What is the purpose of the inductive pickup?

The inductive pickup is used to time the injectors to the engine's firing order on throttle body (single point) units only, especially those with dual-plane manifolds. They are not necessary for Multi-point or Tuned Port engines, and may not be necessary for turbocharged, supercharged or engines with single-plane manifolds.

Inductive Pickup
Inductive pickup

For G.M., Chrysler, AMC, IHC engines with firing order 18436572, the pickup is referenced to cylinder #6.

For Fords with firing order 15426378, use cylinder #5 for reference.

For Fords with firing order 13726548, use cylinder #3 for reference.

The pickup is used to smooth the engine running, especially at idle to below 1500 RPM. Experimenting with other cylinder references may improve running.