Pertonix Timing Question

[TR4A_IRS]

So winter is here in the NW, so my car is getting some much needed love.

I am getting ready to give the car a tune up, and I am curious about the first step in setting the timing, when a pertronix has been installed. (I never checked the timing after installing it years ago, and I think that was a bad idea) Normally I would start by setting the static timing to 4deg BTDC. This involved getting the engine to 4deg BTDC, using the timing marks, and then rotating the distributor, using adv/ret wheel, until the points were fully open.

I assume that this step just gets you in the ballpark, and can be skipped when setting the timing using a timing light?

 

[hondo402000]

I would say with a timing light set per the manual, if your dist has vacuum advance I believe you ares suppose to pull the hose and plug it before checking it, I run about 12 BTDC on my TR6

Hondo

 

[hondo402000]

also you might want to bring the timing mark on your damper to 0 and check number is up to the top to make sure your damper has not spun

Hondo

 

[dklawson]

As far as timing goes... yes, set the static timing somewhere around 5 BTDC to get the engine started. Yes, you can static time the original Ignitor module, you cannot static time the newer Ignitor-II design. After the engine is started you can set the dynamic timing with a light as you suggested.

 

[Geo Hahn]

And I always do the final setting by simply driving the car and seeing how it performs and what pinking I can hear under extreme conditions. Roadside adjustments are so easy with that vernier and sometimes necessary when travelling and finding poor choices in gas.