And now for something completely different

[meadowbrook]

Running a survey here. What base timing do you guys with stock engines run?

 

My '50 230 with 7:1 compression is supposed to be set to 0deg BTDC. I advanced by 5 deg and the vehicle is much more enjoyable to drive now as the engine really woke up. No knocking and no overheating noticed. I still use 87 octane unleaded.

 

Also, with overdrive and keeping it at 50 mph on side roads, I average 22MPG. And this on an 80,000 mile bone stock engine that has never been rebuilt.(sorry, bragging now).

 

 

[Don Coatney]

Engine timing by the book is just a guideline or starting point. Many variables affect engine timing. General "health" of the engine, compression ratio, elevation and or air density, octain raiting of the fuel used, ETC. An engine will produce the most power when the timing is advanced as much as possible without pre detonation (aka pinging).

 

So what is best for your engine most likley will not be best for my engine.

[greg g]

Which is why using a vacuum gauge to set timing is probably the most effective way.  It takes into effect the conditions that actually are being monitored. 

fuel quality, air fuel ratio,  actual compression, engine operating temperature, health of the ignition system,  height above sea level, etc.  Your results may vary.