Mechanical Advance Timing
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 293
Likes: 2
From: Warrensburg, MO
Mechanical Advance Timing
I've been reading the previous thread about HEI timing issues with great interest. What about a mechanical advance distributor? All discussions I've seen on total advance of 36-38 degrees are with a vacume advance disconnected, implying that the vacume advance will give you another 10 degrees or so. Does this mean a mechanical advance (Unilite) should be set at 46-48 total? Thanks for any insight.
Pro
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 596
Likes: 0
From: Yardley PA
Re: Mechanical Advance Timing (hawgn68)
Does this mean a mechanical advance (Unilite) should be set at 46-48 total? Thanks for any insight.
But why use a Unilite? Vacuum advance can make the engine run smoother and increase your part-throttle response and increase your gas-mileage. You only want to delete the vacuum for an all-out drag-racer/ trailer queen.
Hope this helps!
Prost! :cheers:
Stefan
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: Mechanical Advance Timing (hawgn68)
No. The total mech adv should be no more than 36 to 39 degrees. You will have too much adv above that and get knock everytime you go up a hill. The vac adv works off the eng load meaning when the eng is under 'strain' it producing less vac ( the throttle blade(s) open causing a loss of pressure) and vac adv losses is vac and does not adv the timing. The mech adv works off rpms and will give the same amount of adv at a given rpm no matter what the load.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
