MSD 8973 timing controller

Discussion in 'PSI Superchargers Tech Questions' started by quick cut, Jun 16, 2013.

  1. quick cut

    quick cut Member

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    Hi,
    I am going to hook up a 8973 timing controller in the next week or so.
    Questions: Do I need to use a 8830 capacitor ?
    Do I have use a Crank Trigger ?
    What timing do I lock it in at ?
    Also what should I look out for ?
    Any help would be good.

    Thanks
     
    #1
    quick cut, Jun 16, 2013
  2. td1506

    td1506 Member

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    8973

    Best thing to do is do a search for 8973 there was plenty of info on this site. We use one only to pull timing at the hit but it can do a lot more.
     
    #2
    td1506, Jun 16, 2013
  3. GTPerf

    GTPerf Member

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    8973

    used one for years, if you are running your stuff hard a Crank trigger would be best but the 8973 doesn't care, the capacitor is a noise filter I always use them , there is a lot you can do with it so it would be hard to tell you what to do with out knowing what you are trying to accomplish. if you run a trigger set the mag timing first and then the trigger the same, I have seen them not be phased right and not start on the trigger.
    pretty simple and easy to use.
     
    #3
    GTPerf, Jun 16, 2013
  4. quick cut

    quick cut Member

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    Timing controller 8973

    Thanks for your replys
    Anyone else
     
    #4
    quick cut, Jun 17, 2013
  5. Will Hanna

    Will Hanna We put the 'inside' in Top Alcohol
    Staff Member

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    8973

    I would recommend the capacitor not only for the noise reduction but it gives you a buffer if there are any momentary losses in voltage.

    If you are going to be playing with a timing curve, then you are wasting your time without a crank trigger. If you are not going to be playing with the timing curve, it's a waste of time to have a 8973. Using the internal mag drive trigger, is very sloppy at best compared to a crank trigger. What's the point of trying to pull 4 degrees out at 1 second when you really don't know if your base timing will be 27, 24, or 29.

    I was one of those 'I don't want a crank trigger because it's just something else to fail' guys until we got a racepak that monitored timing. The next run we had the trigger on the car. It was THAT scary. And we had the PSI mag drive with almost zero cam endplay.

    As far as locking the timing down, it's hard to say without knowing more about your combo. Again, if you are locking the timing down, it kind of defeats the purpose of having a digital box.

    I would also recommend going with a Power Grid vs the 8973. It's a bit more user friendly, unless you are already familiar with the 8973 software. It also transfers easier and you don't have to jack with the usb to serial adaptors that are prone to quit.

    Hope this helps.
     
    #5
    Will Hanna, Jun 18, 2013
  6. quick cut

    quick cut Member

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    Msd 8973

    Thanks for your reply Will.
    Never run a capacitor now have one.
    I will get a crank trigger now as well, It has always been a guess at what the timing is
    & I want to play with the timing curve.

    As locking the timing down I ment what timing should I set it at for a starting point,? then start retarding.
    I have had the 8973 for about 6 months & never hooked it up.
    Should of went to a power grid if I had done my home work first.
    But this is only a bracket car running 6.5sec.

    Thanks again Will
    .
     
    #6
    Last edited: Jun 23, 2013
    quick cut, Jun 22, 2013

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