Miata Mailing List: October 1994, Message #211
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   From: 
Subject: gear-head question
   Date: Wed, 12 Oct 1994 12:00:34 -0400

ok, now i've got another question about engine timing - this time it's
a theory of operation question:

i'd like to know a little about engine timing in general, but more so
on advance and retard. 

for instance, my old VW GTI had an ignition system that was capable of
advancing and retarting the timing (with a knock sensor). is the Miata
only capable of advancing the timing? i see aftermarket knock sensors
available for the Miata, so does that mean it will control the timing
like my old VW?

and why does timing affect idle speed? when i advance the timing, the
idle increases, retarding decreases the idle...

how does an ignition system's advance feature work anyway?

mechanically curious,
Keith


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         {} Keith L. Richmond   (krichmon@dgbat02.er.usgs.gov) {} 
         {} A/V Technician                       (703)648-6551 {} 
         {} US Geological Survey               Member MCA/MSCW {} 
         {} Reston, VA                        '93 Mariner Blue {} 
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