Base Ignition Timing - Normal??

[Kevin Doe]

Hey all, I followed the factory service manuals direction for setting my base ignition timing. Really, I was just checking it since I never have since I bought the car.

With the terminal grounded, I read 5 degrees advanced. Great. Just as it should.

I shut the engine off, removed my alligator clip lead, and re-checked ignition timing. This time it was more like 18 degrees advanced. In the manual it says that it should be 8 BTDC.

As the manual says, if its not 8 degrees BTDC, reconnect lead, check timing again and if its still 5 deg, then its fine. I did that, and it still read 5 degrees.

I have a Stg III Keydiver chip, and a MAFT which is just about zero'd out. Except for a few clicks here and there.

Is this normal? I mean, I'm not even close to the 8 deg like the manual says.

Thanks in advance,
Kevin

 

[DSM90AWD]

What are your RPMs at when checking your base timing? It should be 750RPM with the fan(s) disconnected, all accessories off and the engine warm.

BTW.. my 90 resembles the Manual settings you mention (i.e. 5 >-8* BTDC).

 

[Kevin Doe]

I set the RPMs dead even at 750. Maybe +/- 25.

Kevin

 

[Kevin Doe]

I just spoke with someone at Slowboy Racing. He said it is completely normal. He said 8 deg is the lowest it should read.

Kevin