Timing an MSD on a Scat Engine

[Winter]

Hey all,
I have been outa touch for quite some time, I got a new computer and
I needed to get a newsgroup program for this platform. Here is the
reason I am writting, I am in the process of buying a new bug. I love
mine and I have learned a heck of a lot in the process of getting her
running and street legal. However, I just don't have the reasources to
do the work left, so I am storing her until someone is interested, or I
have the space to do the work.
The new car is a '67 Type 1 which has had its body largely converted
to look older, mid-fities to be specific. The engine in it is a Scat
0-mile with between 20 and 30K on it. My problem is that it is running
an MSD ignition system, and I haven't got the foggiest clue how to time
it. The system is both the MSD distributor and "brain" unit. The
current owner never bothered to find out how what the timing should be,
and just set it to static TDC. I am not convinced this is correct, and
MSD's website was not to usefull.
Has anyone here every used an MSD system on an aircooled VW?

Thanks-

Eric
el...@hampshire.edu

--

[Tim Klopfenstein]

I have been running an MSD6 and a Pertronix Ignitor on my 71 bus for about 8
years. Time the engine according to the distributor. The MSD doesn't change
anything.

[Nor-Cal VW's]

Hey-A Eric,

I run an all MSD ignition setup in my 65' Drag bug, Just time it to the
specs of the engine. Personally, I'd time it in the range of 7 to 14 Degrees
before TDC. There are many variances in these engines and you haven't
mentioned if you have stock 1.1:1 ratio rocker arms or something faster? All
of these things will change the engine's idle rpm timing sweet spot. You
have to time it while the engine's running of course (I don't believe in
static timing anything unless you absolutely must!).
DON'T TIME IT BY EAR!!!!! The MSD Ignition module fires multiple sparks (6)
below 3500 RPM and you can move the distributor somewhere in the range of 60
degrees advanced & not hear it like you can in a non CDI set-up. Believe me
as I did this when I first installed mine & didn't know it until I strobed
it.
If you have either a Degree pulley or, a Dial back timing light, Make sure
that the MSD ignition is also providing enough total advance. It should be
between 30 and 36 degrees. If it isn't, Change the stop bushing to the one
that will get you the closest.
It took me a little bit of time of test & tuning & trips down the track to
dial in mine perfectly but it's worth the effort.
Then only thing I dislike about The MSD distributor & 6-A(AL) boxes is that
you will need to monitor your high tension wires (Plug wires) for burning as
the increased power likes to disintegrate these wires in as little as a
month of street use!!!! This is common with MSD ignitions as I heard this
from many street users of their products. As soon as it starts missfiring,
Look at your wires.
Other than that, I haven't had a problem in the 4 years that I have had
them.
Cheers,
Dave.

[Karls Vladimir Peña]

Are you running stock wires?

"Nor-Cal VW's" <Norcalvw@(Nospam)sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:3wwzb.32260$ei7....@newssvr29.news.prodigy.com...

[Mufflerm]

And what ever you do, DO NOT HOOK YOUR TIMING LIGHT POWER TO THE COIL. Unless
you want a trip to the hospital.

[Karls Vladimir Peña]

Hey, good idea, I have a neighbor I wanna get rid off... I'll just ask him
to hold a cable for me. hehehehe

"Mufflerm" <muff...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20031209142153...@mb-m29.aol.com...