2005 Pro Mag News Archive click here for 2004 archives

Attention all NHRA Racers that use the MSD PN 8971 Pro Mag Digital Retard Controller, and the PN 7570 Programmer. NHRA has mandated an update to these components - effective immediately.

The details of the update include:

The timing retard will begin at 3.8 seconds (instead of 4). The rpm point for the retard will be 8,300 rpm (instead of 8,400 rpm). The timing will retard 100° per second (instead of 50°). Updates are available at the MSD Tech Support Semi this weekend at the Memphis race. These updates must be in place before Indy. Costs are as follows:

Update from Version 1 to version 2 = $150.00 each
Unit PN 8971 and PN 7570

Update from Version 2 to version 4 = $50.00 each
(PN 7570 not required)

Update from Version 1 to version 4 =$200.00 each
(PN 7570 not required)

New and Improved Kill Solenoid
The new units are now potted for improved performance in high vibration environments like tire shake or rough water for our drag race and drag boat customers. Additional contact clearance has also been added to the primary and secondary contacts to guard against possible internal arcing. Current racer cost is around $42.30 from your nearest Pro Mag Dealer.
Click here for more info.

MSD Racer Support goes to Sweden

We knew drag Racing in Europe is huge, so when the chance came along to go attend the Veidec Nitro Festival at Mantorp Park Sweden, on July 28-31, we jumped at the chance.
We would like to thank our friend Leif Andreasson, for allowing us to set up shop in one of his trailers with a spin fixture and all our necessary tools to spin mags. It gave us an opportunity to service racers much like we do here in the states.
In Top Fuel these guys are using the same Pro Mag Controllers PN 8971 and PN 7570 as our fuelers here in the states. The same goes for the Top Methanol (Alcohol) and Pro Mod cars, 28 Pro Mods showed up. The cars only differ in that they race in other countries instead of different states.
To our surprise, Top Fuel and Super Twin bikes were equipped with 44 Amp Pro Mags. Mags On a bike? Well that’s what these hombres trust to fire their nitro supercharged bikes, and plenty of them were equipped with mags, not just one or two one-offs innovative builders. These guys also included the latest timing gadgets being used in NHRA & IHRA Top Fuel classes. Including the controversial 8971 Digital Timing Control with 7570 Graphical Hand Held Programmer with touch screen and even the PN 8973 , the ultimate Pro Mag Digital Timing controller that interfaces to a PC or Laptop computer, was found on a variety of engines.
It was a great trip and it really opened our eyes to what was going on over the pond. We're looking forward to getting back!
Stay tuned, more pictures to come in the gallery.

As we posted last week, MSD is working with NHRA on a Timing/RPM Control for the Top Fuel classes (click here to see the press release). These updates will be built into the PN 7570 Graphic Editor and PN 8971 Pro Mag Digital Timing Control. You can also send in your existing units to be updated. These updates included the following:

Graphic Editor, PN 7570

• Up to 12 different timing curves will be able to be stored with file names.
• Isolate Mag A / B during engine warm up to verify timing between mags.
• "Block Moves" allows sections of a timing curve between two points to be moved easily.
• "Match Curves" overlays two timing curves so they can be compared at one time.

Pro Mag Digital Retard Control, PN 8971
The new units will be updated with NHRA's approved "Engine Rpm / Ignition Timing Control" circuit. This circuit will monitor engine rpm and time during a pass and if the engine exceeds 8,400 rpm after 4.00-seconds, the timing will be retarded 50° per second. The timer is controlled through a wide open throttle switch.

Note: The "Engine Rpm / Ignition Timing Control" circuit is not active until 4.00 seconds into the run. If the engine does not reach 8,400 rpm after 4-seconds the ignition timing will not be affected.

GraphSave Version 1.04
An updated version of the GraphSave software is required with the new units. Version 1.04 can be downloaded free here.

Existing Product Upgrades
MSD will be accepting units for updating. The upgrade fee will be $150.00 per unit (PN 7570 & PN 8971). We will post a date as to when the controls can be sent in for updates.

The Next Big Test
Ongoing testing with NHRA will be done at an upcoming test session at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Jan 21 - 23. We are currently building units to meet the demand for 2005 season. Availability is dependent on the data collected at the Las Vegas test session. Orders are currently being taken, costs per unit are: PN 7570 $828.60 and PN 8971 $778.60.

The NHRA contact MSD about ideas on a product for Top Fuel competition. Following is the press release:

NHRA and MSD Ignition Working Together For Positive Change
In an effort to control the escalating costs in the fuel classes and improve the margin of safety in Top Fuel and Funny Car, NHRA consulted with MSD Ignition on suggestions for an engine rpm/ignition timing control.
MSD was able to respond by developing a Pro Mag Digital Retard Control that meets the rpm/timing specifications that were provided by the NHRA. Preliminary testing with several Top Fuel teams resulted in acceptable results for both the team and the NHRA.
"NHRA has been trying to provide race teams with some solutions to rising costs and improve the margin of safety, while maintaining close side-by-side racing," Joe Pando, MSD's Drag Race Manager said. "Our testing has been met with positive results to accomplish these objectives."
Teams that currently use MSD's Pro Mag Digital Retard Control will be able to have their units upgraded by MSD.
This change is only going to be in place for the Top Fuel and Funny Car classes. Similar controls are being considered for the alcohol categories. For specific rule information and implementation date contact NHRA’s Technical Department or check their website at www.nhra.com.
MSD Ignition can be reached at: 915-857-5200.