how do i set my timing to 12 advanced?

[Krowzer1139]

i have an 88 bronco II and im looking to advance my timeing to 12 as i read it might help a little in performance or idle. can anyone tell me how to do this the tech guide dosnt really say?

 

[MAKG]

It's not going to make ANY difference you can notice. If you have a rough idle, you have a problem you need to repair. Your truck really will run better if all six cylinders are firing.

 

[shadetree]

You will need to connect a timing light.

Locate the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley, and timing marker on the timing cover. Paint the marks on each with a light colored marker where you want the timing to be set.

Locate the spout connector and remove it. I don't know were it is on this particular truck, but it is usually close to the distributor. It is a small square connector looking thing in one of the wires. Maybe someone that knows will be more exact.

Loosen the bolt holding the distributor enough so you can turn the distributor by hand with some resistance. Not so loose that the distributor will spin when the engine is started.

Start the truck, aim the light at the marks you made previously. Turn the distributor slightly and you will see the mark on the crankshaft move. Set the marks even with each other.

Stop the engine, replace the spout, retighten the dist bolt, and you are ready to go. shady

 

[Krowzer1139]

no my truck runs great im just looking for some more power sence it only has 90k on the engine i dont want to do a swap yet. thanks for the info guys

 

[MAKG]

It IS a small V6. The amount of power you'll gain from two degrees of base timing is tiny. You won't be able to feel it.

If you have a stick, you'll get much more effect from revving the engine much higher. 2.9Ls are loud and have a relatively high powerband; they like to be wound up FAR further than people guess by ear. 2500 RPM is best, 2000 RPM is minimal. By ear, you'll probably be closer to 1500 RPM. 2.9Ls are absolute dogs at 1500 RPM.

 

[shadetree]

It IS a small V6. The amount of power you'll gain from two degrees of base timing is tiny. You won't be able to feel it.

If you have a stick, you'll get much more effect from revving the engine much higher. 2.9Ls are loud and have a relatively high powerband; they like to be wound up FAR further than people guess by ear. 2500 RPM is best, 2000 RPM is minimal. By ear, you'll probably be closer to 1500 RPM. 2.9Ls are absolute dogs at 1500 RPM.

This is all well and good, and true. But, in many cases like this, I think the guy just wants to work on his truck and learn, which is a very good thing, and should be encouraged.

There are many questions like this where the question doesn't get answered, the poster is told "that won't work," or "don't do that, it doesn't help," etc., and unless the poster is asking something that is a danger to him or his vehicle, answer the question and guide him.

He just wants to do something to his truck to say "I did it," or show off to his friends, and to be able to converse with thim.shady

 

[shadetree]

It IS a small V6. The amount of power you'll gain from two degrees of base timing is tiny. You won't be able to feel it.

If you have a stick, you'll get much more effect from revving the engine much higher. 2.9Ls are loud and have a relatively high powerband; they like to be wound up FAR further than people guess by ear. 2500 RPM is best, 2000 RPM is minimal. By ear, you'll probably be closer to 1500 RPM. 2.9Ls are absolute dogs at 1500 RPM.

This is all well and good, and true. But, in many cases like this, I think the guy just wants to work on his truck and learn, which is a very good thing, and should be encouraged.

There are many questions like this where the question doesn't get answered, the poster is told "that won't work," or "don't do that, it doesn't help," etc., and unless the poster is asking something that is a danger to him or his vehicle, answer the question and guide him.

He just wants to do something to his truck to say "I did it," or show off to his friends, and to be able to converse with them. Too often us older heads forget this. shady

 

[92MiniMonster]

Is timing originally 10 degrees? I thought it was 11? Not jacking the thread, just want to make sure and have it be clear.