pinging at stock timing with 87 octane
 

Hey, I was just trying to find a good level of base timing to run on 87 octane.. the car is at 10 degrees right now, and it pings running 87 octane..

does that mean that something is not functioning right in my car, or do I have too much spark? running too lean?

its basically stock, so I can't imagine what's causing it to ping, unless its the coil???

thanks

I think even the factory recommends premium fuel. You could try adding some octane boost if you don't want to run premium but that would be cost detrimental. I know my car will ping at 12 degrees, even with premium .

You might have some carbon deposits in your combustion chambers which will cause your car to ping. Try using an intake valve cleaner or premium gas from Chevron or Petro Can that have a deposit control additive for a couple of tanks.

With my setup (10:1 comp and 13 degrees of timing, iron heads) I need at least 92 octane to keep things safe.

When i first started to drive my car i was only running 87octane and it would ping in third gear bogging down and when ever i would get on it at high RPMs

then my dad told me to get some octane booster and that made it stop. when i would fill up on a full tank i would pour in a bottle. and that would keep it clean for three tanks at the least.
that way it dosn't cost as as much.

I would definitely not take the suggestions lightly about using 92 or higher octane. Consider it insurance that you won't burn holes in your pistons. It's a small price to pay to make your car run right.

Bad cap, rotor, plugs, wires would cause pinging too.

When I finally found where the spout connector is :D I measured my base timing and it was 8°. I considered bumping to the recomended 10° but declined since I run 87 and figured the extra saftey factor would help.

Probably the #1 reason for the pinging is carbon buildup, followed by dirty injectors or mis adjusted fuel pressure, General tuneup plugs rotor wires cap etc dirty air filter, all play a part too

Also the 10° BTDC setting is considered "nominal" and maybe my 8° is correct also!

ok, thanks guys, I'm going to run some cleaner through it, and try the octane boost, then try dropping it down to 8 degrees..
the cap, rotor, wires, plugs, etc, are all new,

BUT, what should fuel pressure be set at???
Would the new 190 lph increase fuel pressure?
(i read that a new pump will only bring it back to stock pressure, as the old pump was getting weak and pressure could have been lower)

thanks !!

Fuel pressure on a stock motor should be between 30-40psi.

I believe only an adjustable fuel press regulator would give you higher pressure. I heard some of the old schoolers would crush their fuel pressure regulators a little for more pressure and power. I am not saying to do that though, just food for thought.

if its all stock make sure to retain the stock spark plugs or use ngk's. also change the pcv and the screen under it. its behind the intake, its a common problem. it will also cause oil to push past the rings diluting the a/f mix. pcv change should fix.

ok, stock plugs are being used, should they be gapped at anything special considering I have the MSD coil? (or does that extra 10,000 volts really do nothing?)

but I tested it out, and seat of the pants, it feels best around 12 degrees timing with 91 octane gas, and doesn't ping at all now, so I think I'll bite the bullet and leave it here...

:) thanks for the help!!