Miata Mailing List: June 1998, Message #160

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Previously on Timing Question, William Shepard <Shepwdee@webtv.net> said...
 
> Does the concept of tweeking out a little more power by advancing the
> timing also apply to other cars? A relative just bought an 86 Escort
> which is a bit more wmpy on power than it should be. Has 56k miles on
> it. Carb engine. Would adjusting the timing a bit more advanced than
> spec help and would the plugs and wire change be as beneficial as it is
> to the Miata?

I don't see why these things wouldn't help the Escrot to some degree.  The plugs and
wires should help as much as on any car.  As to the timing advance, it depends on
how far advanced it comes from the factory.  Having owned an '84, I suspect that the
average '86 Escrot is fairly retarded and would benefit from some advance.  Same
rules apply: Bump the timing and be alert for knock and ping.  If you experience it,
you have to increase the octane of the fuel, retard the spark, or both.

	-John

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John Freas (jfreas@earthlink.net)
Red '90 Base-ish #7690
Birmingham, AL
Team Laguna Seca, Sears Point...
Team dlralt, PBC, Roebuck, Voodoo...
"I have no idea what those dimple things on the windshield frame are for."
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