Yesterday, I finally managed to fire up my turbocharged '66. Since I need to put longer wheel studs in the rear axle before I can drive it, and I'd definitely like to figure out why my MSD BTM isn't working before I stomp on it, I didn't do much more than a little revving the engine, but it does run and idle and may be pretty close to roadworthy now. I can hardly wait for the road test. BTW, anyone know how to test a Boost Timing Master to see why I didn't get any spark with it installed?

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"Mad Scientist" Matt Cramer
'66 Dart - turbocharged 225
My blog - Mad Scientist Matt's Lair

Does the BTM work off of boost pressure, or vacuum? I think it's boost pressure...right?, so how would you test the BTM without getting the turbo into boost? Maybe pump air into the nipple of the BTM, with timing light hooked up, and see if timing is retarded at all.

Matt,
I haven't got a BTM yet so I can't be of much help. But, I assume that you know that there is one BTM model (P/N 8762) that will only work with an MSD ignition. Good luck and keep us posted.
Bob D

Keep us posted, Matt. I bet you are having trouble sleeping!

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Sweet going Matt,

Now i cant even wait to hear how it goes, keep us updated!!

Justin

This is the version of the BTM that works with a standard ignition (and should work with the Pertronix Ignitor I'm using). I simply do not get a spark when it is hooked up - it in effect behaves like an ignition module triggered by the Ignitor when it's working. I wonder if there is some way I can bench test it. The BTM does not get any boost when cranking; the boost gauge shows vacuum when I try that. Even if I can't get the BTM working, I plan to road test the Dart very soon - I just have to put longer studs on the axles. Unfortunately those proved so tough to install I will have to get a machine shop do the work. Grrr... another setback.

I had to settle for just cranking it up again and reving it a few times. It will need a little more tuning, and I noticed an ominous puddle that may have been an oil leak or may have been a previous spill. But it does run, and it sure sounds mean with a glasspack. At idle, you hear a loud whirr of the electric fuel pump and a kind of deep growl from the exhaust. Then once it revs up to around 3,000, the noise is almost drowned out by the turbine whistle, which is very high pitched.

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"Mad Scientist" Matt Cramer
'66 Dart - turbocharged 225
My blog - Mad Scientist Matt's Lair

I ordered my BTM last week and it should be in soon. I got the one that works with the MSD 6A. Since the 6A has nothing to do with timing I assume that the BTM will simply delay the timing signal from my ECM. I guess I really don't know too much about how this thing works. I hope there are good instructions with it. I'll let you know if I learn anything.
Bob D