[Squidward]

I have a FiTech unit with timing control that I ran successfully on my Lemans. My Firebird runs FiTech with HEI and older MSD 6AL. Plan is to swap the timing control unit onto the Firebird.

The FiTech has an internal CD trigger, so the 6AL is not required. This is the way I ran it on my Lemans.

Is there significant benefit in using a 6AL? If it makes no real difference, I could clean up a little wiring and ditch the 6AL.

Thoughts? Thanks.

[HWYSTR455]

On leaner mixtures, a better spark does help. If you have it already, and it works, might as well use it.


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[JLMounce]

I have run my FiTech with timing control, directly from the FiTech, without a CD box for about 6 years now and on two different engines. No issues with it in this configuration.

If you've got a lot of cam in the engine and need to idle it a bit on the lean side, the CD box may help clean that up a bit, but again it's not completely necessary.

I will say this, if you have any type of electronically shifted automatic that you're planning on using, keep the CD box. It's square wave tach output is much cleaner and works better with the various controllers out there. Otherwise, I would say whatever you choose to do is fine.

[Squidward]

Thanks, dudes.

That input is greatly appreciated. I didn't know if the FiTech guts did any kind of spark enhancement, or if it just processed the firing signal.

I also came across this:
https://youtu.be/jGeQkwQYunI?si=q9Co_lsgatIuhtqV

It was the first time I've seen a visual side by side comparison of spark intensity, with FiTech, and after addition of CD box. On a Pontiac motor, too.

I'm gonna leave the 6AL. I'll report back on the install. It's been several years since I did the whole timing control thing with phasing rotor, base timing, etc. Gotta get back on the learning curve.