Re: Stupid timing light questions

[Dick Stachowiak <stachowiak@domain.elided>]

I'm having the same problem after converting both my Spider and GTV to the Marrelli-Plex system.  They are from a 80/81 factory installed system.  One has the original dual pickup coil and the other had the
replacement single pickup as recommended by Centerline.  Unfortunately I can't get enough advance from the centrifugal mechanism.  I don't have the vacuum switch and relay, so the GTV with the dual pickup is only
using one pickup.  I don't know if the after market Plex system had a different advance curve, but as I recall, it used a single pickup.  I like the system for the easy starts and less plug fouling, but I need more
advance.  I think MSD makes an ignition module that lets you add advance based on RPM that might be a solution.  If anyone has already solved this, please share it.

Dick Stachowiak

71 Spider
71 GTV


Biba wrote:

>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 26 Oct 2002 19:37:36 -0700
> From: alfacybersite <acs@domain.elided>
> Subject: Stupid timing light questions
>
>
> So who needs a timing light? Unfortunately the fellow who installs a
> MarelliPlex on his carbureted Alfetta GT - that's who. Nothing goes pop
> when you push, so I eyeballed it. Engine ran on after shutting off, so
> retarded, still running on, retarded some more, yet, still more running
> on. Ulp.
>
>
>
> Once home (shop) upon first firing up the timing light, idle was around
> P (TDC) and max advance at (approximately) 5k rpm was about 12 to 15
> degrees short of M (maximum advance mark). I shut off and advanced
> distributor. Static timing (eyeball wise since there is no mark) looked
> about right. Car idled much better. Now max advance is 'only' about 10
> degrees short of the M mark (eyeball wise).
>
> Methinks there might be a problem with the centrifugal advance
> mechanism. Didn't someone recently say in essence that the advance
> mechanism on the MarelliPlex distributor sucked? I also gathered it did
> so from birth.
>
> Must I go back to good old fashioned points and simply throw the timing
> light in the trash, or is there a better solution?
>
> Biba
> Frustrated, again, in Irwindale, CA USA
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