Hello group,
I have a d16a6 with I/E/H, ecu, 11:1 comp, crane 2 cam, and cam gear. Just wanted some feedback on good cam and ign timing combos. My ign is at 5 adv, and cam is at zero, seem very weak until 5k. Wonder if header killed my lowend. Thanks
Rick

 

what type of header, exhuast and intake you have?

my 4-2-1 i think killed my top end.. now i have low and mid but **** top-end.

 

My header is a Chikara 4-2-1
intake is a custom aem style cai
catback until wed. is just a glasspack

Rick

 

adv timing gives you low end i believe and retarded timing give you top end

 

yep

goto a dyno. only real way to find out what combo works best for your setup

 

What do you mean your cam is at zero but the ignition is "5 adv"? Sounds like your cam is way advanced, killing the low end. Retarding timing doesn't give you a boost in power anywhere, it just allows you to run boost without detonating on crudely tuned turbo setups. FWIW, I believe the stock timing is around 14 degrees advanced (I'm not sure), I know other engines respond well to advancing it to 18 degrees, but make sure to use the highest octane gas available to you. Also, 18 may be too much (especially with 11:1 CR). Advance it and listen for knock. If you have none (listen really hard), you're good. If you ever hear it, back off and consider retarding the timing from where its set.

If you're really serious, dyno your car and play with the cam setting. You may have advanced it too much. On a SOHC engine, playing with cam timing basically shifts your powerband up or down, you can't broaden it and narrow it like you can on a DOHC. You got a little more top end at the expense of a lot of low end, not to mention advancing it 5 degrees on a high lift cam with high compression pistons has left you with likely very little safety margin in your valve-to piston clearances. Also, use a timing light AFTER you adjust the cams and advance it in 2 degree increments and see what that gets you.


[Modified by tylerdurden, 1:09 AM 1/14/2003]

 

Ya i probably will this spring before i hit the strip.
Im getting a flowmaster catback on soon, get some lowend back! That glasspack gets very annoying after six months. "cant beat $20 though"

Rick

 

I took it to my local mechanic today to get the stripped bolt out of the Dizzy and i told him he might as well adjust the timing. i told him to put it at 18 btdc. He looked at me funny and looked cofused. He said that he set it at 5. He acted like 18 was crazy.
When using a timing light, if it is set at 16, will the middle timing mark appear to stand still when the timing is truly at 16 btdc. I am going to check it myself, but it seemed like he had a different definition of timing settings.

And with the cam i mean that it is at zero on the cam gear
Rick


[Modified by WickidSi, 1:18 AM 1/14/2003]


[Modified by WickidSi, 1:21 AM 1/14/2003]

 

Start with stock settings and then work from there.

From stock cam timing, advancing your cam will give you a tiny bit more top end power at the expense of low end power.

From stock ignintion timing, advancing your timing will help top end power a bit, at the expense of low end power. Do not retard your ignition timing from stock.

If you really want a performance tip, ditch your entire ignition system for a distributor-less system. They really work (they better for the price).

MSD and others make a lot of money selling "hotter" ignition systems. Generally speaking they are a waste of money, the stock ignition (if it is in good condition with fresh coil rotor cap and plug wires) is plenty fine.

Check your alternator, they good bad with age. A fresh alternator will help a lot.

Scott

 

Advancing timing helps low-end mostly.

 

Ok i get it now. Im going to find a garage space and adjust things on friday with the added help of my friends shop manual. I am really impressed with the rapid response of the board.

Thanks for all the input,
Rick