MSD Ignition 8962 Installation Instructions Manual

MSD Boost Timing Master with Vacuum Advance

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

R

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.

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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