Default MSD setting for first run

[SpeedingFirebird]

T61 Master Power, 8lbs of boost, MSD inline pump, Vortech FMU, etc.

The downpipe is not yet installed. The car runs but extremely rich and underpowered. Since the downpipe is not installed, it is not building boost. The MSD is set to 0 retard.

I am going on Thursday to get the downpipe installed. What should I try for a retard? I have read to go 2 degrees for each pound of boost.

What I am really worried about is setting it wrong and blowing something up when loading it on to the trailer to bring it home. If I go with about 10 degrees retard and keep the car with low RPMs, should I be OK? Should I start the retard at 0 and tune when I get home?

Thanks.

[Slowside]

Re: Default MSD setting for first run

Sounds like you need a tuning program. You mess with timing to take care of knock. You want to be as close to zero as possible. My friend and I tune for knock which is kind of dangerous, and we never ****ed with more than 4 or 5 degrees.

[Shodown]

Re: Default MSD setting for first run

^^He has a 3.4 which does not have tuning capability.

OP, sorry but I dont know the answer to your question. I can barely tune my car via HPT let alone a car without it lol.

[SpeedingFirebird]

Re: Default MSD setting for first run

^^He has a 3.4 which does not have tuning capability.

OP, sorry but I dont know the answer to your question. I can barely tune my car via HPT let alone a car without it lol.

For tomorrow, just to get it home to start messing with it - start with zero?

[ssms5411]

Re: Default MSD setting for first run

You always want zero KR at all times, KR is bad for your engine.

[Bandit127]

Re: Default MSD setting for first run

Well yes, but Zero degrees timing retarding. You are not building boost yet unless if you put your engine under load, so I would retard it 2 degrees and baby it from there. Its better to be too lean and change fouled plugs and oil, than burning a piston from lean.

I dont know if it means anything, but the PCM, upon detecting a Knock Sensor circuit fault, retards timing 15* and fixes it there. Its safer, but it runs like poo.

[SpeedingFirebird]

Re: Default MSD setting for first run

I left it at zero degrees. Piping is done but car still ran like utter crap. Seemed a little less rich.

My drain line looks like it is leaking again too, so much more work to do still.