Timing light help / advice - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

imdarren · 08-18-2004, 11:09 PM

What is the best "bang for the buck" when it comes to a good timing light.
I should keep it under $100 or so.
It would be great if you could recomend the brand model etc.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Darren

my new 72 · 08-18-2004, 11:38 PM

Anyt advance timing light is worth the money.

stickshift_or_walk · 08-18-2004, 11:42 PM

I've had my Craftsman (one of these ) for over 20 years. $50 new from Sears.

Good, bright strobe, clip-on inductive pickup, long heavy leads. Wires unplug for storage.

SSOW...

skokie · 08-18-2004, 11:43 PM

Not trying to steal the thread here but isnt there one that has a readout on it that tells you what the timing is set to or something like that?

imdarren · 08-18-2004, 11:48 PM

Good question Skokie!
It raises a good question . . . . are there some lights that have capabilities I should consider?

Darren

jlmtrout · 08-19-2004, 12:05 AM

Timing lights are all the same, they have an electrical power source (some are self contained battery powered, others use the car battery)they fire whenever the plug gets current from the distributor. Get one with an induction pick-up (clamps on the plug wire) and a bright light. The only other option is an advance knob on the back of the light that lets you "dial in" the amount of advance you want at a given rpm , it actually "fires" at the amount of advance you select. This can also be accomplished by using a timing tape on the harmonic balancer, just another way of going about it. Hope this helps. Go with a brand name you have confidance in and you won't be sorry. Good luck and keep on truckin'...................Jerry

Tx Firefighter · 08-19-2004, 07:04 AM

I have a Snap-On that has worked great for me since I began as a mechanic. I wouldn't have any other brand now. You'll pay dearly for the Snap-On label though.

70c10 · 08-19-2004, 07:09 AM

The Snap-On model is awesome but like Tx Firefighter said pricey- around $400-$500. Try harborfreight or somewhere like that and see what they might have. I need one myself!.

GMC Jim · 08-21-2004, 04:02 AM

Harbor Freight has a Timing Light -- Dial up to 60 degrees, inductive pickup, etc....seems to be worth looking into for the price of $29.99....( Part # 40963-OBNA)

68C15 · 08-21-2004, 08:08 AM

I bought my Ferret Instruments light from the local Car Quest about 4 years ago for $175ish. model no. 84. it has tach & advance up to 90*. nice narrow nose for fitting in tight spots & removeable inductive lead & a storage case. Matco tools sells them also if you have extra money to spend.
I know this may be above your intended price range but feel it is well worth it. how many do you plan on buying in your lifetime?

687980chevy · 08-22-2004, 02:28 AM

Sears Has 2or3 models,a cheapy made of plastic and 2 are chrome plated metal.One has dial advance but otherwise they are the same.Craftsman brand,good quality mine w/o advance dial was about $45.

08-18-2004, 11:09 PM	#1
imdarren Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: SW Washington Posts: 1,006	Timing light help / advice What is the best "bang for the buck" when it comes to a good timing light. I should keep it under $100 or so. It would be great if you could recomend the brand model etc. Any suggestions? Thanks! Darren __________________ Washington State 1967 Chevy C10 LWB Rodstoration In Progress. 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super

08-18-2004, 11:38 PM	#2
my new 72 faster, faster, faster Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston ,Texas ,USA Posts: 1,354	Anyt advance timing light is worth the money. __________________ I'm going to Law School, wanna debate? It's good practice.

08-18-2004, 11:42 PM	#3
stickshift_or_walk Left Foot Functioning Join Date: May 2004 Location: Duncan, OK Posts: 348	I've had my Craftsman (one of these ) for over 20 years. $50 new from Sears. Good, bright strobe, clip-on inductive pickup, long heavy leads. Wires unplug for storage. SSOW... __________________ 69 C10 (#1 son's ride) 72 C20 (Dad's farm truck) 82 K30 (Ex - brush pumper project)

08-18-2004, 11:48 PM	#5
imdarren Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: SW Washington Posts: 1,006	Good question Skokie! It raises a good question . . . . are there some lights that have capabilities I should consider? Darren __________________ Washington State 1967 Chevy C10 LWB Rodstoration In Progress. 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super

08-19-2004, 12:05 AM	#6
jlmtrout Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Memphis, Tn Posts: 194	Timing lights are all the same, they have an electrical power source (some are self contained battery powered, others use the car battery)they fire whenever the plug gets current from the distributor. Get one with an induction pick-up (clamps on the plug wire) and a bright light. The only other option is an advance knob on the back of the light that lets you "dial in" the amount of advance you want at a given rpm , it actually "fires" at the amount of advance you select. This can also be accomplished by using a timing tape on the harmonic balancer, just another way of going about it. Hope this helps. Go with a brand name you have confidance in and you won't be sorry. Good luck and keep on truckin'...................Jerry __________________ '68 c-10 long wheelbase fleetside, been in family since new, originally 250 3 speed Now (389) 350 .060 over 3.75 stroke,Edelbrock Performer RPM 70cc heads and Intake 600 cfm Edelbrock,Small Comp Cams retro-roller cam and roller rockers,9:1 cr, headers, HEI,Old Air a/c, 72 power disc brakes w/stainless lines, 3.42 gear,T-56 6-speed, original paint(what's left of it). Dakota Digital Dash

08-18-2004, 11:43 PM	#4
skokie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: San Jose Ca. Posts: 3,334	Not trying to steal the thread here but isnt there one that has a readout on it that tells you what the timing is set to or something like that?

08-19-2004, 07:04 AM	#7
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	I have a Snap-On that has worked great for me since I began as a mechanic. I wouldn't have any other brand now. You'll pay dearly for the Snap-On label though. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

08-19-2004, 07:09 AM	#8
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	The Snap-On model is awesome but like Tx Firefighter said pricey- around $400-$500. Try harborfreight or somewhere like that and see what they might have. I need one myself!. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

08-21-2004, 04:02 AM	#9
GMC Jim Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 901	Harbor Freight has a Timing Light -- Dial up to 60 degrees, inductive pickup, etc....seems to be worth looking into for the price of $29.99....( Part # 40963-OBNA) __________________ '71 GMC;fleetside;PB/PS/AC/CC/402 Eng./Custom Paint/110,000act miles/3 fuel tanks(52gal).

08-21-2004, 08:08 AM	#10
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	I bought my Ferret Instruments light from the local Car Quest about 4 years ago for $175ish. model no. 84. it has tach & advance up to 90*. nice narrow nose for fitting in tight spots & removeable inductive lead & a storage case. Matco tools sells them also if you have extra money to spend. I know this may be above your intended price range but feel it is well worth it. how many do you plan on buying in your lifetime? __________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card

08-22-2004, 02:28 AM	#11
687980chevy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Hilly Southern Indiana! Posts: 201	Sears Has 2or3 models,a cheapy made of plastic and 2 are chrome plated metal.One has dial advance but otherwise they are the same.Craftsman brand,good quality mine w/o advance dial was about $45. __________________ 68 K-10,79 K-10,80 C-30 57 chevy convertible 79 Z28



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