Question on ignition timing marks

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morevair
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Question on ignition timing marks

Post by morevair »

All,

I have a 1966 corsa 140 4 speed. According to the tuning specs the timing should be set a 18 degrees... but the timing marks on the car only go to 16 degrees. What do you do guess ? I currently see it flashing a bit past the 16 mark... but it kind of silly to require 18 on a 16 gauge...
Jeff M. in Phoenix, AZ
1966 Corsa 140 4-speed
Jerry Whitt
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Re: Question on ignition timing marks

Post by Jerry Whitt »

The timing mark 16 is above a short mark. The next full line is the 18 mark.


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Jerry Whitt
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65 Monza, purchased new
65 Corsa convertible
morevair
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Re: Question on ignition timing marks

Post by morevair »

but there is no 18 on the scale... it's stops at 16..
Jeff M. in Phoenix, AZ
1966 Corsa 140 4-speed
Jerry Whitt
Posts: 887
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Re: Question on ignition timing marks

Post by Jerry Whitt »

The scale starts at 0, then 4, 8, 12, 16, then a smaller space of 2 degrees which then is 18
Jerry Whitt
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER TECHNICIAN
Retired
Hemet, Callifornia
65 Monza, purchased new
65 Corsa convertible
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bbodie52
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Re: Question on ignition timing marks

Post by bbodie52 »

Some illustrations may be helpful. Although the shop manual distributor specifications state 18 degrees BTDC, the tune-up chart from the same manual specifies a range of 16°–20°.
Corvair Rear Housing Timing Marks
Corvair Rear Housing Timing Marks
Here is a close up of the standard timing scale casting. A small mark can be see to the right of the 16° mark...
Image

1965 Shop Manual Engine Tune-Up Chart
1965 Shop Manual Engine Tune-Up Chart
1965 Corvair Chassis Shop Manual Distributor Specifications
1965 Corvair Chassis Shop Manual Distributor Specifications
Brad Bodie
Lake Chatuge, North Carolina
Image 1966 Corvair Corsa Convertible
64powerglide
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Re: Question on ignition timing marks

Post by 64powerglide »

I wonder how many different timing blocks GM made, here is my 64 110.
Attachments
Timing marks 001.jpg
64Powerglide, Jeff Phillips

Kalamazoo, Mi..
morevair
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Re: Question on ignition timing marks

Post by morevair »

Thanks All...

I can't see the end mark that Brad mentioned (52 year old car) but I guessed and retarded to where I though where 18 degrees would be and using my ear, she perked right up and ran really smooth... all the pinging under load is gone now... purrrrrrrr......

Thanks again... Corvair folks are so cool...
Jeff M. in Phoenix, AZ
1966 Corsa 140 4-speed
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terribleted
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Re: Question on ignition timing marks

Post by terribleted »

Best timing for these cars in most cases is advanced as far as possible with no ping under any driving condition. There are exceptions as some engines can be over advanced beyond good operation and still won't ping:)
Corvair guy since 1982. I have personally restored at least 20 Vairs, many of them restored ground up.
Currently working full time repairing Corvairs and restoring old cars.
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Located in Snellville, Georgia
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