Can I advance the timing a few degrees??

[080]

Hi
I am currently trying to pick up a few MPG on my mileage and was wondering is it even possible to advance the timing 3 or 4 degrees on a laser??

Do I need to do anything other than rotate the dizzy?

Not overly concerned about pinging as all low speed low load short hop city driving.

My recollection with my Holden dunnydoor VH was as lead was removed from petrol and detonation set in I had to retard timing and it ran like a dog.

I had always put my holden forward a degree or two and it had nice around town driveabilty / consumption.

Thanks in advance

[080]

anyone?
PS is it because I keep talking about my holden you wont answer??

[Quinsta]

hahaha, no mate i forgive you for your mistakes..;). Im just unsure about it, try it and see thou really, i run mine on 96 fuel only so i think the timing is advanced, but not sure how much..!

[89.SVO]

get a timing light. Do a google search or get a repair manual if it's a EFI model as it may need a wire bridged/earthed etc. set it maybe like 2 degrees before the factory setting.

And pinging, you should be worried. Decent engine damage can happen from pinging

[080]

Thanks for those.

Always got an ear out for the pinging. Never had anything damaged but I know it can. Just low speed tonkin' around town so it should be OK. Took the car out for a run in the country and city milage is much better to now too.

OH look!! One whole post without mentioning holden. (doh!!) ;)


Cheers

[graham7773]

Ahh Holden, I remember the good old days when if you let the 202/3.3l motor ping without correcting it, you could very likely lose the top off one or more pistons. Happened to me and took some time before I could see the street through the massive clouds of oil smoke. Meanwhile, what pressure do you run your tyres at? Adding 5 or more psi will improve economy but say goodbye to the armchair ride. I run my 195x55x15 razor blades at 36 round town and 40psi on highway and get excellent economy. Of course, I look after all the other relevant things like plugs, leads, filters and correct fuel for the car.