Am I Going to Kick Myself if I Don't Get An Adjustable Timing Light?
 

I've never owned a timing light or even owned a car that required it's use. Every car I've had used the ECU to control timing. Now that I have a 1970 T I need to learn all about timing. I've read through the numerous threads regarding distributor maintenance, points, etc..

Obviously I need to buy a timing light and a dwell meter. Should I spend the extra money and get the adjustable timing light or is it a waste?

I'm still using a non-adj. timing light I bought back in the '80's. :D

Can't tell you how many times the adjustable model has helped me out. You don't have to spend a fortune. Go to Sears. You can get one for under $80.

Mine is non-adjustable. Porsche crank pulleys are well marked. With the adjustable you could time off Z1, but my old-school timing light works fine for me.

I'm sure someone will question the need for a timing light at all. :)

Brian

It is very handy if you are really mapping out the advance curve..keep an eye out for a used Mac or Snap-On from 2 oer 3 "generations" ago..I scored one on eBay for $30

No need unless you are using some non standard advance setting or advance curve. The pulleys have all the marks you need. Also don't need a dwell meter if you know how to use a feeler guage. The dwell is not critical on CD ignitions anyway.

-Andy

It is nice to check the vac advance. When you unhook the vac line and advance your timing you have no way to find it without the advance feature on the gun. It's worth the extra coin even if you only use it 1 time

I've got an old non-adjustable light that came in a box of tools I bought. The clip that goes on the spark plug wire needs some love... let me test it out tomorrow. If it works I'll send it to you.

The same $80 will also get a digital unit with a tach readout on the light. Very handy when setting advance and tuning carbs. you can see even little changes in the RPM as you set the carbs. It is also handy to see the advance and what RPM it maxes at as you go through the RPMs.

Yes, get the digital adjustable with RPM reading.

Actron/KAL/SunPro have made the majority of Sears timing lights over the past 30 - 40 years. Here is their best digital:

http://www.midwayautosupply.com/ps-648-2-actron-digital-timing-light-cp7529.aspx

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@0909968638.1171790542@ @@@&BV_EngineID=ccjdaddkeghhjiicefecemldffidfno.0& vertical=SEARS&sid=I0093600100004900085&pid=009209 27000

Yes, quite useful and recommended...

-Wayne