Topic: Which timing light? (Poll)

[strangedaze39]

So I'm thinking about picking this timing light up from my local auto store. It's only $40 dollars but doesn't have some features the other model has thats almost double the price (70).

 Do I need these features like RPM reader? Or can you just set it "close" with your rpm tach and just time it like that? Honda manual for my bike suggest 1200rpms, but I could get close to that with my stock tach I think. Doesn't the a timing light strobe with whatever RPM you throw at it anyways?

Here are the different timing lights.

Here's the $70 one
http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16315
and the $40
http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16313

Feel free to post a reply, or vote in the poll (I know kind of overkill for this question, thought it might be easier)

Thanks for reading 

[chrislib]

for the xtra 30 bucks I`d get the one with the advance, makes ck`ing the curve much easier...and the tach feature is nice too.

[strangedaze39]

What do you mean by CK'ing the curve?

Thanks for the input

[Gordon]

I say buy the cheaper gun and spend the money you save on a dwell meter (for setting the point gaps) which will also have a tachometer. 

[heffay]

harbor freight has timing lights (both styles if i remember correctly) for around $30 and $50 instead of your $40 and $70 prices.

i'd just get the minimal one... i've never used the digis though. 

[heffay]

What do you mean by CK'ing the curve?

Thanks for the input

i think he means checking.

[mystic_1]

How rigerous are your needs with regards to timing? 

Have a stock bike and just need to tune it up from time to time?  Get the cheapest inductive timing light you can, just avoid the 'direct-connect' type. 

Making changes and experimenting with different setups?  Get the best instruments you can afford.

mystic_1

[chrislib]

heffay is right, i meant "checking". I have to remind myself to stop using work shorthand on message boards  . What I meant was the rate of advance from base to maximum. And even tho you can get by with the non adv unit, that feature would come in very handy trying to diag poor performance/fuel milage etc. I`m probably just spoiled in a sense that I have those kinds of tools because they feed my family, i.e. I need them.

[754]

My points plate came with a built in timing light, part of the reason I bought it..

[alltherightpills]

I happened to find an old craftsman timing light in Goodwill (a thrift store) one time for 5 bucks.  It is all nice and chrome, came with the original box and instructions and works like a charm.  It's def. not digital...