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MSD Boost Timing Master with Vacuum Advance
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
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PN 8962
IMPORTANT: Read the instructions before attempting installation.
Parts Included:
1 – Boost Timing Master, PN 8962 4 – Self Tapping Screws
1 – Dashboard Mounted Control Knob 1 – 2-Pin Connector
1 – Parts Bag
WARNING: During installation disconnect the battery cables. When disconnecting the battery,
always remove negative cable first and install it last.
Note: The PN 8962 must be used with an MSD Ignition Control.
Note:
The PN 8962 will advance the timing approximately 1.5° for every inch of vacuum the unit sees
(maximum of 15°). The advance will begin at approximately 4 inches of vacuum and will end
at approximately 14 inches of vacuum.
INTRODUCTION
In order to get the most out of your Boost Timing Master, driving tests and fine-tuning are required.
You will want to achieve having the highest advance timing for peak horsepower at low rpm when
boost pressure is low, and retard the timing during boost just enough to prevent knocking or
predetonation.
Note: In setting up the timing curve, a hand held Mighty-Vac or similar tool will allow you to simulate
the boost pressure, while you adjust timing at idle.
PROGRAMMING
Cyli nder Sele ct: The Boost Tim ing Mas ter is
programmed at the factory for 8-cylinder engines. It
can easily be modified for use on 4 and 6-cylinder
engines. The number of cylinders is adjusted by cutting
the cylinder select loops. Figure 1 shows the Cylinder
Programming Loops and how to modify the Unit.
Magnetic Trigger: If you are using a distributor with a
magnetic pickup, such as an MSD, to trigger the ignition
system the White Wire Loop needs to be cut (Figure 1).
If you are using the points or amplifier input of the MSD
Ignition Control, this Loop does not need to be cut.
MOUNTING
The Boost Timing Master can be mounted under the
hood, but should be away from direct engine heat
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Figure 1 Selecting the Cylinders or Trigger Pickup.
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2 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
sources. Make sure that the wiring reach their connections. Use the Control as a template to mark
the mounting holes. Remove the unit and drill the holes with a 1/8” drill bit. Use the supplied screws
to mount the unit.
Control Knob
Find a suitable location on the dashboard that can easily be reached by the driver. Drill a 7/16” hole,
install the supplied snap bushing and route the harness wires through. Make sure the harness reaches
the connector on the BTM before mounting the control knob. Install the supplied 2-pin Weather-tight
connector (Figure 2) on the harness and connect it to the Grey/Black wire on the BTM. The order of
the wires inside the connector is not important.
Boost Line
Connect one end of an 1/8” ID vacuum line to the brass spigot on the BTM. Connect the other end of the
hose to a ported source such as the intake manifold or
below the throttle blades of the carburetor or throttle
body. If you already have a boost gauge you can tee
into that line.
Figure 2 Connecting the Control Knob Harness.
WIRING
Red:
Black:
Yellow:
White:
Green/Violet
2-Pin Connector:
Connects to switched 12 volts.
Connects to Ground.
Connects to MSD Ignition’s White wire.
Connects to points or amplifier trigger wire on the engine.
Connects to the magnetic pickup of the distributor or crank trigger.
Green is negative, Violet is positive.
Note: When using this connector, the white wire loop must be cut.
Note: The White wire and 2-Pin Magnetic Pickup wires will never be used at the same time!
ADJUSTING THE BOOST
The PN 8962 allows you to set the amount of ignition retard as well as when the retard begins, both
in relation to the amount of boost being produced (Figure 3).
Dash Control Knob: This controls the
slope of the retard. That is, how much
timing is removed per pound of boost.
The settings are 0° – 3° of retard per
pound of boost with a maximum of 15°
of retard.
Start Point: This is where you adjust the
beginning of the boost retard curve. You
can adjust the start point of the slope from
0 – 5 pounds of boost. A typical setting is
2 psi for most users. Figure 3 illustrates
this adjustment.
Figure 3 Setting the Timing Adjustments.
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 3
Vacuum Advance: This adjustment allows you to advance the ignition timing just like a vacuum
advance canister on a distributor except you get to set the total amount of advance. You will have to
physically move the distributor to take advantage of this feature. It is a good idea to set the advance
timing knob to zero until you have finished wiring to the ignition system and BTM.
In order to get the most out of your Boost Timing Master, testing and tuning is required. To set the
adjustment, it is recommended to use a hand held Mighty-Vac or similar tool to simulate a boost
signal. By watching the timing with a timing light and simulating the boost signal you will be able to
get a good starting point to tune from.
Setting The Vacuum Advance
1. Make sure the advance timing knob is set to zero
(full counterclockwise) and disconnect the pressure
hose.
2. With a timing light, check your timing at idle. This
will be the timing the engine will see at low vacuum
(heavy throttle conditions).
3. Shut off the engine, and rotate the distributor to
change timing in the advance direction, by the
amount of degrees you want to advance at high
vacuum (light throttle or idling). You can advance
up to 15°.
4. Start the engine and check the timing again with the
Figure 4 Adjusting the Vacuum Advance.
timing light. Now adjust the advance timing knob
clockwise until you electronically return to the same timing you had in step 2.
5. Reconnect the pressure sensing hose, and with the timing light, watch the timing advance. It will
now electronically advance proportional to the vacuum in your intake manifold.
WIRING FOR MSD-6 SERIES USING POINTS AMPLIFIER TRIGGERING
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WIRING FOR MSD-6 SERIES USING MAGNETIC TRIGGERING
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
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Service
In case of malfunction, this MSD component will be repaired free of charge according to the terms of the warranty.
When returning MSD components for warranty service, Proof of Purchase must be supplied for verification. After
the warranty period has expired, repair service is based on a minimum and maximum fee.
All returns must have a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number issued to them before
being returned. To obtain an RMA number please contact MSD Customer Service at 1 (888) MSD-7859 or
visit our website at www.msdignition.com/rma to automatically obtain a number and shipping information.
When returning the unit for repair, leave all wires at the length in which you have them installed. Be sure to include
a detailed account of any problems experienced, and what components and accessories are installed on the vehicle.
The repaired unit will be returned as soon as possible using Ground shipping methods (ground shipping is covered
by warranty). For more information, call MSD Ignition at (915) 855-7123. MSD technicians are available from 7:00
a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday - Friday (mountain time).
Limited Warranty
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SD IGNITION warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under its intended normal
use*, when properly installed and purchased from an authorized MSD dealer, for a period of one year from the date
of the original purchase. This warranty is void for any products purchased through auction websites. If found to be
defective as mentioned above, it will be repaired or replaced at the option of MSD Ignition. Any item that is covered
under this warranty will be returned free of charge using Ground shipping methods.
This shall constitute the sole remedy of the purchaser and the sole liability of MSD Ignition. To the extent permitted
by law, the foregoing is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties or representation whether expressed or implied,
including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness. In no event shall MSD Ignition or its suppliers be liable
for special or consequential damages.
*Intended normal use means that this item is being used as was originally intended and for the original application
as sold by MSD Ignition. Any modifications to this item or if it is used on an application other than what MSD Ignition
markets the product, the warranty will be void. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to determine that this item
will work for the application they are intending. MSD Ignition will accept no liability for custom applications.
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FRM29020 Revised 10/07 Printed in U.S.A.
© 2007 Autotronic Co ntrols Co rporatio n
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