Wiring MSD 8680 timing retard for activation with n2o only.

[OutCast]

Just finished installing a TNT plate kit on a 97 formula but I'm having trouble with the timing retard. Right now, I have the msd retard hooked up to only be powered up when the n2o arming switch is turned on. So the red is going to my arming relay and the black to chassis ground. The yellow wire from the retard is hooked to the white wire from the MSD 6AL, and the white wire from the retard is going to the white on the MSD harness which goes over to the coil. So the retard box is basically placed inline between the 6AL and the coil. The problem I'm having is that the car does not want to run unless I have the arming switch turned on (retard turned on). Would I be correct to say that when the retard is not powered on that it does not pass the signal coming through the white and yellow wires? I only want the retard to be activate when I'm spraying. If the arming switch is off (retard turned off) the car idles very low, pops, etc. I know the 6AL is fine as I can bypass the retard and it works fine.

8680 instruction sheet but doesn't address activation for n2o ----> http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/instructions/msd-8680_frm28680.pdf

[OutCast]

Nevermind, I found info on the MSD site stating that the 8680 cannot be used in this way. The 8680 has to be powered on and cannot be "triggered".

[Joker Z28]

So is there anything that can retard the timing once the spray activates.

I was thinking about getting the "timing dial" and before every use of n20 just manually crank down the timing a few degrees but then I started thinking. When I do that I will be launching the car without n20 with the timing retarded meaning I can't 60 foot it to the full potential.

I need somthing that retards timing when the spray is actually being used not just armed.

[Chopstix]

MSD Digital 6...works like a champ ;)

[Joker Z28]

^how does the digitial 6 work?
Would it retard timing when the n20 is armed or only when it actually sprays?

[OutCast]

pretty sure the digital 6 has a 12v trigger wire that activates the retard so you would just wire it to the solenoid activation relay. MSD also has some other external timing controls that work in this manner with the 6AL. Just so happens that the 8680 cannot do it.

[Chopstix]

yes the Digital6 has a 12v trigger wire...it pulls timing when it is activated only

[Joker Z28]

So to someone who has a MSD 6A is there anyway to wire up that 12v trigger wire or do I need to get a digital6?

[OutCast]

No need to get the digital 6, you could use a 8970 with a 12v trigger along with your 6A. The digital 6 is nice though and does it all in one box.