Anybody know if this would work? Take for example a crane tci-1 controller,with 0-20 retard. if you set the base timing at 20 then plug the controller in the spout set at 10 retard will it retard it to base 10. I guess what I'm asking could I make the switch do is make it work from +10 to-10.
Why? Easy adjustment on the fly?
If thats how it works, then your theory sounds exactly correct. its only adjusting based on the reference ,,,and the reference is your manipulation of what position the distributor is in.
got a linky on it?
Here's a pdf on it Scott.
http://www.cranecams.com/uploads/instructions/90009100.pdf
its a stand alone unit and i suspect the same thing, set your base ref to 10deg ATDC.
to verify the theory, and with your base set at 10deg ATDC,
-set the to 0
-check the timing with your light and see if it went to 10ATDC
-set to middle and see if the timing goes to 0
-set to max or 20 and see if your timing goes to 10.
all of the above done without removeal of the sprout connector.
It looks pretty simple to install, pay attention to the sprout connection termination.
a theory of operation data sheet on the unit itself would be more helpful. If its just a truly stand alone unit (ie- garbage in/garbage out) then i think your original thoughts are right.
re-reading your post,,
if you set the base timing to 20btdc,, then hook this up.
it should use your 20btdc as the 0 mark on the . then when you turn the it will allow you to drift from -20 to -40.
hell, i suppose you could set the to middle (-10) then ..
-reset your base timing to -20
then you can dial in -10 to -30
i am pretty sure your base timing in the ref point and its assumed you will set the base at 0 ,, when in reality you want to use a different reference point.
its too bad the cant be relocated up to the steering wheel or to a floor shifter where you can move it while in performance demand situations.
the way it is now, you have to take your eyes off the road or move your arm to get it set and you prob want to be changing the setting during driving anyway, and more realistically when your foot is deep in the pedal.
you have a 0-20 retard to play with, how you use it is probably up to you.
The instructions for TFI IV in figure 4 say it is for 83 and up. The SPOUT jumper plug socket they have you tap into was introduced in 87. (according to the EVTM's) Prior to 87 there is a one wire inline connector.
So, if you have an 87 or 88 you are golden, otherwise you will have redo the wiring a little.
i was sure the sprout connector was introduced in 84. I was fairly certian the 83's (most of them) were EECIII
Is this just a start retard switch?
I cant imagine the benefit of a start only retard for the price.
Besides, retarding the timing isnt something you'd want to do to "help" an engine start.
That depends on how much you have it advanced and how your compression is.
I would be using it for a nitro setup. I would like to keep it advanced for when it's not spraying and retard it when I do,without turning the dist. every time. the thing that worry's me the most is the accuracy of it. Doing at the distributor with a light I would know for sure.
Yeah, you are right the 83 5.0's are EEC III. The 84 has a SPOUT connector but not the jumper plug that their cable plugs into.