Conversions & Hybrids - need help understanding the MSD 6010 box

just got my car running today cant drive it yet still need driveshaft , dont really understand a few things

1) step retard, book says it defaults @ 10DEG do i need to adjust that if i'm using a timing curve chip ?

2) i thought LS motors didnt like alot of timing (max 29 deg )..all the chips 1 thru 6 that come with it all have 36 deg of timing

3) do i need to use a map sensor ?

I've never used the map sensor...My lq4 with stock compression likes 36 degrees timing, every setup is different...Your rev limiter is preset to 5500 so you'll need to change that obviously...

You only need the step retard if you are running nitrous.

The general consensus is that fuel injected motors don’t like more than 29° of max timing, but carb’d motors make more HP as the timing goes up. Look at this thread for some typical set ups.

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids/929212-anyone-tried-carb-intake-dist-ls1.html

You don’t “need” to use the map sensor, but you will get better mileage if you do. IMO there is almost no reason not to run a map sensor.

I've never used the map sensor...My lq4 with stock compression likes 36 degrees timing, every setup is different...Your rev limiter is preset to 5500 so you'll need to change that obviously...

had a buddy come over with his laptop and change the rev limit to 6500 for now (need to see how high this engine will pull to)

if not on a custom tune ...what is everyone using for a curve chip ? for start up i put in the #1 chip .

If you plug a chip into the box I am pretty sure it overwrites whatever your buddy put in there. Not 100% sure about the rev limiter, but definitely the timing profile.

Chip 1 will be fine for start up. I don't think anyone stays with a chip though. Look at the sticky. Lots of timing graphs in there.

mine comes in with full timing at 3000 rpm all the way to 6800..leave the chip out if you make changes...

^^ how much timing are you running? nvm. 36

Ok Im trying to understand this too. If I run a chip in mine I dont have to set the rev limmiter? I have a laptop but I just put the number 6 chip in mine and started it too.

the chips are preset to 5500 on the rev limiter like i said earlier you don't have to mess with it...i'd put it to 6500 personally..the program is easy to use just spend some time with it and you'll have it..

i'll mess with it once i get to the dyno

Got another question. I was gonna hook my laptop up to the msd box and the cable that came with the msd will not hook up to my laptop. Where do I get an adapter for the cable? Sorry guys im a newbie.

You need a serial to usb adapter. Go to radioshack and see what they got.