Re: distributer cap manipulation

["Gary G. Erickson" <erickson@teleport.com>]

Michael Williams wrote:

> I know that this is probably very simple...but i am wondering how you
> measure the degrees that you adjust the timing and if there is an optimal
> adjustment for power.  Just wondering.
> Mike Williams
> 85 Coupè GT

Mike,

For the degree measurement, I have a timing light that will allow me to
"dial in" varying (pardon the pun!) degrees of advance.  (For those
interested in the gory details, it's a SunPro Timing Advance Analyzer. 
Chrome timing gun with inductive pick-up and a rheostat on one end.)

WRT to the optimal adjustment, according to Ned Ritchie, the best
setting is supposed to be 12 degrees of advance.  I've played with and
run anywhere from 6-16 degrees.  You can feel the difference between the
6 and the 12, I've yet to find much between 12 and 16.  I may not have
had the right fuel in to take advantage of this.

One caveat:  for a 6-8 degree bump 89-91 octane should be fine, for the
12-14 bump, I use only 93 octane premium, anything beyond that and I'd
probably see your local racing fuel supplier.

YMMV!, and all disclaimers apply.  (Please don't sue me if you don't see
any increase, or manage to throw a piston through the side of the
block!)

Gary

---------------------------------------------------------
Gary G. Erickson    --    Member #82 NW Audi Quattro Club
Business Solution Integrators, Inc.
503-702-5789            --          erickson@teleport.com