Timing question

[mhjo]

I am bringing my mustang over to germany for holiday trip soon, and will be riding on the autobahns in 80-90 mph for some hours. I usually have the igition timing on 12-14 degrees+. However, engine usually gets a little hot high speeds at14 degrees timing over some time.

Questions:

a. Should I retard my timing to 8 degrees in order to keeep engine cool?
b. How does timing influence fuel consumption?
c. Lower octane fuel?

 

[D.Hearne]

You will get better fuel economy with more timing. If your motor runs hot at those speeds, it's time to upgrade the cooling system. Ford had a habit of putting inadequate radiators in their older cars. I doubt retarding the timing will make it run cooler.