I currently have a MAC timing gun and I am not able to get the gun to show me the amount of timing that I am retarding it. Is it possible the gun only shoots timing advance. I know this is fairly easy to do just pissed that such a simple thing is giving me trouble. So i guess my questions is do i need a different gun to show me the retard value. The gun i have will only alllow me to puch timing up.
Thanks
Steve
This is for a b20/ vtec build w/ high boost i was planning on kicking the timing back about 19-21 degrees retarded (Running 9-1 comp)

 

why are you retarding the timing like that? Thats what proper engine management is for. to adjust the fuel / timing once you're in boost

regardless... does your timing gun have a dial on it? if it does then you should be able to advance or retard it

did you jump the service connector while adjusting the timing?

 

The car wasnt tuned by myself , i just recently put new pistons in it. So I should contact the tuner to see what he set the base timing at or do you know about what it should of been at? Tuned on Hondata s200 @ 17lbs

And yes I was jumping the service connector

 

If its tuned with hondata then contact your tuner. Chances are he used the stock ignition timing (not sure what that is on a b20). In which case, you should do the same.

 

Usually the timing is set at 16 degrees...that way its sync with the program or engine management....Then u use the program to retard the timing where needed...

 

i know a b18 is 16 degrees advance

didn't know it was the same for a b20