[Stevo077]

I know the basics about it. Lets your computer mess with the timing and what not, but it seems like my car runs better ( or at least idles better) with it out. My timings around 26* and ive ran it there for a few months without it in. Its wet and rainy, so i cant really go see how it performs at WOT with it in, but anyone have any experience with it?

[mustanginky]

pull spout, set timing to 14*, then reconnect and see what you think. run 91 octane though.

[ryanw]

your balancer may have spun, so maybe your timming is way off

[1988 convertible]

Its something to do with allowing the ECU to adjust your timing automatically once it is in... it seems more like a safety feature than anything so you wont mess up the motor...
plus its like 4 dollars...

just do it like mustanginky says and you'll have the right timing curve between 10-15deg

[Stdyhand]

I still haven't advanced my timing. I didn't want to use the premium fuel right now since it's about 10 cents more a gallon. I know I'm cheap

[fogged306]

Originally Posted by 1988 convertible Its something to do with allowing the ECU to adjust your timing automatically once it is in... it seems more like a safety feature than anything so you wont mess up the motor... plus its like 4 dollars... just do it like mustanginky says and you'll have the right timing curve between 10-15deg

Its not a safety feature, it's there so you can set the initial timing. The computer controls the timing on the engine, but it constantly changes it at idle. You have to pull the SPOUT to take timing control away from the computer so it's "locked" and you can set your initial timing. If you leave the spout out, you're running locked timing, so the computer has no control over advance or retard while you're driving. At idle and part throttle you may lose some power or mileage, but without a tuner, you can gain some at WOT sometimes. Only way to tell is to try different degrees of initial and see what the car likes.

With the timing locked you may notice it starts harder. This is because the computer normally retards the timing during crank and can't with the SPOUT out. Other than that, you won't have any issues with it causing damage. I've run my timing locked before and it was a little more responsive on my engine. Mileage suffered a little though during cruise.