Ignition Timing

[KeithAZ]

I just picked up a 90 TSI with an unknown set of cams. I will be finding out what they are here shortly once I pull the VC off.

I understand the factory manual calls for 5° BTDC. Will cams affect what I should be setting the base timing too? I understand there is adjustable cam gears and have read a lot of opinions on if they are needed or not. Some say you can get away without using and others say there needed to find tune your car. Are they needed?

I am a bit confused after reading multiple posts and would like to clear things up.

Thanks

 

[Archer Fabrications]

Cams dont change base timing

 

[4Gwannabe]

That's your spark timing so you'll want that to be at 5, at least.
Cam timing is different, you'll want to know what cams you have prior to degreing the cams

 

[bastarddsm]

Regardless of what you do with the cams always set the cam angle sensor to 5*btdc with the timing terminal grounded that way the ecu/logger actually reads the correct timing. There are times when you wouldn't set it to 5*, but that's for advanced users.

 

[KeithAZ]

Okay thank you I was a bit confused. As far as once I find out the cams I have, would came gears be a good option? The car lobes pretty hard so I am thinking at least 272's+, also has dual valve springs and titanium retainers.


As I would want to change the timing belt and all of that at the same time. I also read you would only want to adjust your can timing on a dyno.

 

[bastarddsm]

Yeah it would be best to play with the gears on the dyno so you can see what it changes in he power curve. You can move them around to improve spool and such. Be careful though, depending on the pistons and cams you can have problems with piston to valve clearance. Bang for your buck, stay with the stockers. I have a set of aem true times and all I can say about them is "they're pretty"

 

[KeithAZ]

Okay cool man thanks for the help.

 

[pauleyman]

Even after all that I still dont think youre clear on the difference between ignition timing and cam timing. Do you understand?

 

[KeithAZ]

Yes I understand. As your spark timing isn't going to be directly affected by having cams. I was over thinking it way too much. Thanks.