Ignition choice and timing

I recently dynoed a small block turbo with a MSD 8 plus igntion. Got the tuneup pretty close with timing and fuel. A month later I changed over to a pro mag 44. With that much of a hotter spark, would the timing map be the same or would I need to retune for the hotter spark?

 

Mike, I'm surprised at your response. Usually we are on the same page.

I say the increased spark energy will increase your tuning window. Going from about 315 millijoules (8) to the 44 will triple the energy to 950 millijoules and a slight increase in duration. You should be able to add some fuel for an increase in power and probably pull some timing out to boot.

That's my experience anyway.

Blessings...........Ron Clevenger

 

Mallory to 44 Amp MSD

Ron, when we went from a Mallory Mag to the 44amp MSD Mag, we pulled timing and burned much more fuel and went much faster-THANKS! Jim

 

I am surprised too. I dont know anything about this specific scenario, but when we went from a Mallory 5 mag to an MSD 44 amp, we went from 38 degrees timing to 28 max. When we put the screw blower on it afterwards we didnt go over 26 degrees.

 

How much timing were you running on the dyno.

 

Mike, don't have a scientific answer. Maybe a program like yours where your on the ragged edge and you increase ignition energy you don't see any benefit in adding some fuel. The applications I've worked with seem to benefit when increase ignition energy to add a little fuel and see some power gain.
I know that nitro is a no brainer, but I've seen it on blown gas and alcohol also to some degree.
Could just be a ponderer...............................Blessings.........Ron Clevenger.

 

On my setup, I really dont know if the MSD8 plus had enough spark energy to fire the combustion charge without excessive ignition timing. Many guys have told me that if you dont have enough ignition, the motor is going to want more timing. I changed over to the Mag44 because I didnt want any issues down the road.

With that being said, I dynoed it at 15psi and kept adding timing until power didn't increase. IMO its got alot of ignition timing in it.

After I switched to the promag 44, its doing some weird shit during staging and trying to get it up on boost and I am wondering if its got too much ignition timing. Before with the MSD8plus it came up on the transbrake quick, now with the mag44 its almost like the motor is fighting itself.

Had a small problem with the fuel pump which has been fixed but wont know until this weekend when I try it again.

 

Ron,

If you have a few minutes to talk, shoot me a #.

Phil

 

PM sent....................................Blessings.........Ron Clevenger

 

The multi-turboed 6 cylinder tractor pullers have been using MSD 8+ as a norm. They typically are running 70-90 psi boost with heads that flow 350-500 cfm. The 8+ was firing these engines although it appears they were nearing the limits. It appears to me that different chamber shapes can make a difference as to what the 8 can handle.

Just recently one engine builder has worked with MSD to get the 44 mags to work on a 6 cylinder and his latest stuff is rumored to be at about 120psi (his on track performance would support this).

IMO, If your ignition timing is set to make the most HP, it is at this point where it is hardest for it to fire since this is at max cylinder psi. So advancing it beyondthis point might make a too weak ignition system to fire better, but its a band-aid for sure...