Correct Timing For Electronic Ignition

[Mike J]

Going around in Circles. What is the correct timing for electronic ignition. I'm currently set at 14 btdc. but feels a bit flat. Can I adjust it via the micro adjuster on the side of the distibutor? Do I set it without the vacuum cable attatched?. In the mood to get this sorted this week end. Mike

[martin]

Hiya Mike, for unleaded petrol, set it to 12 degrees advanced. You must use a strobe light for accuracy, remove and plug the A & R pipe at the vacuum unit. Martin.

[Gresley]

Hi Mike,

I have electronic ignition and I run mine at 12 deg. btdc. It will run on 95 octane petrol or super, but definately performs better on super. I always set mine with the advance pipe disconnected, which I think is right. Mine is a very late car so has no vernier adjuster on the distributor, I just set it by turning the body. If you have a vernier adjuster this will advance or retard the timing as needed. All the 6 cyl Triumphs I have owned have had one, but not the Stag! On the 6 cyl it is marked A and R.

Brian

[Mike J]

And I presume it is set at around 800 rpm.?

[flying farmer]

Best set at the lowest revs possible, sometimes advance starts at quite low revs. I always start at the standard settings then keep advancing 2 degrees at a time until it starts pinking, then back it off to the previous setting. The advance requirement is very dependant on head skimming, pistons fitted, thickness of head gaskets and the type of fuel used.
I have one low compression stag set at 12 degrees, and two high compression ones set at 16 degrees, make of that what you will.
Also timing marks do not always coincide with TDC, 2 degrees out is not uncommon
Neil

[Mike J]

How do you detect pinking. I know that if I get it wrong it backfires. Sorry to seam ignorant on this. Have had to tune straight sixes and my TR4a in the past but can't seem to get this one right.

[Stagdad]

Pinking can be heard as a tinkling sound under load.You'll know it when you hear it.

Cheers Steve

[Firept]

Mike.
Try setting up at the 12 BTDC then take it on a road test and accelerate hard from 20 to 40 MPH in top (flat road ) and listen for the pinking keep advancing until you can just hear it, then back off the advance so that it stops, usually does the trick and allows for any wear in components, dizzy etc.

Paul

[flying farmer]

One thing I forgot to mention, is if you are changing from points to electronic ignition, it is sometimes possible to run a lot more advance than with points, as the timing is more accurate. I had a pinking problem on a triumph straight six and found there was 6 degrees difference between the most advanced and most retarded cylinder due to distributor wear. Fitting electronic ignition solved the problem and the engine was a lot smoother and more economical
Neil