Advances in timing - from the guy that started it all...

[QSHIPQ@aol.com]

I'm not aware of any official calibration of the harmonic damper - none
of my fiche mention one.  The 'three timing marks' are the flywheel,
rear of cam gear, and distributor.  AFAIK there are no others.
>

That's because it's a build reference only Phil.  During production assembly,
the timing mark that is on the HB and the dent on the front of the cam cover
were used.  The problem is that as soon as the car has 1000mi on it, the HB
rubber stretches some, and is no longer an accurate mark for timing.  I still
use it to get "close" to TDC, but the flywheel reference is THE mark to use on
all audis.  The problem usually stems from most 'merican mechanics looking for
HB marks, since just about every american car since the 60's use them.  That
can lead to non TDC of the audi to the point where the cam to crank is off a
tooth, I have seen it many times, including some panic claims of no starts.

RE: the timing mod
It's not everyones cup of tea, I have done over 100, and set back about 1/3 of
them.  What does it give?  Better low end throttle response, about 700rpm
lower boost max, at the expense of some high end (5200>) power.  What does it
take?  High end power, to some cars (depends on the mod) more than others.
Significant?  Depends where you drive your car in the rev band.  

Do it, or not to do it?

Personally, if you haven't tried it, you are cheating yourself.  There really
isn't a downside to the try, and several, including me, have found that
although 1 tooth is too much, a little less is certainly better.  Both my
quattros run adj cam sprockets for this exact reason.  Even the 272 schrick on
our wagon, is advanced some (2.5 bar, big valve head, RS2 turbo, 3in turbo
back exh).  For the hour it takes to do the mod AND put it back, don't take
someone elses word for it.

The mechanic who claimed it wreaks havoc doesn't know about the 4 cycle theory
much.  Or that the key is that an advance in the cam requires a correction of
TDC- distributor.  

For those really wanting to go all out, take a ride in a Franco Gear equipped
10vt with and without the gear.  The difference will make a believer out of
the most skeptical.  Don't forget, all these VANOS, GSR, VVT cars of late, all
are aka's for adjustable valve timing.

HTH

Scott Justusson
QSHIPQ@aol.com
'87 5ktqwRS2 (adv)
'84 Urq  (adv)