Tech Archives - "On The Fly" Iginition Timing

I'm adding a new section to the Blog called Tech Archives. Just a re-post of tech related conversations from the mailing list that can also be found on the Clubs main site.

About the pinging/ knocking: I really don't know that much about ignitions and it might be a really stupid question, but doesn't the ECU (the car was upgraded to electronic ignition) control the ignition timing? Is there even a way to adjust that?  Steve Grohne

The electronic ignition eliminated your points, but not the distributor. It is still there and you can loosen the bolt to spin it more or less advanced. Got a timing light?   Daryl Howland

Unfortunately I don't have a timing light...  Steve Grohne

Timing can be done seat of the pants. You just get it to knock (pre-ignite, spark too early) at acceleration and start turning it back (retarding) until you dont hear the knock anymore. Takes about 5 minutes and an open road, or a really big parking lot on a Sunday morning.   Steve Wander

3,000 rpm - turn dist till motor smooths out - lock it down - Works for all motors from stock to my race motors.   Kerry Shu