What is the correct timing Advance setting.

[2rosella]

.......

[Patrick L.]

Most folks feel the static timing should be TDC. Many folks then use full advance [40º] when running at highway speeds. So TDC at idle and 40º at around 1700-2000 RPM or so.

45-50 MPH is cruise speed for me and I set the lever at 1/2 for plucking around town and 2/3-3/4 for cruise. I don't feel these monsters need 40º of advance.

[barkleydave]

Seems like Model A's have their own "Sweet Spot" My truck likes 3 degrees retard for start and smooth low idle. Using a timing light that gives me approx. 33-35 degrees at 3/4 advance. Mine does not like 40 degree advance. Mine is org. spec. motor and it likes to cruise on the level at 42-45 mph. On a good day it will run up to 50+ but it is not happy there and is pretty maxed out. (And so am I... ! )

[Bob from Northport]

You will find that an advance of 22 to 25 degrees at idle will give you an easy start with the spark retarded, and good power at 45 to 50mph. Just make sure you have TDC marked and painted exactly on the crank pulley.

[Jerry in Shasta]

I do it a little different. I set my timing for a max of 25-28 degrees.
The engine has been "warmed" considerably.
It does not like any thing over 30 degrees. By doing it this way,
I do not run the risk of damaging the engine by over advancing.
JB

[wmws]

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My car starts and idles nice at 0 degrees at TDC. On the highway I don't advance over about 3/4 down with the lever or 30 degrees. I have never heard it pinging but I am a little hard of hearing. Does anyone else actually hear pinging when cruising down the highway?

[tbirdtbird]

let us know how you make out

[PC/SR]

When I first started to heat up the engine with an HC head and dual carbs, I kept the original distributor and came to not only appreciate the flexibility of playing with the spark lever, but also learned a lot about the engine and performance by trying it in different positions. (ie, full retard going down hill.) Use it about 25-30* max, timing should be retarted as comp ratio increases.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Someone once mentioned they had a lock (small clamp) on the spark quadrant so the lever could only be moved down so far. That would be a good idea for many from what I read as far as too much spark advance being used.

[Mitch//pa]

I never go past Half way and if i do it's very brief. Stock or hc head
Many folks start up and yank it all the way down lol

[Anteek29]

My '29 with HC head likes it best with advance lever set about half while running at 45-50 mph.

[Mitch//pa]

And of course everything depends on how accurate your base timing is set .. IE lever setting etc

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Someone once mentioned they had a lock (small clamp) on the spark quadrant so the lever could only be moved down so far. That would be a good idea for many from what I read as far as too much spark advance being used.

I've used one of these with a set screw. Works very well and removable whenever.

[Patrick L.]

Boy, I find this very interesting. Many times in the past when I mentioned this subject I was criticized [ thats fine] by many. Then most folks seemed to have to use full advance.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

Boy, I find this very interesting. Many times in the past when I mentioned this subject I was criticized [ thats fine] by many. Then most folks seemed to have to use full advance.

We're allowed to talk about it,, but your not

[Patrick L.]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

We're allowed to talk about it,, but your not

Boy, I've heard that about a lot of things for a long time !

[tbirdtbird]

let us know how you make out

[George Miller]

You will never get most model a guys to under stand what timing is all about.

[JOHN CT]

I've been following this thread so I was curious. I have the Nerex timing gauge installed. Went out to the A ,dugout the old timing light.Fullretarded it's at 10 btdc to fully Advance at 35 atdc it runs great ( I think) What are your thoughts?
Thanks
I forgot to mention it's a stock motor

[mshmodela]

I guess I'm a timing cheapo, I advance it from the fully retarded position about 1/3 (down) and I know from my driving which is all city I hardly ever go more than 1/2 advanced..