bartaxr8

Hey guys, I just read on a earlier post the advantages about advancing windsor timing. I always run my ute on 98 Octane Mobil or BP fuel so I think I might be able to take advantage of this alteration. My question, do you do it the same way on these electronic controlled cars as earlier engines with a carb etc? Do you just use a timing light, loosen off the distributor and turn it around until you get your desired reading? By the way the vehicle is a '98 XHII XR8 manual. Thanks for your time.

!Gn|T|0n

Yes, that's how you set the base timing. See how you go with 32° and don’t forget to put the computer into "set timing" mode.

bartaxr8

Thanks for the quick reply. How do you put the computer in the "set timing mode"? What happens if you don't do this? Thanks again.

!Gn|T|0n

With the key off, short the engine STI and engine ground pins on your EEC-V diagnostic port ( top left and bottom left pins as shown in the diagram here http://www.autoemf.com.au/ford_eec5.htm ). This is neatly done with a female spade lug. Then start the car. The computer will hold the revs at around 2,500 rpm and not alter the timing. Hence you can shift the dizzy and set base timing. If you don’t do this you’ll be setting the timing whilst the computer is potentially advancing or retarding it so you can’t be sure what you’ve set it to.