Technical Tuneup tach?

Hey Guys, what tach do you use to do tune-ups or plotting ignition curves?
I have an MSD ignition so most dial back lights don’t work I’m told. (And I like my simple over-priced MSD light)

I tried a couple of vintage tach/dwell units but they were non-functional (even after replacing pickups, etc.) ...and I’m tired of fighting that battle.

I need something that will read 3000+ RPM, and hopefully won’t cost me $250!
Thanks!

 

If you have a MSD box there should be a tach wire that you would hook a tach to.

 

Yes, I’ve got an Autometer tach inside the cab, but looking for an under hood tool. Preferably with a pickup to get signal off the #1 plug wire.

 

With the multi spark per spark duration a inductive tach my not work.

 

I used inductive timing lights with MSD for years, I don't know why you think it wouldn't work...but an inductive tach might pick up the extra pulses?

I have a nice $10 yard sale tune up meter that has a dual range tach, nice big scale, works fine. I guess it requires luck to find them these days, unfortunately.

put a mirror in the cab so you can see the tach while you're working under the hood? I don't know

 

If you didn't need it to read to 3500 rpms there is this one:
https://www.amazon.ca/Actron-CP7605-Tachometer-Voltmeter-Analyzer/dp/B00062YUUS

It looks like that's about it for brand new. Other than that it looks like old units from garage sales.

 

Is a helper in the driver's seat an option?

 

Make a mark with a hack saw at the 30 degrees BTDC spot on your balancer..

 

Thanks guys. I don’t often have a helper available, maybe the mirror idea could work.
I posted because I thought I must be missing some option.

I really would like one of the older tune up units with an easily readable tach scale that goes beyond 2000. I just had some bad luck trying to get one, so maybe it’s back to eBay.

 

May have a lead on something...