Miata Mailing List: September 1997, Message #74
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From: 	"Kevin Morrison" <canyon3@ibm.net>

Subject: Re: Timing

Date: 	Mon, 1 Sep 1997 18:13:28 +0000



Scott,

It's easy to do, there are instructions in the Miata.net garage section. 

You just need a timing light, a paper clip, and a 12mm wrench.  I couldn't

get a socket on the bolt, but you may be able to with the right kind of

socket.  I had to use a 12-point box-end wrench, couldn't get a 6-point on

it either.  Be prepared to almost burn your hands on the crank angle

sensor, it gets hot.



The advantage is more low-end power and maybe better gas mileage. You will

like it.



The downside is that you /might/ have to use 89 octane fuel instead of  87,

especially in hot weather.  Many people are ok on 87, but timing advance

does increase the risk of pinging.  Under NO circumstances allow the engine

to ping for an extended time, it will damage the engine.  In my

high-mileage '92 I had to run 93 octane to avoid pinging during hard

acceleration.  On my '94 I run 89 just to be safe.  I think I could run 87

with no problem, especially with my Cold Air Induction, but the extra cost

for 89 is about $1 a week, so I do it anyway.



Kevin Morrison and ???, Phredd '94 R

Tampa, Florida

SunRiders #134

canyon3@ibm.net

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/2446

Team JR, FM, Voodoo, BBS, Dunlop, etc...

Team 14 degrees-could-be-the-first-step-towards-forced-induction





----------

> From: Scott A. Keen <scott@foxpro.com>

> 

> 1) Is this easy to do? If so, how do I do it myself? Or should I have a

> mechanic do this.

> 2) What's the advantage to doing this?

> 3) What's the downside?

> 

> Scott A. Keen

> Reston, VA

> '96M

> 

>