FD3S: Setting Base Timing
 

Wanted to double-check the settings on the LT8 that's equipped on a 3rd gen for base timing -- Static should be set to +10, correct? If this is right, are there any other tricks that have to be done on T_Rpm or for offsetting the timing across the board any x number of degrees? I remember hearing something concerning the system not recognizing ATDC or something to that effect.

Any info?

B

Its actually 7 if you want to check it via the 5ATDC mark ( assuming you have a pulley with marks ). I always like to remark the pulley to TDC and set it to 0 , but 7 should line up L1 with 5ATDC. This zeros the timing so if you have 20BTDC at 10psi it will still be 20 and not 27. And yes Microtechs cannot lock ATDC.

Thanks Steven. Given the FD's lack of timing adjustment, I'd think there'd be just one settig in the Microtech to set it to and that'd be it. There's no CAS to rotate; there's only a trigger wheel that's bolted on. Perhaps I am missing something here.

B

Ya basically all you are doing is taking 5ATDC and if you set your static to 5 this will advance it 5 degrees which would be TDC. For some reason you have to set it to 7 with the FDs to make them line up. I just like to know my mark is TDC and set the static to 0. BTW you can also use the stock FD pulley mark of 20ATDC. All you need to do is set the static to 0 and set your timing gap to 20 and check it with Trailing1.

I'm still a bit confused here. There's nothing to adjust mechanically speaking on the engine. Therefore, there's either some sort of degrees setting on the Microtech software that's used to "zero" (calibrate) the timing from the engine side over to the ECU side, or that's something that is never messed with as it's a part of the Microtech guys' programming prior to the ECU being shipped. Basically what I'm ccurious of, if there's no mechanical way to adjust timing in an attempt to zero it out, then how would it be done on the Microtech side? Locking the advance at x degrees (according to the Static value) is one thing, but it doesn't accomplish anything as far as zero-ing the timing out. My question -- Is there even any need to pursue this in the first place? Does Microtech program the ECU already calibrated to the engine's timing seeing as how it's not adjustable?

Thanks,

B

I have an FD running a L10s, I read as many posts as i could find, none of them made sense. So I set up laptop by engine bay with timing light on a mark I made at zero degrees. The Static timing number is just a grid shift, You can put zero degrees or 40 degrees the light is still on the mark. Therefore all the static timing is doing is matching the the number of degrees your timing mark is at to the timing value in ECU software.

I don't understand the 7degree figure, this came up a few times in my search. I have zero in my static, no need for anything else. Timing for a given point is only the sum of timing map less static timing

I dont know if the lt-8 is different timing wise from the lt-10, but all the lt-10's i have seen and install works perfectly with the static set at 0.

timing
 

I'm running a LT8S on my FD, and I just checked what the Manual says about 'Static'. It says that 'Static' should be set to the minimum permissible timing value. So if it's set to 10degrees then the ignition timing can NEVER be less than 10degrees at any engine RPM. I checked this by using the in built data logger and yes it doesn't drop below the value I set ie. 10

So the LT8S (and probably all the other current Microtech ecu's!) must be able to work out the timing relative to TDC from the 2 CAS signals (ie. Home and Trigger). I also have a Haltech E11v2 and you have to work out the CAS 'tooth offset' and 'trigger angle BTDC' yourself; this is a PINA!