Holley HP system with Ford TFI- timing synchronization

[HawkBrosMav]

Does anyone have experience with this process?

I feel like I have pretty clear instructions from the Holley forums, but the car isn't doing what I expect it to do. Rather than write up my exact procedure and explain my issue, I'd like to get it touch with someone specifically familiar with the Ford TFI timing synchronization. I've called Holley and they weren't a ton of help, and I talked to Robin Lawrence on the phone, but don't understand fully why I would have to set it up the way he asked me to try. He did admit that he hasn't worked with a TFI in a long time and was giving me something that should just work in theory.

I could just lock it out at 35* like another TFI user is doing with no issues on their car, but I was hoping to actually using the timing map capabilities of this Holley-HP system.

Having an issue making the timing light read the timing i'm "Static Setting" the laptop to, for a very vague description of the issue.

Thanks in advance
Brad

[Sean Marconette]

Hi Brad,
This may or may not be helpful, I struggled with getting my timing light to show the same as what the Holley system showed when I set the static. I was using a digital Snap-On timing light. Until I used my 30+ year old Craftsman it lined up exactly with the Holley system, yet the other would not. I am using a Holley crank trigger and cam sync, just for clarification, and not TFI. I thought it was worth a try if you have not already tried an old timing light.

Good luck
Sean

[HawkBrosMav]

We are using what I think is a Matco Branded light that has no adjustment as far as dial and/or digital display on the back. It literally just flashes with the timing, I wasn't manning the gun and haven't used this particular one in a while, but you might even have to push a button on the back to make it flash... it is relatively newer light (7ish years old).

This will actually be out next thing to try! Thanks for the tip.

Brad

[Ed Wright]

Brad, are you required to use that distributor? Not allowed an aftermarket dist, or a crank trigger?

[Sean Cour]

Brad, I ran into the same thing with our super stock cars. I tried our new Snap On light, and had the same issues. Went to our old Sears light of 35 years, and the timing was spot on.

[Bobby DiDomenico]

IIRC there were issues with false readings using certain timing lights and MSD boxes many years ago. Can't remember, was it the adjustable ones?

[Hacksaw]

Originally Posted by Bobby DiDomenico

IIRC there were issues with false readings using certain timing lights and MSD boxes many years ago. Can't remember, was it the adjustable ones?

MSD had a bulletin and they did recommend their light and as I recall a Sears Craftsman. They also said to stay away from the adjustable types. I never trust them. I have been using a self powered unit for years with good results. Easy and quick to hook up as well.

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by Sean Cour

Brad, I ran into the same thing with our super stock cars. I tried our new Snap On light, and had the same issues. Went to our old Sears light of 35 years, and the timing was spot on.

Same experience I had. New SnapOn light was a piece of crap. Old Sears light turned out to just need new battery leads. Everything that came in for a tune up showed timing to be off 6. Fixed the old light, all that went away. Snap On guy didn't want it back.

[rawhide]

I have found that Snap-On timing lights are most useful for wall art but not to be used on a car.

Roland

[Ed Wright]

Brad, Holley likely has it too, but FAST has an offset number you can change to make the spark advance shown in the tune agree with your actual timing you see with your light. How far is it off now?