running 16 degrees initial timing

[stevesLX]

I am currently running 14 degrees initial timing on my 89 LX 302. I am thinking about advancing up 2 more degrees to 16. Am I going to be detonating if I do this ? Is this going to help my times 1/4 mile or is it going to hurt me? I am currently running 1320's in the 1/4 and I am trying to get as much more as I can w/out having to buy any more bolt ons.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Depends on your car. Some cars can do this, some can't. Only way to know is to try it. Toss 93 in the tank and advance until you detonate, then back it down a degree or 2

You might gain another HP or two

 

[HISSIN50]

You run 13.20's in the 1320? That took me a minute.

Just remember that there will be a point where performance begins to fall off, but detonation is not yet heard by the human ear. Honestly, I'd save timing bumps for the cooler weather but that's just me.

Good luck.

 

[Ike83]

I'll tell ya what's REALLY weird. I've got my timing set at 10 degrees or so, and it was pinging every once in a while at 4-5 rpms. Recently, I switched to 89 octane and it doesn't ping anymore. However, I'm very surprised that my car even WOULD ping with the timing set at 10.

Is this b/c I have an aftermarket balancer?

 

[Mustang5L5]

I'll tell ya what's REALLY weird. I've got my timing set at 10 degrees or so, and it was pinging every once in a while at 4-5 rpms. Recently, I switched to 89 octane and it doesn't ping anymore. However, I'm very surprised that my car even WOULD ping with the timing set at 10.

Is this b/c I have an aftermarket balancer?

Only if the timing marks are off...or if the pointed is bent and pointing to an incorrect spot.


It could also be carbon build-up inside the combustion chamber slightly lowering the CR. Like i said before, every car is different when it comes to timing

 

[87'GTstang]

Just remember that there will be a point where performance begins to fall off, but detonation is not yet heard by the human ear. Honestly, I'd save timing bumps for the cooler weather but that's just me.

Good luck.

I'd totally agree with this statement!