Good quality timing light

[danmas]

Howdy all,

I have never set timing on an engine before and since I now have one that will need timing, I should learn. That said, I need a timing light. Looked at amazon and summit and the range of prices is insane. Anyone have a "buy it for life" suggestion on a timing gun?

Thanks,
Dan

[Wizbangdoodle]

I bought this one and it works good, has nice features and works as it should.

https://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-5568-Pro-Timing-Light-Tool/dp/B000EVU8J8/ref=asc_df_B000EVU8J8?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80608063550927&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=111349&hvtargid=pla-4584207590206286&psc=1

[cv2065]

I have the same one

[rich grsc]

Set a price you want to pay, buy one that costs that much. You don't need anything fancy or exotic, you will use a few times then it will set collecting dust.
The one listed is way over the top, one from Harbor Freight will do the same thing, less than $50

[weendoggy]

Usually not a "throw away item" so get a good light. It'll last you a long time. I've had the light above for almost 20yrs and works fine on anything. Just take care of your tools.

[gbranham]

Set a price you want to pay, buy one that costs that much. You don't need anything fancy or exotic, you will use a few times then it will set collecting dust.
The one listed is way over the top, one from Harbor Freight will do the same thing, less than $50

Agreed. I bought a $40 timing light from Oreilly Auto Parts 25 years ago, and it's still plugging along. I first used it when I built my MkIII, then again maybe 8 years later on a Fox Body rebuild, then again probably 10 years after than on a 2nd Fox Body rebuild, then recently on my MkIV build. Probably won't touch again for another decade.

Greg

[JMD]

I bought this one and it works good, has nice features and works as it should.

https://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-5568-Pro-Timing-Light-Tool/dp/B000EVU8J8/ref=asc_df_B000EVU8J8?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80608063550927&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=111349&hvtargid=pla-4584207590206286&psc=1

I have a similar one as that as well. (https://a.co/d/4wCCRRK) Works great. I definitely suggest a dial back feature, it makes reading and setting the timing SO much easier. Timing marks on a balancer can be very hard to read. I put a line on my balancer at 0 degrees using a silver sharpie, set the timing light to whatever degree timing I want, adjust the distributor to line up the easy to see silver line with the timing indicator and done. Super easy.

[rich grsc]

I agree, the dial back feature is easier to use, that is available on almost any timing light. I still have my 40 yr old Sears timing light, it has the dial back feature.

[i.e.427]

Set a price you want to pay, buy one that costs that much. You don't need anything fancy or exotic, you will use a few times then it will set collecting dust.
The one listed is way over the top, one from Harbor Freight will do the same thing, less than $50

Surprise! I'm with Rich on this one. I have the cheapest battery powered timing light from Summit Racing. I don't need anything fancy with a dial, I learned how to set timing without all that. With the battery powered one, I never have to worry about the power cables length and whether they will reach. I've done countless car builds and most of the crate engines show up with run-in time on the dyno with the timing already set. So the only time I find myself setting timing is if the distributor has to be R&R'd. It spends more time in the toolbox drawer than it does in my paws.

Dan, borrow one. One of your friends or family probably has one.

Frank

[BornWestUSA]

The marks on my harmonic balancer are almost unreadable.

So I marked TDC with white touch up paint while under the car and use a "dial back" timing light. I set my timing by turning the knob on the timing light to the desired degrees of advanced timing, then adjust the distributor to see the white mark under the timing tab.

I have a MSD ignition that some say will interfere or have erroneous readings with a "normal" timing light, I have not had issues using a non-msd light.

[danmas]

Thanks everyone. I’m sure someone near me has a timing light. I’m about to spend some time on the road so I may pick one up if I can’t locate anyone near with a light.

Appreciate the feedback.

[Rebostar]

I had a Snap On that I bought used and it lasted 30 years. When it gave up the ghost I bought one from NAPA. I've had it ten years and it is high quality and worth the $120 I paid for it. Pass on the HF china junk.