Problems with MSD BTM, and a question about it.....
 

I have an MSD BTM box that has a weird problem. When I have it all hooked up MINUS the Boost Retard knob the car will start/run. However, when I CONNECT the retard knob to the box, the engine will NOT fire. No spark at all.

Now....I don't NEED the timing retard at all, I do that through LT1_edit. But, I do need the increased ignition power output to increase the spark intensity.

My question is......is the box being utilized while the retard knob is NOT plugged in? Or is it just being bypassed? I'll gladly hook it all back up (took it out, thought it wasn't working) if any of you think its actually working. I don't wanna jack with it if it won't work in there, and I don't want to buy a new MSD 6AL if it WILL work in there.

I'm having major problems with the spark being blown out by my boost (I think, anyway), and I've only been using the stock ignition with an MSD Blaster coil so far.

Thanks for any help, posting this in LT1 Tech as well.

I have some good news, some bad news, and some more good news for ya...

First, the good news: The 6BTM is really a 6AL + BTM box (the guts of each are shoved into one box). You are using getting the extra spark you want.

Next, the bad news. With the knob disconnected, the BTM is set to max -- 3 degrees of retard per # of boost. :mad:

Finally, the last good news: Unhook the vacuum line going to the box and *poof* no more boost retard. :D

Sounds good, that's what I really needed to know. Just wish I knew of some way to test it to make sure I'm getting the added spark power I need. It'd make it a lot easier to troubleshoot problems later on.