Does Base Timing Matter? 93 Lx 5.0

[Scott7512]

should I bother with changing the base timing or should I leave it at 10 btc? The car has a msd 6al on it.

 

[mikestang63]

What is your setup and is the car running well as is.

 

[Scott7512]

Stock block intake big cam gt40p heads msd-6al and blaster coil. Runs great and idles ok. I was just wondering if I can make it better by adjusting the base timing.

 

[Mustang5L5]

A custom tune would be better still, but better than nothing.

Dump some 93 octane in for a few tanks, and then crank up the timing until you get some pinging.

 

[MFE92]

Bumping the timing and removing the silencer were two significant power boosts some of these cars got before they even left the lot. 14-16 degrees of timing will really wake it up.

 

[Scott7512]

Will the multiple spark from the MSD box gove me a false reading when setting it with a timing light?

 

[Gearbanger 101]

A little added ignition timing will clean your idle up some, yes. It'll make it feel a little more "lively" around town as well. Not to mention it'll bump your vacuum signal a couple of points too

 

[Scott7512]

22 degrees with 93 octane. No knock. Is this possible or am I reading the timing right?

 

[mikestang63]

I highly doubt you are running 22 degrees of base timing on pump gas. . did you take out the spout connector?

 

[Gearbanger 101]

Yeah, spout connector out. Otherwise, I'd check to make sure you stabbed the distributor correctly if that's what you're seeing.

 

[a91what]

dude, pull the spout set timing to 14*..... put the spout back in.

 

[Scott7512]

Spout WAS taken out and replaced every time I adjusted it. That is why I am asking about this. Again could the msd's multiple spark be messing with me. The timing light is a basic one with no adjustment on it.

 

[Scott7512]

Also I am on the front passenger side plug wire.

 

[mikestang63]

the MSD doesnt advance timing. are you sure your balancer hasn't slipped

 

[Scott7512]

I know it doesn't advance the timing. I was wondering if the multiple spark per plug might be messing with my timing light.

 

[MFE92]

FORGET the multiple spark per plug, that's a matter of milliseconds and a total non-issue. Are you reading the top edge of the pointer? Are you sure the balancer hasn't slipped?

 

[a91what]

please post a pic of where you are setting timing from...

also the balancer has a rubber ring in it, take a pic if you can of the balancer.... better yet with the crank pulley off. if the rubber looks worn cracked or pressed out in any way replace it before it takes your main bearings out.

 

[Scott7512]

Sounds like I need to get on checking the balancer. Are they hard to replace? Is there any recommendation on a good replacement?

 

[a91what]

Sounds like I need to get on checking the balancer. Are they hard to replace? Is there any recommendation on a good replacement?

Not hard, stock replacement

 

[Scott7512]

Thanks. I will get into that this weekend.