Ignition Timing & Cooling Performance:

[h-bot]

From: twelve_second_vega_REMOVE_140860_THIS_@yahoo.com


It is important to regard ignition timing and
timing advance curves as vital engine performance tools.
They can make or break your performance and sometimes,
quite literally, your engine itself.

Remember
that when we speak of advanced ignition timing, an
engine will always run cooler, providing you don't
exceed the maximun setting of about 40°BTDC. Retarded
ignition timing will always cause the engine to run hotter
and be down on horsepower and torque
production.

I have taken extensive notes during the tuning
and testing of my 302 Chevrolet. I will share with
you an example of ignition timing & cooling system
performance.

With my initial advance set at 20°BTDC, with an
idle speed of 800 rpm, my coolant temperature is about
230°. It is steady and will stay there even after (30)
minutes of idling in a 100° shop.

Now, if I
advance my ignition timing to 26°BTDC and readjust my
idle speed back to 800 rpm, the coolant temperature
will immediately drop to 195° and stay there. The
engine feels much cooler to work around as well.


Keep these factors in mind when you are tuning your
engine. Use as much initial advance as the engine will
take without kicking back against the starter. Be sure
to check total timing at 3000 rpm and be sure not to
exceed 40°BTDC total timing.

I hope this
information is helpful...Robert


[This is message #17 by user twelve_second_vega on Yahoo! Club V8 Vega Conversions: http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/v8vegaconversions ]