How much total timing do you guys run?

[maverick0716]

I checked my total timing today and it seems a little high. My base timing is 14* and my total timing is 42*. Shouldn't it be around 38* or am I wrong? I'm running the H/C/I combo in my signature.....so about 9.4:1 compression and I'm running 92 octane. Thanks.

 

[hllon4whls]

Last time I checked, I run around 36 total timing. I've been told that 32-36 is optimal in a racing type engine with no octane limits. You'll have to time your car to see what works best for your engine.

 

[DMAN302]

Maverick 36 total is likely optimal for your setup...I like 14* initial with premium..especially with this summers ass kicking heat wave. Your 42 seems a little to high for my liking.

 

[9250stang]

Your 42 seems a little to high for my liking.

Agreed. I also run 36* total.

 

[maverick0716]

Thanks for the replies. Do you think running 42* for the time being will hurt anything? I don't know if I can adjust the stock distributor like that... I'd like to get an aftermarket distributor like an MSD, Crane, Accel, etc. fairly soon.

 

[DMAN302]

This may sound stupid..likely only hurting if it SOUNDS like it's hurting. Your fear is detonation, and if you can't hear it, and the power is there then it will be OK. However IMO I'd like to see a little lower number. Now on a better topic...how is that combo working for you, I remember you and I talkin over these parts back some time ago.

 

[Foxfan88]

This might sound dumb but whats Total Timing?

 

[hllon4whls]

This might sound dumb but whats Total Timing?

Total timing is base timing plus advance. This is read with a dialback timing usually at about 3600 rpm. The computer and dizzy will add the timing through the advance mechanisims.

 

[hllon4whls]

Mav, I think that your total timing is hurting your power. As long as you arent overheating or detonating, then you are good as far as injuring the motor. My timing was set that high when I first ran my car. Setting it back to a sane level helped the car pick up all the way around (race track).

You dont need the cost of and MSD dizzy, just set your springs and weights to advance the way that you need it to.

If you are set on an MSD, that is fine, then get it.

 

[Foxfan88]

Total timing is base timing plus advance. This is read with a dialback timing usually at about 3600 rpm. The computer and dizzy will add the timing through the advance mechanisims.

I dont get it.....

 

[maverick0716]

Mav, I think that your total timing is hurting your power. As long as you arent overheating or detonating, then you are good as far as injuring the motor. My timing was set that high when I first ran my car. Setting it back to a sane level helped the car pick up all the way around (race track).

You dont need the cost of and MSD dizzy, just set your springs and weights to advance the way that you need it to.

If you are set on an MSD, that is fine, then get it.

How much of a difference did you see when you raced it?

 

[maverick0716]

This may sound stupid..likely only hurting if it SOUNDS like it's hurting. Your fear is detonation, and if you can't hear it, and the power is there then it will be OK. However IMO I'd like to see a little lower number. Now on a better topic...how is that combo working for you, I remember you and I talkin over these parts back some time ago.

It's working out really well actually. Run's really cool and there's a ton of power. I can't really tell how fast it is yet, of course, but it feels way faster than my old stock head/cam engine felt.