Bought a MSD 3 stage retard (pn 8970) for my new NOS wet system, after reading the install instrucs im a little confused. It says that when the retardbox is installed it will retard timing aprox 4degrees all the time
Has someone checked how much it will affect an LT1 engine? should i add 4 degrees all over the timing tabell in tunercat?

 

That does not seem right. I would say it only pulls 4 degrees when activated. I would give MSD tech support a call and ask them.

 

2nd note in http://www.msdignition.com/pdf/8970_frm25005.pdf
Dont think i gonna get any other info from MSD tech, they usually just read the manual...
It must be a lot of people here that run this retard modul that have noticed a lack of power after installation and can tell how much they added in the timing tabels..

 

I have the 8970 and it should only retard timing when the selected stage is removed from ground. My instructions say nothing about a 4 degree constant retard. How do you have the grounds wired?

 

I just noticed on my box its # 8972. It is several years old. Maybe they changed something!

 

Havent hooked it up yet, guess ill have to mark the damper and use a timing light before and after to find out.

 

OK now i know for sure, checked it widh a timinglight and it retards ignition 4-4.5 degrees when its hooked up (not activated).

 

I called an MSD tech last year and he said the same thing - retards 4 deg all the time, in addition to the retard stages.

I really didnt need a multstage retard this year, so i decided to consolidate boxes and go with a digital 6 box - which only retards timing when the retard function is activated.

 

Yes, that box pulls 4 degrees when pluged in. Simply advance the ignition table 4 degrees all across the board.