Hi I have big problems with my new ignition. Now i would like to replace all incl. a new trigger system. I have looked by msd products but cant find a crank trigger for buick. Only a Pontiac 455, can i use this: http://www.msdignition.com/Products...gers/8650_-_Pontiac_V8_Crank_Trigger_Kit.aspx I know the stock balancer size is 6.75" and the crank trigger has a diameter 7". I want to combine this with this programble ignition box. Has any one experience about crank trigger for buicks? reagards Robert
I know the SBC balancer should also be 6 3/4". If you have a TA front cover, Mike incorporated a bolt hole to mount a crank trigger. I know BrunoD has one on his race car. Have to ask him which one he used.
You've probably seen this but... I don't know if the MSD can go off a missing tooth wheel (because I believe they simply have 4 magnets in their wheel and trigger spark every 90* of crank rotation), but I hacked a Ford Escort 36-1 wheel onto the balancer pulley. Maybe the same or similar technique could be used on a different MSD wheel? I used the TA timing cover bolt through aluminum box tubing and a tab against the fuel pump to lock it into place quickly, easily and in the same orientation repeatably. Had a local agricultural machine shop lathe the back side of the pulley flat, removing as little material as possible. Then the same shop opened up the inside of the '91 Escort trigger wheel I pulled from the junkyard until it slid fairly tightly onto the pulley. Then I installed it on the balancer, clocked it where I wanted the missing tooth, and drilled ~1/8" holes in the triggerwheel and pulley to roll pin it into place (you could use screws... and seen in the first picture). My actual trigger sensor holder. The earlier picture was a testing version. I set the bolt to bottom in the hole in the TA cover with a light torque, then use the backing nut to actually tighten the box tubing to the bolt. The hole the sensor goes through is a bit oblonged for left and right adjustments. If I could TIG aluminum I would of, but once installed no one sees the rivets anyways.
Since that skip tooth gear thing isn't completely even all around, wont that throw off your crank balance? They are called harmonic BALANCERS so I assume by modifying it you MAY wear out your front bearings. Or not? I don't know but wanted to point it out.
Robert I have used the MSD Digital Programmable 6AL-2 with the crank trigger on a 600 cu in Chevy street engine. It works well. The only problem for your engine is the 6AL-2 doesn't duplicate vacuum advance. That's ok if you don't care about good gas mileage while cruising. The easiest way to solve your problem is with the MSD ready to run distributor. http://www.msdignition.com/Products..._400-430-455_V8_Ready_to_Run_Distributor.aspx The MSD distributor limits the dwell time and limits the current to 7.5 amps so there is no need for a ballast resistor. The Mallory distributor is just an on and off switch like a set of points with no dwell time control and it needs a ballast resistor to control the current through the coil. Any overcurrent at any time can damage the Mallory unit. Paul
As many engines out there running with pistons that are several grams difference in weight it's unlikely the trivial weight of one tooth will have much effect. That and I have not modified the harmonic balancer, I modified the pulley. I've got 12,000+ miles on it so far, and plan on a lot more.
Rob, I use a BBC kit. All you need is to machine the register size to fit. I make a sensor mounting bracket that goes where the fuel pump did on the timing cover. I'm sure you know someone that can machine/fab one up to fit.:laugh: I can get you the MSD number if you want as there are a few different BBC kits. Any other questions please feel free to call me. Steve
I have already a burned Mallory Ignition Modul. Now with the new module i have very bad timings Now i'm a little frustrated about this product and the bad costumer service. I did some research and found the MSDAL-2 6530, MSD Crank Trigger. I like that's programble on the pc, so i can get the right advance. The ignition box has a plug for a map sensor, i guess this sensor can measure boost and vacuum as well. I have the TA Timing cover, so i will try to contact BrunoD to get more information, thank you larry @Paul, thanks for your advice for the rdy to run MSD Distributor, but with the 6530 i dont need the module so thats a kinda waste of money? Isn't it possible to reuse the Mallory without the ignition modul and all advace locked. I wrote MSD, i will post the results... With best regards Robert
I read that originally on my iphone and missed the whole balancer/pulley point. :spank: Thank you for the clarification. It does seem like a nice adaptation you did once I see the pictures in full size.
Yes. you will be using the Mallory to distribute spark only. Lock out the advance and set the rotor directly in line with the #1 post in the cap at 30 degrees BTDC. Paul
Rob here is mine. Sorry you can't see the actual mount, but it's the only pic I have of it at work. I use a MSD 7AL-3 Box and a Pro Power MSD coil. I'm happy with the results. Steve
My experience with MSD's ready to run distributors has been horrible. I went through four of them on my shop truck, waiting weeks to get them repaired, every one of them the module just quit. After the fourth one they gave me my $$ back, and I went with a Davis Unified Ignition. Nice piece. Prior to my second break down with MSD, my buddy installed one on his small block Mustang, Made it less than 20 miles and quit in the middle of a burn out. He shipped it back to Summit for a refund. My .02, be Ready To Run all the way home, cause it's gonna quit on you!!!
Steve thanks for your advice and your engine looks awesome powerful. What diameter has your harmonic balancer and what size has the crank trigger? I use TA Timingcover i hope the cranktrigger diameter isn't to large...
Thank you steve thas very friendly. Im looking for a solution without welding (if it is possible). First i want determine the best Kit from MSD for our 455. Currently i use the orignal harmonic balancer, with a internal balanced crank. I would like to re-use the orignal balancer but its not necessary. There are two issue: 1. Correct diameter from the crank trigger wheel ( balancer size: 6.75") and right bolt plattern 2. Correct assembly of the magnetic pickup bracket I wrote MSD thursday but no reply yet With only picture compare (Bolt plattern) there are : 8611 SBC, 8621 BBC, 8650 Pontiac right. All other have a not the 6 bolt plattern or are more than 7" Diameter Feel free to admit your advice tipps or something else... best regards Robert
Rob,I have an ATI BBC harmonic balancer on my race car.I think I got the same crank trigger kit that Steve has,mine has been there for about 20 trouble free years.Since at that time there was no TA cover,I had to do with the stock cover,witch I still use today.I guess you don't have to do any welding because of your TA cover,witch makes it much simpler,Scotty of PG performance did the welding for me back then.And I have a stock distributor in my car.The MSD cap has a pin hole on it,we check the timing through that.Bruno.
Rob, I did a quick tape rule measurment today before heading to Illinios for work. It looks like the balancer (ATI) is about 7" and the crank trigger wheel is 8". Not sure what your reasons are for the stock balancer, but with any kind of race engine I would switch to an SFI balancer. The stock ones are just not built to handle the rough abuse of racing. ATI makes them with BB Chevy or Buick bolt patterns to fit our Buick's. Steve
Thanks for the help Bruno and Steve No its not necessary to keep the old balancer. But how i can loosen the big crank bolt without counter hold anywhere? How will fit a BBC on the crank of a Buick? is the diameter the same? whats about the register? Your ATI balancer is bigger (thicker) and it helps to get more clearance around the trigger wheel, so i think its a good option. I dont race my buick, but sometimes i want to rev it up to 6000rpm (still never do this with the new engine) Oh is read steve post again: (Rob, I use a BBC kit. All you need is to machine the register size to fit.) What tools required for this? (I want to check my maschine shop if the have the right parts) LARRY70GS Re: Looking for crank trigger kit. I know the SBC balancer should also be 6 3/4". If you have a TA front cover, Mike incorporated a bolt hole to mount a crank trigger. I know BrunoD has one on his race car. Have to ask him which one he used. I live in switzerland an my engish is to bad for a call to TA and they email respones is very slow . I would like to know wich hole he means... best reagards and thanks for the support Robert
Update: MSD 8610 Crank wheel is now mounted on a ATI Super Damper with Chevy-3 Bolt plattern and buick register. A little work was required to get the proper clearance for the press fit. Im not sure about the clearance between the pulleys... any advices?
