Ignition Timing
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
I don't know how far advanced you can go, but my 87 was somehow set to 12 degrees BTDC and it ran stronger at open throttle, but on level roads at constant speed it bucked and I looked for a while for the cause until I looked at the timing. Timing alone for everyday driving increases hp and causes some problems.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,293
Likes: 240
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
As long as your Knock sensor is working, it won't damage the engine. It will damage your performance though. The ignition control module will start retarding the spark once it senses knocking, and it will drop it back quite a bit. I would have to look up the matrix, to say just how much. Generally depending upon gas, you can go maybe 2 - 3 deg more advance, which usually compensates for engine wear.
