I've spent hours looking for the timing on a FI 5.0 for an 87 f150. I want to tune for max power. Can someone recommend timing for a 5.0. I want to max it out for power and will run high octane for the performance. Please help me out. Thanks Don

 

The stock base timing with the spout out is 10 deg BTDC , I would try it at 14 & see how it is . ....Lew

 

Be sure to remove the spout plug to disable computer advance before setting the base timing, it's a little grey plug hanging off the TFI harness on the distributor.

 

I'd second Lew. I run 12 on the truck and it works fine but might bump it a hair. Mustang has been at 14 for years and seems to be the edge for no ping. Would set it to max without ping on regular unleaded in the truck.

High octane is to reduce/eliminate ping and will not gain you any performance in your truck, just cost you more $$ to run it. Common misconception is that it adds 'power.' In itself it does not. Max efficiency (power) is at the combination of maximum timing at lowest octane possible to avoid ping. You won't feel the difference that one or two degrees (too much) timing will make forcing you to run higher octane (and cost) fuel.

Again, set timing to max without ping on regular unleaded and only run the higher octane if you are pulling or otherwise loading the engine beyond daily driver duty and experience ping. My .02 worth...opinions may vary.

Your 'butt-o-meter' won't know the difference other than the thicker wallet.