MSD Engine Knock Alert
One of an engine's worst enemies is detonation. Detonation sounds like a "ping" and can occour at any time. If left uncontrolled, severe engine damage may result. Detonation is caused by a number of different items such as low octane fuel, changing altitudes, and too advanced timing. Sometimes however, the pinging noise may be hard to reconize due to well insulated interiors, engine compartments, or excessive road noise. The MSD Engine Knock Alert listens to what's going on in the engine for you.
As detonation occurs, the warning light first shows green then turns yellow as the detonation becomes stronger. When the knocking is extremely severe the light reaches the red stage. Like the warning light, the aleting beep grows louder as the severity of the detonation increases. There is also an overall voume control for the beep alert.
The Knock Alet is easy to install and features matching Weathertight connectors for firm connections. It will work on all 4,6, and 8-cylinder engines with 12V electrical systems and comes complete with sensor, adapter, and controller.


Now if it works as it should, why dont many of us use it as a essential tool in tuning ignition maps etc?

 

Because a lot of other factors can make the MSD go off. If you are running forged pistons the piston slap can sometimes be mistaken for detonation as well as road noise.

I was looking into the J&S Safeguard last year, but upon a lot of research I opted to spend the money elsewhere. In my opinion, a wideband 02 is a much better purchase.