Boost=Timing ?

WIPLSH

Founding Member
Apr 23, 2000
125
0
16
Scranton PA
Ok I just got my blower on my car it is a 9 pound PAxton. Now I took the car for a ride and the car took off real nice but then hiccuped and lost all power. So I figured I blew the head gasket right? So what timeing is everyone else running. I am running 10 degrees with the crane computer retarding my timing 1degree for every pound of boost IS THis RIGHT!? WHta else can bloww the gasket. I always run 93 and my lean/rich is always in the rich part at WOT. Any help would be appreciated.
 
First, just because it hicupped or lost power doesn't mean the head gasket. Do a leak down and compression test on the motor.

Is there coolant in the oil pan, is there oil in the radiator, take the rad cap off does the coolant in the radiaitor bubble when the car is running if so, head gasket is gone.

How many pounds of boost does it actually see? I'd go one range colder plugs, and start off 10 degrees base, then retarding 1.5 degrees/pound of boost and gradually add the timing back in to see where it likes.
 
if the motor is cool, open the rad cap and look at the fluid, then start the car look at the fluid, does it have lots of bubbles coming up?

Was there oil in the rad or coolant in the oil pan?
 
Similar combo, and car. I run 14 degrees with about 1.5 degree peer pund on the timing retard. Seems pretty happy.

Same as above, check the radiator for bubbles while idling cold. you'll have to add a little water to keep it topped off. I've even went so far as to lift the front drivers wheel off the ground to get the coolant to the top of the radiator.

Jamie
 
Did you re-gap your plugs? Or are they at the OEM recommended gap?

If they are stock gap, my bet is you are blowing out the spark. Does the car start to hiccup or lose power above 3500?

Just a thought, it happened with my Vortech on its first drive after install. Ran great, but fell on its face as soon as power was applied and boost started to develop.

good luck!

Alan