Just got done with a smog test in good ole california, it passed barely high nox and hc- need a cat I guess. So afterwards I advanced the timing a little more and seems to be more peppy especially when it gets to 2,500rpm. I have it at about 14-15 degrees btdc. I was wondering if anyone else does this or how far has anyone gone with advancing it with no problems as far as pinging and whatnot.

You've got a knock sensor that will retard your timing (up to some limitation) if you dial in excessive advance to cause pinging, so what's the point of not using the proper amount of advance?

Just seeing if it makes any difference or what i can get away with. Seems to have a little more power especially at 2,500 and up or I just think it does. Last but not least im a car guy/gear head so why not?

Different years have different timing specs. Yours should be printed on a sticker on the driver's strut tower. 14-15 degrees BTDC is retarded on any 240, so you will need to advance it; the question is: how much? 12.5 BTDC is spec on my '85.
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1985 244DL B230 M46 170k

How is 14-15 btdc retarded? I have it at 14 degrees now, I know the stock spec is 12 btdc. I was wondering if anyone has had any long term affects of running up to 14-15 or more ignition advance.

My bad, stupid brain fart. 14-15 BTDC is ADVANCED on any 240.
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1985 244DL B230 M46 170k

I've been running my '88 at 18 degrees BTDC for years. I put in a VX cam and lost some low end, advancing the timing brought it back a bit. Back when I was in CA I just dropped it back to stock (12 BTDC) then re-timed it after the test. For the last 4 years I haven't had to worry about it, no smog in this part of CO.

The knock sensor will drop it back if it needs it, I ran mid-grade gas when at sea level, regular up here at 7200'




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Dave Shannon
Durango, CO
'67 1800s
'88-240
'01 Wrangler
'06 F250 Diesel 4X4
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