On an earlier thread I mentioned that my performance seemed a little flat, especially on the top end above 80 mph. Among various items suggested that I'd check, ignition timing was one item.

My timing was set on a stock Zero degrees TDC, leading.

rx7lives and j9fd3s (jeff), mentioned that advancing the timing slightly forward of stock was something they liked to do. Took my timing light and a 10mm wrench and gave the distributor a little turn.

I'm here to tell you that it made a big ear-to-ear smiling grin difference for me tonight.

Just came back from pizza and two pints of IPA, my wife and teen-aged girls were sour about something again, so I ditched them and headed for the RX7. In the dark I took out the cheapo Harbor Freight timing light I just bought and advanced the timing forward by the width of the timing mark.

My Labrodor seemed put-out so I had her jump in to ride shotgun. Wow, so many problems seemed to vanish away with that little bit of timing advance. Idle is only 500 rpm but the needle no longer bounces, idle is smoother, no more stumbling as I begin to depress the accelerator, power along the whole band is more consistant and most important, passing power above 60-80 mph. Even at 40 with the engine at 3k in 3rd gear, stomping on the pedal actual puts me back in my seat now. At 60-80 in 4th I can now make a decent claim at passing, as before I would have to wait and wait and wait.

I don't know yet if the fuel pump can keep up at prolonged speed. After all, it is 7pm on a Saturday night on Southern California Freeways. I don't want to make a complete *** of myself just to test new ignition settings. But from stop and go, to freeway on-ramps, this has made such a difference. I'll keep working to see if I can make more improvements, but tonight I can report that advice given here on this forum has been of tremendous help.

Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!!!!

 

Did you just set it at idle or do the full procedure at 4k RPM? Congrats on getting your car running right. Little changes can make a big difference on these cars. When you've only got 100HP or so to start, every one counts!

 

I simply noted that the timing was set at zero tdc, loosened the nut, gave the distributor a little turn. Advanced the mark no more than 1/8th inch from where it had been. I know, isn't very unprofessional. But I had been out having pizza and beer, and felt like playing with the car a little. I took her out for 2 - one hour long runs last night and didn't notice any issues.

I'm just wondering if any more benefit can be had advancing her a little more?
keeping an ear out for pre-detonation.

I know I'm taking all this very hill-billy like.
But I've been going easy on this car for almost 20 years.
I'm going to have fun with her, or break her in the process.

I wish I had known about this simple trick years ago.
My dog likes it too.

 

ssh.. no one mention DLIDFIS