How to advance timing??

AB89GT · 05-29-2001, 12:13 PM

I have an 89 GT and tried to advance the timing just recently. Where do you disconnect the computer advance from so that you can start? That's the part that I cant figure out. My Hanes repair manual is rather useless and didn't tell me sh*t. Any help will be appriciated.
thanx.

------------------
89 black GT, 5 spd
flex-a-lite electric fan
flowmaster cat-back + h-pipe
1 5/8 equal length shorty headers
MSD Blaster coil

Rick 91GT · 05-29-2001, 01:07 PM

The spout connector should be right near the Distrubtor, it's a little gray plug. Pull the plug and loosen the distrubtor hold down, turn the distrubtor and look through a timing light to check it. Move it to 14-16 degrees and go from there. Then re-install the gray plug. With the plug in it will NOT READ proper time. You must always pull the plug to read the timing. Hope that helps

------------------
Check Out My Site 91GT,Holley SysteMAX II Kit-Heads 2.02" x 1.60" port matched to a 1262,Anderson N-61,24#,76mm C&L,Full MAC exhaust 1-5/8" Long tubes,2-1/2" O.R H-Pipe,2 1/2" cat back, No A/C or PS or emissions, 12" K&N Filter,RNH PERFORMANCE Ram Air,Ron Davis Radiator,Full Suspension,S&W 8pt "X" brace,JAZ seats,3:73's,Welds..etc,4:30's and 31 splines coming very soon!

swtstang · 05-29-2001, 01:30 PM

Can you tell a difference when you advance the timing? What exactly does it do?

jimberg · 05-29-2001, 01:53 PM

Advancing the timing gives the air/fuel mixture more time to expand when ignited so it can be compressed by the compression stroke. It will give you more measurable power but not likely something you would feel. A few HP. You have to use premium grade fuel, too.

------------------
351W 89 Mustang GT Convertible

AB89GT · 05-29-2001, 03:56 PM

do I have to reset the computer after timing adjustments??

82 GT · 05-29-2001, 09:42 PM

No, that will defeat the purpose. The computer will "see" the new adjustments after it's started. I have also been told that the computer will reset back to it's original settings within a few miles. I don't know if that part is true or not.

------------------
'82 GT 351W C-4,BBK headers,Carter 625 carb,Comp.Cam,Flowmaster exhaust.
1988 GT...T-5,bone stock

blueneonman1 · 05-29-2001, 10:48 PM

Just remember to take it for a drive after each adjustment. If you hear a "rockshower" coming from the engine when you floor it, back the timing down some more or your engine will suffer. Later

------------------
Blueneonman - '95 5.0L Mustang GT Convertible | K&N Custom Cold Air Intake | FMS 9mm Wires | Hollow Cats | Flowmaster 2 Chambers | BBK Subframes | 6-pt Rollcage | 14deg Timing | King Cobra Clutch | FMS Adjustable Clutch Cable | Coolest Neon Lighting on a Mustang EVER!

Homepage: http://www16.brinkster.com/blueneonman/

Best time: 14.578 @96.20mph

jimberg · 05-29-2001, 11:16 PM

Setting your base timing is a mechanical adjustment, not an electronic one. Resetting your computer is not required but will not harm your setting either. If, however, you notice surging and erratic idles, resetting the computer correctly may help.

------------------
351W 89 Mustang GT Convertible

05-29-2001, 11:44 PM

I just read an article on this subject, it did'nt mention anything about the computer (if i find it again, i'll post it)...

It did say start at 10 degrees and work up at 2 degree increments until you hear pinging then back off 1-2 degrees....

I can't imagine a 5-10 HP benefit would be noticeable, but added to the other frebees may be noticeable....

------------------
Black, 84 GT, ground effects, shorty headers, dual exh., rear spoiler from a 87, just getting started...

Chevyguy · 05-30-2001, 09:03 AM

What shape and how many wires does the "spout" connector have. I found about 3 connectors to choose from.

Im staying with the stock setting and running 87 octane for now (F@#$ $2.00 a gallon.) but would like to bump it up for the inevitable track session.

------------------
Frank W
90 5.0 LX coupe Daily driver. Silencer removed, K&N filter. Flexalite fan, 3 core radiator. FMS flywheel and Clutch, FMS blue wires Energy Suspension end links
88 Notch 2.3L 5 speed Parts/beater car My two Notchbacks

74 Chevy Laguna Type S-3 305 Finally fixed getting a 454 to put in garage
<A HREF="http://www.chevellepages.com/folingo" TARGET=_blank>www.chevellepages.

Rick 91GT · 05-30-2001, 09:26 AM

The gray spout connector is usually wrapped in with the main plug that goes to the distrubtor, check about 8" to 10" down on that harness and you should find it. It is like 3/4" wide maybe a 1" to 1.25" long, kinds sits above the front cover near the a/c and Thermo housing.

USMC302 · 05-30-2001, 02:33 PM

chevyguy, $2.00 for the good stuff???!!!

Better take advantage of it,I pay $2.25 for the good stuff out here. $2.00 is the cheap one out here.

------------------
88LX NOTCH, 88GT, 95 GT.

05-29-2001, 12:13 PM	#1
AB89GT Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Rockville, MD Posts: 49	How to advance timing?? I have an 89 GT and tried to advance the timing just recently. Where do you disconnect the computer advance from so that you can start? That's the part that I cant figure out. My Hanes repair manual is rather useless and didn't tell me sh*t. Any help will be appriciated. thanx. ------------------ 89 black GT, 5 spd flex-a-lite electric fan flowmaster cat-back + h-pipe 1 5/8 equal length shorty headers MSD Blaster coil

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
clockwise to advance timing	Conman	Windsor Power	5	08-08-2002 11:10 AM
Max timing advance for 75 shot HELP!!!	bark3rd	Modular Madness	2	12-21-2001 12:39 PM
How to advance the timing?	90LxDroptop	Windsor Power	5	07-19-2001 01:32 PM
timing advance question	84stangLX	Windsor Power	1	03-29-2001 04:54 PM
timing advance	93SVTstang	Windsor Power	4	01-14-2001 03:04 AM

05-29-2001, 01:07 PM	#2
Rick 91GT Procharged! Join Date: May 1999 Location: Hanover, PA Posts: 1,539	The spout connector should be right near the Distrubtor, it's a little gray plug. Pull the plug and loosen the distrubtor hold down, turn the distrubtor and look through a timing light to check it. Move it to 14-16 degrees and go from there. Then re-install the gray plug. With the plug in it will NOT READ proper time. You must always pull the plug to read the timing. Hope that helps ------------------ Check Out My Site 91GT,Holley SysteMAX II Kit-Heads 2.02" x 1.60" port matched to a 1262,Anderson N-61,24#,76mm C&L,Full MAC exhaust 1-5/8" Long tubes,2-1/2" O.R H-Pipe,2 1/2" cat back, No A/C or PS or emissions, 12" K&N Filter,RNH PERFORMANCE Ram Air,Ron Davis Radiator,Full Suspension,S&W 8pt "X" brace,JAZ seats,3:73's,Welds..etc,4:30's and 31 splines coming very soon!

05-29-2001, 01:30 PM	#3
swtstang Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: stockton, ca usa Posts: 160	Can you tell a difference when you advance the timing? What exactly does it do?

05-29-2001, 01:53 PM	#4
jimberg Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Rogers, MN Posts: 2,089	Advancing the timing gives the air/fuel mixture more time to expand when ignited so it can be compressed by the compression stroke. It will give you more measurable power but not likely something you would feel. A few HP. You have to use premium grade fuel, too. ------------------ 351W 89 Mustang GT Convertible

05-29-2001, 03:56 PM	#5
AB89GT Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Rockville, MD Posts: 49	do I have to reset the computer after timing adjustments??

05-29-2001, 09:42 PM	#6
82 GT Import Slayer Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 2,241	No, that will defeat the purpose. The computer will "see" the new adjustments after it's started. I have also been told that the computer will reset back to it's original settings within a few miles. I don't know if that part is true or not. ------------------ '82 GT 351W C-4,BBK headers,Carter 625 carb,Comp.Cam,Flowmaster exhaust. 1988 GT...T-5,bone stock

05-29-2001, 10:48 PM	#7
blueneonman1 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Palm Harbor, FL Posts: 208	Just remember to take it for a drive after each adjustment. If you hear a "rockshower" coming from the engine when you floor it, back the timing down some more or your engine will suffer. Later ------------------ Blueneonman - '95 5.0L Mustang GT Convertible \| K&N Custom Cold Air Intake \| FMS 9mm Wires \| Hollow Cats \| Flowmaster 2 Chambers \| BBK Subframes \| 6-pt Rollcage \| 14deg Timing \| King Cobra Clutch \| FMS Adjustable Clutch Cable \| Coolest Neon Lighting on a Mustang EVER! Homepage: http://www16.brinkster.com/blueneonman/ Best time: 14.578 @96.20mph

05-29-2001, 11:16 PM	#8
jimberg Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Rogers, MN Posts: 2,089	Setting your base timing is a mechanical adjustment, not an electronic one. Resetting your computer is not required but will not harm your setting either. If, however, you notice surging and erratic idles, resetting the computer correctly may help. ------------------ 351W 89 Mustang GT Convertible

05-29-2001, 11:44 PM	#9
jerryIII Guest Posts: n/a	I just read an article on this subject, it did'nt mention anything about the computer (if i find it again, i'll post it)... It did say start at 10 degrees and work up at 2 degree increments until you hear pinging then back off 1-2 degrees.... I can't imagine a 5-10 HP benefit would be noticeable, but added to the other frebees may be noticeable.... ------------------ Black, 84 GT, ground effects, shorty headers, dual exh., rear spoiler from a 87, just getting started...

05-30-2001, 09:03 AM	#10
Chevyguy Backyard Mechanic/Chemist Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Acton MA USA Posts: 435	What shape and how many wires does the "spout" connector have. I found about 3 connectors to choose from. Im staying with the stock setting and running 87 octane for now (F@#$ $2.00 a gallon.) but would like to bump it up for the inevitable track session. ------------------ Frank W 90 5.0 LX coupe Daily driver. Silencer removed, K&N filter. Flexalite fan, 3 core radiator. FMS flywheel and Clutch, FMS blue wires Energy Suspension end links 88 Notch 2.3L 5 speed Parts/beater car My two Notchbacks 74 Chevy Laguna Type S-3 305 Finally fixed getting a 454 to put in garage <A HREF="http://www.chevellepages.com/folingo" TARGET=_blank>www.chevellepages.

05-30-2001, 09:26 AM	#11
Rick 91GT Procharged! Join Date: May 1999 Location: Hanover, PA Posts: 1,539	The gray spout connector is usually wrapped in with the main plug that goes to the distrubtor, check about 8" to 10" down on that harness and you should find it. It is like 3/4" wide maybe a 1" to 1.25" long, kinds sits above the front cover near the a/c and Thermo housing.

05-30-2001, 02:33 PM	#12
USMC302 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Gallatin, Tn Posts: 1,326	chevyguy, $2.00 for the good stuff???!!! Better take advantage of it,I pay $2.25 for the good stuff out here. $2.00 is the cheap one out here. ------------------ 88LX NOTCH, 88GT, 95 GT.