Using the MSD 8973 with PRO-II Racepack

Discussion in 'PSI Superchargers Tech Questions' started by OSI Tafc, Mar 13, 2007.

  1. OSI Tafc

    OSI Tafc New Member

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    After some testing over the weekend at Valdosta, we have come across an interference between the racepak Pro-II and the 8973. We started out using the "launch light" on the 8973 during testing. Our engine was running great but the racepak would cut out or show one nasty line on the graph at stage. Eliminating the launch light fixed it. The launch light flickers when you are above the launch Rpm and it's enough to throw it for a loop.

    Removing the upper limit on the light may fix this, but we just turned this option off.

    It did not cut out at the shift points.

    Shannon Beal
     
    #1
    Last edited: Mar 13, 2007
    OSI Tafc, Mar 13, 2007
  2. Mike Canter

    Mike Canter Top Dragster
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    Shannon, is the MSD 8973 physically grounded or is it sitting on rubber mounts? The same question for the Racepak? If the boxes are isolated you might try running a separate ground wire from each of the boxe's foot mounts to the chassis. The outside of the boxes maybe picking up interference and sending it down the signal wires.
     
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    Mike Canter, Mar 13, 2007
  3. OSI Tafc

    OSI Tafc New Member

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    Both are on rubber mounts but are grounded to the chassis. I will double check this to be sure.

    Thanks, Shannon
     
    #3
    OSI Tafc, Mar 13, 2007
  4. Mike Canter

    Mike Canter Top Dragster
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    I have a call into MSD and waiting for an answer to see if there is anything else that can be done.
     
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    Mike Canter, Mar 13, 2007
  5. OSI Tafc

    OSI Tafc New Member

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    On a side note, we couldn't be happier with all the tuning tools offered in their program. Very easy to use.
     
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    OSI Tafc, Mar 13, 2007
  6. Mike Canter

    Mike Canter Top Dragster
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    Just don't use the 10* start retard because most mags don't produce enough spark while cranking to jump the increased rotor gap due to the retard and it probably will start start.
     
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    Mike Canter, Mar 13, 2007
  7. bryanbrown

    bryanbrown Member

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    ?
    we didn't take the start retard out of the program, haven't had any problems(yet). what do you mean? thanks
     
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    bryanbrown, Mar 13, 2007
  8. Mike Canter

    Mike Canter Top Dragster
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    Then you are lucky. Maybe you use a crank trigger and because of where you have the rotor phased it still starts or you have an adjstable cap and the rotor has been phased for retards up in higer RPMs. For a lot of racers it will not start if 10* Start Retard is used.
     
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    Mike Canter, Mar 13, 2007
  9. bryanbrown

    bryanbrown Member

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    it may be because our base on the program is a few deg higher than what we actually run it at. so the 10deg is coming off of that, making it only about 4-6 deg retarded from where it is during most of the run.
     
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    bryanbrown, Mar 13, 2007
  10. Mike Canter

    Mike Canter Top Dragster
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    You are probably right on as why you can use the start retard. Just remebr if one day it just will not start just disable the Start retard and it will probably fire up again.

    The 8973 used to be sent new from MSD with the 10* Start Retard turned on as default. Many a racer installed the box and was stumped as to why the #$%^%#@ car would not start. Now MSD sends them out with no Start Retard as the default.
     
    #10
    Mike Canter, Mar 13, 2007
  11. willys33

    willys33 new

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    Using the MSD 8973

    Mike,
    One more time. How do you remove the Start Retard from the 8973? You gave me some procedures and I tried, but it appears it's still there.
    Thank You.
     
    #11
    willys33, Mar 14, 2007
  12. Mike Canter

    Mike Canter Top Dragster
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    Connect the 8973 to your laptop open up the ProData software go to the Data Editor on the left side middle, expand it to full page then scroll down to Retards and right under Retards is Start then under that is Start Retard. Change to degrees to zero and save to PC then transfer back User Data to the 8973.
     
    #12
    Mike Canter, Mar 14, 2007

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