Miata Mailing List: February 2000, Message #45

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> Everything involves a trade-offf, so why does Mazda set the timing at 
> 10 degrees if the engine is (a little bit) more powerful at
> 14 degrees?  In other words, I understand why I might want
> to advance the timing; why would I not want to advance it?
>
> Regards,
> Tidmarsh Major
> Birmingham, Alabama

for most cars, no trade off.  some miatae might require higher octane gas to
run at 14 most don't.  some like even more advance.  it is indeed free
horsepower.

so why is the factory setting 10??  i can think of two reasons off hand...
extra insurance against engine punishing detonation from a bad tank of gas
(... read warranty repairs) and possibly somewhat reduced emissions.


--
Bob Schnider & Tango who runs 16 BTDC and 89 octane
90A Red, eh... #1598
MCA, Sea to Sky Chapter
Deja Vu Racing
http://doc.schdist42.bc.ca/bob/