LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Need some help

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Old Mar 17, 2009 | 06:51 AM
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Default Need some help

I really need some help. I just rebuilt my engine and put a huge cam in it. its a 1994 camaro with the lt1. I got the MSD distributor but i need to know how to mechanically time it. If anyone has any help i would appreciate it!
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Old Mar 17, 2009 | 07:57 AM
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There is no way to mechanically time these engines with the factory set up that I know of.
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Old Mar 17, 2009 | 10:51 AM
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The MSD allows +/- 7º of timing, so you'd just have to read the manual on it.

Which this is apparently how you do that... Which way you turn it and how much turn = how much adv/rtd, I can't help you. More reason to RTFM



EDIT: MSD's site has a PDF file on the Opti and it says +/- only 5º, but that's still the ability to do it I'm looking for the online manual.

EDIT2: OOOk... Depending on which PDF and maybe which model it is (8381 for older or 83811 for newer), it says +/- 7º Anyways, here's the only instructions on timing adjustment I could find. Not a whole lot of help sadly, says to adjust at a higher RPM like you do to time older vehicles, yet doesn't say if out or in = + or -. Better than nothing!
http://www.msdignition.com/instructi...pdf?terms=8381

Last edited by Formula350; Mar 17, 2009 at 10:59 AM.
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Old Mar 17, 2009 | 11:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Formula350
The MSD allows +/- 7º of timing, so you'd just have to read the manual on it.

Which this is apparently how you do that... Which way you turn it and how much turn = how much adv/rtd, I can't help you. More reason to RTFM

EDIT: MSD's site has a PDF file on the Opti and it says +/- only 5º, but that's still the ability to do it I'm looking for the online manual.
While you can manually advance or retard timing on the MSD opti, I wouldn't recommend it because timing for the LT1 is already computer controlled.

OP, you just put a huge cam in, now you need a tune, timing isn't the only thing you need to adjust, there's fuel, IAC, etc.
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Old Mar 17, 2009 | 11:03 AM
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Actually based on the unreliability of it the best way to adjust it is to put it back in the box and send it back to where you got it.

Failing that you could buy a degreed damper and keyed hub, fab up a timing pointer and then verify timing with a timing light.
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Old Mar 17, 2009 | 11:05 AM
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Originally Posted by ss.slp.ls1
While you can manually advance or retard timing on the MSD opti, I wouldn't recommend it because timing for the LT1 is already computer controlled.

OP, you just put a huge cam in, now you need a tune, timing isn't the only thing you need to adjust, there's fuel, IAC, etc.
This is correct, and what exactly do you call a huge cam?
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Old Mar 17, 2009 | 11:09 AM
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True, as I've never seen anyone report on using the timing feature of the MSD, that wasn't really what he asked for so I just provided him what he was after And while I know MSD would write something to support their product, as to not make it seem like a worthless feature, the PDF mentions the need to rev it up since at idle is when the computer is really controlling the timing. Again, not disputing the fact, just pointing that part out.
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Old Mar 17, 2009 | 02:14 PM
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my cam specs are as follows!

ADV DUR; Intake- .280, Exhaust- .288, Dur .050 Intake- .230, Exhaust- .236; Valve Lift Intake- .576, Exhaust- .571
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Old Mar 17, 2009 | 02:18 PM
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Originally Posted by lovemyzroc
my cam specs are as follows!

ADV DUR; Intake- .280, Exhaust- .288, Dur .050 Intake- .230, Exhaust- .236; Valve Lift Intake- .576, Exhaust- .571
A 230/236 .576"/.571" 11x cam needs a tune!

Here is where I got mine:
www.madtuner.com
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