Timing question?
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: charlotte nc
Timing question?
My 86 Z51 A4 coupe is supposed to run on 87 octane fuel according to the owners' manual. I am currently running 89 octane because it pings under hard acceleration ( mostly at the 1-2 shift @ WOT). Normal driving , I never hear a thing. I checked the timing ( disconnected Brown wire etc.) and found that the previous owner had it timed @ 8 degrees BTDC. The under hood info says it should be timed @ 6 degrees BTDC. So, that's what I timed it at. Now it runs much better and I only here a couple of pings at WOT at the Ist to second shift point. I have always heard that a very slight ping means it is timed just about right.
Your opinion please?
BTW, I don't have a scanner or else I wouldn't be asking these dumb questions
Your opinion please?
BTW, I don't have a scanner or else I wouldn't be asking these dumb questions
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,144
Likes: 18
From: Panhandle FL
You don't want to hear any pings. I think the saying goes "on the VERGE of pinging is optimium". If you hear it , it can cause damage. Back off the timing little by little untill it goes away. 
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: charlotte nc
Originally Posted by mikey whipreck
Is your knock sensor still working?
Did the previous owner disconnect or bypass it?
Usually those are sensative to the point that retard your timing even if their is no detonation....
Did the previous owner disconnect or bypass it?
Usually those are sensative to the point that retard your timing even if their is no detonation....
