Timing Lights

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Bruce69Camaro
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Timing Lights

#1 Post by Bruce69Camaro » Fri Sep 13, 2013 5:17 am

Is there a decent digital timing light for under $100 on the market?
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Re: Timing Lights

#2 Post by John_Heard » Mon Sep 16, 2013 7:38 am

Best one you can buy IMO - http://www.ebay.com/bhp/craftsman-timing-light the Old Chrome Craftsmen, you don't want a digital / dial back one for MSD ignitions.

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Bruce69Camaro
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Re: Timing Lights

#3 Post by Bruce69Camaro » Tue Sep 17, 2013 6:36 am

Someone else mentioned the same thing about the old craftsman timing guns. Why won't other guns work with MSD ignitions?
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supernova
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Re: Timing Lights

#4 Post by supernova » Tue Sep 17, 2013 7:34 am

The one John posted is already gone. The older ones are not affected by the magnetic field that the new ignition systems create because they're not digital like the new timing lights. My brother has a $400 snap on timing light that will not work with my car.
Blackhoodmafia!!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

1972 Nova SS
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Best to date: 1/8
et: 5.28
mph: 134
new wt. 3340 lbs

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Re: Timing Lights

#5 Post by John_Heard » Tue Sep 17, 2013 7:48 am

There's several of them still listed, you'll just have to get a bid in on one. Or you could buy the MSD light which is supposed to be good also http://www.msdignition.com/Products/Acc ... Light.aspx but a lot more money then the trusty ol' Craftsmen.

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Bruce69Camaro
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Re: Timing Lights

#6 Post by Bruce69Camaro » Tue Sep 17, 2013 8:00 am

This is my problem and why I don't have one, yet....I have a hard time seeing the mark.

Whether it's a thing with my eyes or the marking on the balancer, I just have a hard time seeing it.

On my last balancer, I had it painted black and highlighted the timing marks with yellow paint, I still couldn't see it, so that's why I was wondering if a digital one would work better for me.

My wife said she'll buy me one for Christmas or my birthday, so she'll like the prices of the craftsman.
Those who think they know it all have no way of finding out they don't......... :scratch:

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supernova
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Re: Timing Lights

#7 Post by supernova » Tue Sep 17, 2013 8:05 am

Hey, get a timing tape, they're black with yellow markings and are accurate enough, easy to see and cheap. I'v used them a lot.
Blackhoodmafia!!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

1972 Nova SS
572 C.I. BBC

Best to date: 1/8
et: 5.28
mph: 134
new wt. 3340 lbs

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Re: Timing Lights

#8 Post by Bruce69Camaro » Tue Sep 17, 2013 8:12 am

My new balancer has the marks engraved in it, can I still use a timing tape?
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supernova
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Re: Timing Lights

#9 Post by supernova » Tue Sep 17, 2013 8:16 am

Yep! We've put them on marked balances. Be sure you get the right size for your balancer. 7" tape for a 7" balancer, 8" for a 8" ect ect.
Blackhoodmafia!!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

1972 Nova SS
572 C.I. BBC

Best to date: 1/8
et: 5.28
mph: 134
new wt. 3340 lbs

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Bruce69Camaro
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Re: Timing Lights

#10 Post by Bruce69Camaro » Tue Sep 17, 2013 8:23 am

Guess I'll check into that when I get the light, thanks.
For now, I'll let the guy that built the motor do the work...
Those who think they know it all have no way of finding out they don't......... :scratch:

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supernova
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Re: Timing Lights

#11 Post by supernova » Tue Sep 17, 2013 8:26 am

Your welcome my friend.
Blackhoodmafia!!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

1972 Nova SS
572 C.I. BBC

Best to date: 1/8
et: 5.28
mph: 134
new wt. 3340 lbs

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Craig W.
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Re: Timing Lights

#12 Post by Craig W. » Sat Sep 21, 2013 7:24 am

Timing tapes tend to fly off after a few runs unless you spray some clear coat over them.

Even if you got a digital to work, you'd have to still see the zero mark on the balancer.
Craig Watson
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bracketchev1221
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Re: Timing Lights

#13 Post by bracketchev1221 » Tue Oct 15, 2013 2:33 am

You can borrow mine if you need to. I have 3 and they all read the same on my car. I use a paint marker to make a big white stripe on the balancer. Otherwise the numbers blur when you try to read it. This is all you need.

http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/ ... quantity=1

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Bruce69Camaro
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Re: Timing Lights

#14 Post by Bruce69Camaro » Tue Oct 15, 2013 5:05 am

Thanks Ray,

Better yet, I'll just have you check it for me when we go racing together...hint...hint...

I tired the black paint trick on my balancer and it didn't work to good, you can see it better, but it's not great.

I'm going to bring a paint stick home and try that.

The next time the motor is out, I'll paint it black and make the marks either yellow or white.
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bracketchev1221
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Re: Timing Lights

#15 Post by bracketchev1221 » Tue Oct 15, 2013 7:31 pm

If you take just a regular light bulb and turn it on and off really really fast it works the same as one of them there fancy timing lights. :mrgreen:

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