it can do what I'm looking for and is the least expensive of the options. However, I'm unable to download and walk around the software to be certain. It uses a 21x21 grid timing map, so by setting the redline/rev max to 6300rpm I'd be able to program ignition timing in 300 rpm steps. Whereas MSD software isn't stuck in boundries and can have timing tuned in 50rpm increments. The BlackBox has a 5bar map for boost but can sense vacuum too and has tables for not only boost retard but for vacuum advance with a max timing of 45°.
Does anyone know of any other options for programmable ignition controllers?
Using a snapshot of the MSDView software to illustrate the timing curve I'd like to accomplish:
0-500rpm 12° for starter retard.
550-1200rpm 27°, where my engine idles best.
1250rpm start the advance curve at 16°, where my engine feels the most torquey and advance up to 36° @ 3500rpm.
What we can't see here is vacuum advance likely starting around 13" vacuum and aggressively going to as much timing the engine can tolerate on cruise.
Obviously this idea will take some experimenting with the right controller.
Thank you for any help. Cheers -Mykk
I'm looking into installing a PC programmable ignition controller on my SBC.
I'm hoping someone here has some experience with, or can fill in some information gaps about the boxes I see available. Or even recommend one that I haven't listed.
I'm looking for a unit that will not only allow me to dial in a timing curve (and kind of a wacky one at that), but will let me tune for vacuum advance as well.
The MSD Power Grid controller 7730, I've downloaded the MSD View software used to tune this system and it is easily maneuverable yet loaded with features I don't necessarily have a use for and it doesn't seem to have the capability to sense and tune for vacuum ignition timing. (Right?) This unit is also the most expensive of the bunch.
The MSD Programmable 6AL-2, this unit looks like you set the locked out distributor to your preferred mechanical max and use the GraphView software to subtract and remove timing at various RPM to build your curve. Sounds a bit more cumbersome and wouldn't be as easy to tune on the fly. Granted, turning the dizzy is no biggy either. This unit can sense boost and has a separate table for boost retard but nothing for vacuum advance (right?). This unit would also replace my already installed Digital 6A.
CB Blackbox, so far this unit sounds like it can do what I'm looking for and is the least expensive of the options. However, I'm unable to download and walk around the software to be certain. It uses a 21x21 grid timing map, so by setting the redline/rev max to 6300rpm I'd be able to program ignition timing in 300 rpm steps. Whereas MSD software isn't stuck in boundries and can have timing tuned in 50rpm increments. The BlackBox has a 5bar map for boost but can sense vacuum too and has tables for not only boost retard but for vacuum advance with a max timing of 45°.
Does anyone know of any other options for programmable ignition controllers?
Using a snapshot of the MSDView software to illustrate the timing curve I'd like to accomplish:
0-500rpm 12° for starter retard.
550-1200rpm 27°, where my engine idles best.
1250rpm start the advance curve at 16°, where my engine feels the most torquey and advance up to 36° @ 3500rpm.
What we can't see here is vacuum advance likely starting around 13" vacuum and aggressively going to as much timing the engine can tolerate on cruise.
Obviously this idea will take some experimenting with the right controller.
Thank you for any help. Cheers -Mykk