Generic Chevy SB Timing question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Brookfield IL
Thank you for all the info everyone. One last question-- did GM ever publish optimal performance timing curves for their stock engine setups? That would be interesting to have as an initial reference while tweaking. But I understand that data would be pretty useless to most hot rodders with modified setups.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
I doubt it.
Remember, GM is in the business to sell cars. When selling cars they have to warranty them and they DON'T want cars coming back with blown up motors they need to repair under warranty.
For this reason (and emission requirements also of course) they set up their motors to give some performance but also a lot of reliability.
The reliabilty aspect of it leaves a lot of performance on the table but they don't want customers bringing cars back every Mon morning to be repaired after a "fun" weekend.
Remember, GM is in the business to sell cars. When selling cars they have to warranty them and they DON'T want cars coming back with blown up motors they need to repair under warranty.
For this reason (and emission requirements also of course) they set up their motors to give some performance but also a lot of reliability.
The reliabilty aspect of it leaves a lot of performance on the table but they don't want customers bringing cars back every Mon morning to be repaired after a "fun" weekend.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Brookfield IL
That makes sense. But I bet some retired GM engineer has unofficial curves they developed but never published while designing and testing their engines!
I can see the big advantage of a computerized fuel injection & ignition system. You could have various presets available from the dash-- economy, performance, emissions test...
I can see the big advantage of a computerized fuel injection & ignition system. You could have various presets available from the dash-- economy, performance, emissions test...
