More timing feels good

nidyanazo said:

So I went to check my timing yesterday. I felt that the car was acting a little sluggish, and found the timing to be slightly retarded. So I bumped it to 14.5*BTDC. Put some 91 in the tank and let 'er rip. It blows the tires off in 1st. A power-shift to 2nd makes the back jump around, but she stays gripping. Crap now the clutch feels like it's not holding as strong. One thing I was wondering, You guys time the car by looking at the pointed "arrow" and alligning the balancer, or through the little hole? Do you know what I mean? When you look down and aim the timing gun, what to you allign the balancer against? I'm using the little pointy shaft....More towards the top of the motor...Well timing sure makes things more fun! I set it a long time ago, the dist. bolt must have loosened a bit over time and lost the setting....

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Paul Perreca said:

so changing the timing was a world of difference?? good to know
Paul Perreca

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HISSIN50 said:

Here is some info on setting timing. Also, Tim (Stang 22) has a real nice article on his site. I just tried to link to it, but I am having issues doing so.

Good luck.

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vristang said:

Good Link HISSIN50

I still have a question though, for anyone who can answer. Why use a timing light. The best I can see is that it gives you a solid point of reference for advancing and retarding. But in the end what you are going to do is advance until the motor complains then back off a little, no matter what the numbers say. Also, I think that reason every mustang out there has such a wide array of timing settings (some 12 some 18) is the variability in the production of the timing pointer. For example the last time I pulled the motor the nut seized on the pointer. End result was the destruction of the the pointer.

Can anyone justify why I should invest in fabricating or purchasing a new pointer, when I will most likely get the same results with some paitience?

Sorry for hi-jacking the thread, but at least it is related.

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deadlast said:

i still havent bumped my timing because im still not 100% clear on what to do. 1. i dont know where to aim the timing light
2. i dont know where the timing marks are
3. why do you need a timing light?

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89lxsport50 said:

I use the pointer, and yes timing makes a world of difference. I run 16* on mine with no pinging or overheating. Of course I am running 92 octane too. Make sure you pull the spout when you make your adjustments, and replace it afterward.

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HISSIN50 said:

I agree with you. I never used a light for 10+ years. Even when I do, I time it by ear and then once done playing with it for a day or two, I then check timing with a light just to see where I am at.

I would note that in the old days (before computers), I NEVER used a light at all. But with the computer controlled cars, I think it is a better idea, given how much the puter compensates (this more applies to motors with piezo's).

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vristang said:

Once upon a time...
I found an indicator for a chevy motor that bolted onto the dist. and the block. There was a plate that was on the block and the indicator fastened to the dist. As you rotated the dist. the pointer would indicate timing, eliminating the need for a timing gun.

Has anyone ever seen one for a windsor? I have looked with no luck.

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