Locked out distriutor
 

Anyone using locked distributor is the engine hard to start. Is there increase in performance having full timing down low.

I use a MSD Digital 6 Plus with a 20 degree start retard function and the timing locked out at 39 degrees with old Eddy heads. Starts easy and the benefits are better idle. Distributor advance is meaningless with a converter that stalls high. I think starting the car without a start retard would be hard.

I've been running a locked distributor for many years. Street / strip use. I did it because I had issues with the timing jumping around. It definitely effects starting, but I have a MSD timing retard box, I dump 15* out at start up.

I was running locked out on the street for a few years. Car ran great but after the 4th flexplate it was time for a change. Start retard is the way to go, im using a Progression Distributor

Thanks guys,
started Looking at the starter saver this morning. Looks like that’s the way to go.

Hey Tom nice to see you on here!

I've been running locked for a long time
i haven't had issues, but i do run a somewhat larger cam and around 10.5 compression, and i would say its just a weekend toy car
i've never had issues with the digital 6 box, 7al, and 8 boxes
i've used mini starters, and have decent cables, and of course a good battery like Oddy
i also used the different advanced bushings 4secflat sells that limits the timing and didn't have issues either
maybe the only time i noticed anything is if i set the timing past 36, definitely around 38 or more, but i run 34ish and no issues
another option a power switch to the ignition box and hit it when cranking speed goes up?

I tried it, did not like it.
I have a properly set up cast iron points distributor and a 7AL2.
This is the race section and we all take off past the point where the distributor is a max advance anyway.
So why deal with hard starting or ripped up ring gears ?

Thanks Skip, Try to come to one the Club Challenges this year.

Do you have your timing locked out with the Progression Distributor or do you have a bit of a curve or vacuum advance for the street?

TA, I run 32° all in at 1500rpms. I think it starts out around 12° initial

Update on locked out distributor and the msd starter saver. Got it installed over the weekend. The locked distributor is great, smother idle instant throttle response . The starter saver worked great 10 degree retard on 34 degree advance . Drove the car around got it hot and restart was no problem. Going to the track soon will see results. Thanks for all in put.

Update on the locked out distributor. Went to the Texas Muscle Car Club Challenge this past Sunday. The locked distributor fixed the hesitation I’ve chasing. The MSD Starter Saver made starting easier. But caused interrupted the MSD box signal to the distributor. Causing a misfire at upper rpm and my 1-2 shift is 5500 rpm missed when going to 3rd. The shift light was blinking also. I bypassed the module the problem went away.
So I saying it was a failure for me. There may be a fix for this I’m not a ware of . I’d like hear it if there is.

I've only run locked out distributors when I ran a ignition box with a programmable timing curve. I like to pull some timing out on the top end with some combos, so it's necessary. For my street cars I usually just recurve the distributor and make sure nothing is worn out of spec.

What MSD box are you using?
MSD box I would think works with other MSD products.

Does instructions/wiring diagrams say anything about the starter saver?

:confused:

Have you phased your rotor now that you locked out your distributor? Me too wondering about which MSD box your using. Are you using a crank trigger? Were running a 6AL2 box with a crank trigger and locked out dist.

Rotor Phasing is important to check with the starter savers

Rotor Phasing Conflicts: This is the most frequent cause for a miss when using a Starter Saver or retard module.
The Issue: The Starter Saver retards timing (typically 10°–20°) only during cranking. If the rotor tip is at the end of the distributor terminal at base timing, retarding it further can move it completely past the terminal, causing the spark to jump to the wrong terminal or not fire at all (a "miss").
The Fix: Use a phased rotor or modify a distributor cap to verify the rotor's position with a timing light while the retard is active.
Voltage Drop Interference: The MSD 6A box is sensitive to voltage drops, especially during cranking when the Starter Saver is active.
If the small red (switched 12V) wire drops below 10V while the starter is engaged, the box may fire intermittently, causing a perceived miss or no-start.

Progressive Ignition distributor. 10 degrees while cranking. Unlimited programmable profile.

I do not believe the MSD 6A is sensitive to voltage drop. The instructions say it will deliverFULL voltage with a 9 v supply & will operate with a voltage as low as 5v.