Why should I advance the timing?

[Speedknot]

Hi all. I just got a stage 1 upgrade for my predator 212 hemi from OMB. It came with an 8* timing advance key. Is 8* too much and what is the purpose of advancing the timing? Thanks.

 

[Poboy kartman]

It may or may not be.....the only real way to tell is to try it....(every engine is slightly different.....especially Chinese manufacturered ones....)

So....basically....the cam timing is different than stock....and that's where you should look....for the recommended advance the cam is supposed to run best with.....the 8° advance key should (theoretically) give you 32° total advance.....

Advancing the timing....(in simple terms) ...causes the engine to fire sooner which lengthens the amount of time the charge is "fired"....therefore the length the piston travels under charge....and the volume the charge carries.....

I was thinking the stage one cam called for 28°.....but....not only could I be wrong....but even so....it may perform better with 32° even if it does.....and all this is based on the stock timing of 24° ....which is not guaranteed.....

 

[Speedknot]

So would advancing the timing increase throttle response or bottom end?

 

[Poboy kartman]

So would advancing the timing increase throttle response or bottom end?

Again.....timing is about when the spark plug fires in relation to the piston's position in the bore.....(that's the simplified explanation) .....and there is always going to be an ideal exact moment for that to occur specific to the individual engine and the modifications done to it....

The cam also affects valve timing...(how and when that happens....as well as how long the valves stay open....and how much they open....which all have an effect on the combustion and exhaust charge....and ultimately....the performance of the engine.....

Sooooo.....again....you need to check your cam specs for a recommendation on advanced timing.....

Given a stock configuration....it's easier to say that retarding the timing will reduce acceleration .....(or bottom end....really the same thing) ....and it's a given that installing a stage one cam with stock timing will be a dog "out of the hole"....

 

[Speedknot]

Ok. I think I have it. I'm not doing the cam yet. I'm just doing the Stage 1(Air, Fuel, Exhaust) for now. Whats confusing is that the 8* timing key was included with the kit and Im not sure that its needed on a stock engine. Some say to leave the timing alone and others say do it. Thanks for the explaination.

 

[Poboy kartman]

Ok. I think I have it. I'm not doing the cam yet. I'm just doing the Stage 1(Air, Fuel, Exhaust) for now. Whats confusing is that the 8* timing key was included with the kit and Im not sure that its needed on a stock engine. Some say to leave the timing alone and others say do it. Thanks for the explaination.

That makes it easy!!!!! Stock cam.....keep the stock timing....

 

[tazmannusa]

I think the main reason to use it is when you remove the governor so the timing keeps up with the higher RPM . Don't know if it would make much difference on a stock governed engine, just have to try it and if it does not ping and runs better leave it that way. They may have the timing retarded a bit from the factory to comply with EPA regs, if that is the case you will get a noticeable improvement