How to- Timing Adjuster ?
- Thread starter Coreyned
- Start date
How did a timing adjuster go from being a tried and true way of advancing timing (back in the day before programmers), to a cheesy azz mod installed by retards? You are aware that timing adjusters were promoted (or at least accepted) by many knowledgeable and experienced mustang enthusiasts such as Bill Putnam? I agree that, these days, a programmer is better than a timing adjuster, but back then there wasn't such a choice.
http://www.steeda.com/products/4.6L_timing_adjuster.php
Is this what is installed on the crank balancer? It is adjusted by loosening the three bolts with an allen or hex wrench, then turning to the desired setting and then tightening the bolts. 10 degrees on the wheel is supposed to be the stock setting.
We are talking about a 2001 Bullitt Mustang here... But thanks for the ride on the Wayback Machine Dr Peabody
View attachment 380827
Ok... but you haven't answered my question. Why is a timing adjuster worthless?
Because the timing is adjusted over different RPM ranges and is automatically controlled by the computer. An adjuster overrides globally (at all RPM ranges) the timing and impairs the ability of the engine's computer to adjust timing correctly for current driving conditions. Timing modifications are something that should be done in the tune.
yes that's exactly what it looks like http://www.steeda.com/products/4.6L_timing_adjuster.php sorry about no pics next time I will have some, but its on the bottom part of the pulleys, I didnt read what the degrees are on it but my check engine light is always on. Is this adjuster dangerous to my car?
Well, it is only "dangerous" if you are getting detonation. Timing advanced too far is a contributing factor to detonation. Detonation can be very bad for modular motors (your engine is a modular motor). Do you hear it pinging? What octane do you run?
As for the check engine light, take the car to AutoZone and have the ODBII codes pulled for free and post them here so we can analyze the situation.
A crticial question for the previous owner would be to ask if the car has a custom tune and if the custom tune was done after all the mods were installed.
A good plan would be to completely go over the car, identify all the mods, research and evaluate each mod, remove and sell the ones you do not approve of, and then have the car re-tuned for the mods that are left.
no I never heard banging or pinging, I use premium 93 octane. the mods on the car is the timing adjuster, Steeda Intake, I think these are stock on the bullitt, 2.5" X pipe, twin 57mm throttle body. But thats pretty much all that's done to this car. I beleive its a stock Bullitt with the timing adjuster thrown on it.
jstreet0204
Active Member
A timing adjuster simply adjusts the base timing, it does not override timing. base timing is 10 if the TA is set to 13 it will add 3 degrees to all timing calculations done by the computer. You can also do this in the tune, although most don't. A timing adjuster is not a stupid, cheezy, etc... mod, it just simply does not have the benefits of adjusting timing in increments like doing it through the tune. It does however have other benefits in that adjusting global timing will increase fuel mileage where as most custom tunes do not mess with timing under low load normal driving conditions, add to that the average persons ability to adjust timing at the track. To be fair, handheld tuners are also limited in the ranges that they can adjust timing in, so suggesting a hand held tuner is the proper way to do it can also be criticized.
+1
Base timing is not always exactly 10, but 10 is the average, or the place to start. Due to production variations, different cars will often have slightly different base timing settings.
While I wouldn't advise someone go out and buy a timing adjuster (because a programmer is the better choice), I will continue to use mine. I don't think it's a worthless mod. I dont' have $379 to plunk down on a programmer, plus the t/a, mil elims, and speedcal are on, paid for, and work just fine.
jstreet0204
Active Member
Like I said ealier, base timing is 10 degrees. If yo set it to say 13 degrees, it will add 3 degrees to your total timing. If you set it to seven, it will subtract 3 degrees from total timing. It is just like turning the distributer on older cars. You can adjust it with an allen wrench.
jstreet0204
Active Member
Honestly, if you don't understand the concept of ignition timing, You should probably leave it alone for now until you do some more research.
Here is a start http://www.type2.com/library/electrip/timex.htm
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