If you do is it worth the $$? was it a e-z install? I have read that you cannot "set" the timing to these cars becuase it has variable electronic timing.
i dont know about install, though i hear its pretty easy. i will be getting mine in a month or two, when funds allow.
as far as electrnoics, i believe you are right that it is controlled electronicly... the TA, at least from what i understand, moves the sensor, so even though the electronics are doing one thing the sensor is moved thus giving a different output. i have been told that it mechanicaly changes it and just bypasses the electronic part of equasion. it just works I am sure someone on here will give a better explanation of the dynamics of the TA, but i have seen dynos and i'm convinced.
I have one I got for $100 shipped. It's cool because I get better gas mileage when I set the timing up running 93 octane. The only bad thing is that you have to get out of the car to change the timing. I spray, so I have to get out and retard the timing before I can spray. And it's not really a hard install
The install is easy if its a 5-speed, more difficult for a auto since you have to go under the car and hold the flywheel from turning when talking off the crank bolt. You will also need a gear puller to take off the crank pulley. Its not like the old 5L where you could give it a light tap and it falls off.
Performance wise, the Steeda UD pullies and TA were one of the better mods I ever done to a 4.6L engine. I run 13 degrees of timing on 87 pump gas and got quite a boost in hp and especially low end torque. So far, no pinging with 87 octane. Lucky I guess.
i have an auto....had to go under the car...so you will need one other person to help you install them. one piece of advice...before you set up the T/A sensor, put the belt back on ....if you get in a hurry like me and get the sensor ready to go and then try to put on the belt, it ain't gonna work (too small of a gap between the sensor and the adjustible portion that connect to the new u/d crank pully. but i run 93 at 14* and no pings..i think i might jump it up 2 degrees
p.s. i felt an immediate difference....although i felt as if i had more of a gain in hp than in torque...felt the car respond alot more on the highway than starting from a light....
So whats the most Advance timing you can run on 93 octane? Is there anything else to be carefull of besides ping? What about PTV contact?
Thanks for the input.