Retard box??
 

Guys,

As I have said before, I have a lot to learn still....

When I got my car 5 years ago it has a box (beyond the MSD6al) that has retard/adv chips in it... I think they are 4deg & maybe 2 deg?? (I need to look at it again). Tell me why this adv/retard box would be used specifically... is it simply a way to adjust timing on-board?? In a drag racing scenario, when does this really benefit me? etc... do hit a button & advance it as I am towards the end of run to gain time?? It is only partially wired & i have not ever dealt w/ it. Thanks, Scooter

It could be used as a retard when nitrous is activated, or a high gear retard for more speed. You could also use it for a start retard if you have a locked out dist with alot of timing.....

Re: Retard box??
 

No, it would not help to use at the end of a run.

It can help ET. to retard timing on the top end.

I've never tried it...but what RPM should you start retarding the timing?

TS1955

Most common method is to retard the timing in high gear

That is what I was told... high gear, hit a button on the shifter, adv it.

Scooter this is from MSD. Info on the programmable Digital 7.
With this box you can set up any kind of timming curve you want. Add or take away timming at any time during your run. I've never had one, but gonna get one for for next truck.

With the Programmable Digital-7's advanced Individual Cylinder Management system and other exact timing programs you will never need to compromise again.

ICM Timing Control: Adjust the ignition timing in each cylinder! Program up to 5° of timing retard into each individual cylinder in 0.1° increments.
Run Curve: Plot a timing curve in 0.1° per 100 rpm throughout the entire rpm range of your engine
Launch Curve: Program a timing curve exclusively for the launch! If the starting line conditions are less than adequate, you can set a completely different curve for the launch!
Launch Retard: Retard the timing up to 15° for 0-2.5 seconds after you launch the car.
Step Retards: Three steps of retard that can be activated with nitrous solenoids or switches.
Gear Retards: Program a timing retard up to 5° with every gear change!
Start Retard: Ease engine cranking with an adjustable retard during start up.

yes digital seven is pretty amazing.
you can actually put more static timing into the engine and program the msd to pull some timing out to your spec, then you can release the msd controll to add some timing in , say like in conditions when shifting , you get more than 1000 rpm drop, it can come in and add the timing at a preset decay time. very usefull, It can also pull timing on launch and build the static timing back in to help control launch.
there are a Ton of features. control NOS, palyback , etc.
I have one in my Monza and one in my firebird.

x2. In the old days, we ran dual point distributors and had a cut off on one set of points. It would retard timing and give you more ET and MPH.
Remember, at that time in a run (especially 1/4 mile four speed cars) you have given up all engine torque advantages, and the motor is building heat.
Torque gets you off the line but HP pulls you thru the lights.
Dave