Built for street/strip cars running locked-out timing, the MSD Start and Step Timing Control eases hard cranking caused by advanced timing or high compression. It connects to magnetic pickups or points inputs and works on 4, 6, or 8-cylinder engines. A digitally controlled dial selects 5°, 10°, 15°, or 20° of retard during cranking, easing pressure on the starter, flywheel, and rotating assembly; timing returns to the set mechanical amount once the engine starts or the key is released. A single stage of retard is also available for nitrous applications, dialed in from 1°-15° with the rotary dial for quick, on-the-fly adjustment.
Specifications:
- Category: Ignition
- Product Type: Start and Step Timing Control
- Cranking Retard Settings: 5°, 10°, 15°, or 20°
- Nitrous Retard Range: 1°-15° (rotary dial)
- Compatibility: 4, 6, or 8-cylinder engines
- Trigger Inputs: Points or magnetic pickup
- Warranty: Manufacturer's Limited 1 Year Warranty
- Part Number: 8987
Compliance: This part is legal for sale and use on Racing Use Only Vehicles — competition vehicles that are not registered and never operated on the street. It is against the law to install this part on an Emissions Controlled Vehicle (1966-and-newer California-certified or 1968-and-newer federally certified vehicles).
FAQ
What does the MSD Start and Step Timing Control do?
It retards ignition timing during cranking on locked-out street/strip engines, reducing the load on the starter, flywheel, and rotating assembly, then returns to the set mechanical timing once the engine starts.
What retard settings are available for cranking?
You can select 5°, 10°, 15°, or 20° of retard during cranking.
Can the Start and Step be used for a nitrous retard?
Yes, it includes a single stage of retard dialed in from 1°-15° with the rotary dial, which can be activated with the nitrous or a high-speed retard switch.
What engines does the 8987 work with?
It works on 4, 6, or 8-cylinder engines and accepts both points and magnetic pickup trigger signals.
