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Bumping timing...

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Old Apr 7, 2014 | 11:46 AM
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Bumping timing...

Real quick, what's a good starting point for stock coil/plugs/wires etc.?

12 degrees? I'm having some work done and I figured I'd have them bump timing a bit until I can do the Six-Litre tune up...
 
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Old Apr 7, 2014 | 11:53 AM
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for what vehicle?
 
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Old Apr 7, 2014 | 12:06 PM
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My avatar, 1995 F150, 5.0 Auto, sorry.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2014 | 12:41 PM
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Cap, rotor, plugs, wires are new if that means anything, stock but new.

I'm hoping 12 degrees is a good compromise with factory ignition components.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2014 | 12:46 PM
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Originally Posted by broncoderek
Cap, rotor, plugs, wires are new if that means anything, stock but new.

I'm hoping 12 degrees is a good compromise with factory ignition components.
Start at 10 degrees and see how it runs from there. I *think* that's the base timing for that motor. You don't want to change it too much though, the computer will add or pull timing as needed so, for the most part, timing computer controlled. If the base timing is 10 BTDC and you set it at 12 (or something else) the computer will still add it's timing based on what the motor is doing - the computer doesn't know you set it at 12 and will not factor that in.

You'd want to change this if you modify the motor in such a way that requires it. Just doing a tune up wouldn't require you to change the timing.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2014 | 12:59 PM
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I was under the impression that base timing was a little but retarded from the factor for emissions compliance and that a slight bump is in order no?
 
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Old Apr 7, 2014 | 01:16 PM
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Originally Posted by broncoderek
I was under the impression that base timing was a little but retarded from the factor for emissions compliance and that a slight bump is in order no?
This is not something I am familiar with. The vehicle should pass emissions just fine unless there's a problem or maybe the motor has been modified in a certain way.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2014 | 02:28 PM
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Originally Posted by RIKIL
This is not something I am familiar with. The vehicle should pass emissions just fine unless there's a problem or maybe the motor has been modified in a certain way.
What I meant was that from the factory, I thought they were conservative with timing advance but there was some wiggle room. I'm reading 12 degrees with stock components is the sweet spot for improved throttle response without detonation while 13 degrees on stock components results in some (evil) detonation.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2014 | 02:36 PM
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Originally Posted by broncoderek
What I meant was that from the factory, I thought they were conservative with timing advance but there was some wiggle room. I'm reading 12 degrees with stock components is the sweet spot for improved throttle response without detonation while 13 degrees on stock components results in some (evil) detonation.
Are you testing this in your garage/driveway or while under load? I ask because like I mentioned above, the PCM will add it's own timing and with your change to 12* it could result in detonation while under load. Just something to consider.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2014 | 02:51 PM
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Since I'm so busy at work and with family I'm having my mechanic (who's builds muscle cars etc) do it. Plus my timing light is dead at the moment.

I'm positive he'll take it out on the road...

I asked a forum (that I prob shouldn't name here?)

And most if not all these guys build and race in just about all motorsports. Every one so far that owns an OBS truck/Bronco says 12 and even 13 on stock components gives great throttle response with no detonation.

Anyone here with the same experience? Or contradictory experience?
 
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Old Apr 7, 2014 | 03:57 PM
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12 degrees initial should be fine on a stock motor, hopefully your mechanic is aware he needs to remove the spout plug to disable computer advance when seting the base timing, otherwise you'll get back a truck that's even slower than it was when you gave it to him.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2014 | 04:06 PM
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I think mine is currently at 14. runs fine,no pinging. make sure your mechanic knows to pull the spout connector before adjusting the timing. I am sure he does if he has worked on many fords.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2014 | 04:10 PM
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Thanks guys. I overcompensate if I ever drop off my truck. I give them symptoms and basically exactly what's wrong with it.

I included pulling the SPOUT in my "instructions"!
 
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Old Apr 8, 2014 | 09:58 AM
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Running 13* initial here (for years now) without any detonation. You shouldn't have any trouble at 12*.
 
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