Adjusting timing..that much difference?

-westy-

-westy-

-westy-

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Yesterday I adjusted the timing on my 205, now it runs a lot better, but i've also noticed a difference in performance. It now pulls a lot harder higher up in the rev range, and revs more cleanly.

Can adjusting the timing make that much difference?

And is there any specific way to adjust it? I think we've got a timing light about somewhere.

cheers :)
 
-westy- said:
Yesterday I adjusted the timing on my 205, now it runs a lot better, but i've also noticed a difference in performance. It now pulls a lot harder higher up in the rev range, and revs more cleanly.

Can adjusting the timing make that much difference?

And is there any specific way to adjust it? I think we've got a timing light about somewhere.

cheers :)
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yes timing effects performance a lot, but the stock pug ignition sucks anyway :(
just changing to electronic ignition on a stock 205 1.9gti can see a gain of 10-15bhp.
 
Yes it will make a lot of difference. Stock static timing is usually set at 12-16 degrees before tdc and this gives a good compromise between economy at low revs and power at the top end.

Obviously this is not the case with newer engines as the timing is controlled by a computer and will be set at optimum across the revs.
 
Yes it does make a difference. Does that mean you've adjusted it but dont know what you've adjusted it to ?? Are you sure it isnt detonating ??
 
Jonny69 said:
Yes it will make a lot of difference. Stock static timing is usually set at 12-16 degrees before tdc and this gives a good compromise between economy at low revs and power at the top end.

Obviously this is not the case with newer engines as the timing is controlled by a computer and will be set at optimum across the revs.
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aye 205s have vacuum advance aswell but for some reason people always pull this off and lose all spark advance :(
i have a graph somewhere for the timing of a 205 tt, might help you set up

timing.jpg


and this is how you set it up

205tmarks.jpg



XU Series Engines
12. To set the ignition timing statically so that the engine can be started, first removed No 1 spark plug (nearest the flywheel) and turn the engine in the normal rotational direction until pressure is felf - indicating that the piston is commencing the compression stroke. The pressure can be felt using a suitable wooden rod or piece of cork placed over the spark plug hole.
13. While look into the timing aperture in the clutch housing/transmission casing, continue turning the crankshaft until the single mark on the flywheel is opposite the BTDC mark on the timing plate (see illustration).
14. Check that the distributor rotor are is facing the No 1 HT lead segment position in the distributor cap. To do this, remove the cap and mark the outside in line with the segment, then put it back on the distributor noting which way the rotor are is facing.
15. If necessary, loosen the mounting nuts and turn the distributor body to bring the segment and rotor arm in line, then tighten the nuts. Refit No 1 spark plug.
16. Run the engine to normal operating temperature then stop it and connect a tachometer to it.
17. Disconnect and plug the vacuum pipe at the distributor vacuum advance unit.
18. Disconnect and remove the air cleaner inlet duct then connect a stroboscopic timing light to the engine as described in the timing light manufacturer's instructions, and with the HT pick-up lead connected to No 1 spark plug HT lead.
19. On early models, run the engine at 3500 rpm and point the timing light into the timing aperture. The double mark on the flywheel should be aligned with the TDC mark on the timing plate; indicating that the ignition is advanced by 30° (see illustration). On engines without double timing marks, refer to the Specifications for the relevant ignition timing settings and engine speed, then check that the single mark on the flywheel is aligned with the appropriate mark on the timing plate.
20. If adjustment is necessary, loosen the distributor mounting nuts and rotate the distributor body as required. Tighten the nuts on completion.
21. Check the centrifugal and vacuum advance characteristics of the distributor, as described in paragraphs 9 and 10.
22. Stop the engine, disconnect the tachometer and timing light then reconnect the vacuum pipe and air cleaner inlet duct.
Click to expand...

have fun :)
 
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I've had the timing adjusted on my Primera, normally set to between 13-15 from factory, i've had HKS cams fitted, and timing altered to 17, apparently makes a big difference, though i'll wait till it gets dyno'd before making a judgement.
 
Dogbreath said:
The GTi had electronic ignition from the factory.
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no it does not, only fuelling on the gti is controlled by the ecu (old and unmappable), the stock gti setup is a dstributer with vacuum advance, not electronic mapable ignition where the advance is controlled by an ecu signal.hence why its a common mod to switch to carbs since ingition is self controlled you just rip the ecu out and slap some carbs on, off you go.


this can be seen in step 17

17. Disconnect and plug the vacuum pipe at the distributor vacuum advance unit.
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you do not have vacuum advance on electronic ignition,
and since thats written for the XU engine, the only XU engines in a 205 are, o the gti:/ (and the dervs but thats irrelevant)
 
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Malachy said:
no it does not
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Really? I must remember to renew the points on my 205 GTI :D

EDIT

I HATED changing the points on my Fiesta. It was a non-servo one and the master cylinder was in a different place IIRC which made the dizzy a total pain to get to without tearing all the flesh from your hands.

That car had a shocking appetite for points.
 
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Malachy said:
no it does not, only fuelling on the gti is controlled by the ecu (old and unmappable), the stock gti setup is a dstributer with vacuum advance, not electronic mapable ignition where the advance is controlled by an ecu signal.hence why its a common mod to switch to carbs since ingition is self controlled you just rip the ecu out and slap some carbs on, off you go.


this can be seen in step 17



you do not have vacuum advance on electronic ignition,
and since thats written for the XU engine, the only XU engines in a 205 are, o the gti:/ (and the dervs but thats irrelevant)
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You are clearly confused with the difference between a mapped igntion system and a simple "electronic" one, and also what the presence of a distributor means.

The 205GTi does have an electronic igntion system. You will not find a set of points in the distributor because the coil is switched by an electronic system. Granted, the ECU does not control the timing, but nonetheless it's an electronic igntion system.

Conversely, a mapped igntion system may or may not use a distributor, it's presence indicates only that a wasted spark or COP (coil on plug) system isn't being used. The Mi16, early K Series and early C20XE engines for example has a mapped igntion system but used a distributor.
 
on a VW RR day, one guy turned up and got a really low figure (cant remember what). they got the cam cover off and saw his cam timing was one notch out, presumably a mechanic who didnt know how to sort the timing marks etc

whacked it back on the dyno and that alone gained him over 10bhp.

with older engines you can playabout with the static advance, which must be fun. i have to rely on a chip, which i cannot do anything about unless i spend mucho money.

simple engines rock!
 
Lopéz said:
Really? I must remember to renew the points on my 205 GTI :D

EDIT

I HATED changing the points on my Fiesta. It was a non-servo one and the master cylinder was in a different place IIRC which made the dizzy a total pain to get to without tearing all the flesh from your hands.

That car had a shocking appetite for points.
Click to expand...

ok it does not have points but the signal from the ecu is static. it does not change to adjust timing
 
Malachy said:
ok it does not have points but the signal from the ecu is static. it does not change to adjust timing
Click to expand...
That's right - it's still electronic ignition though.
 
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