Ignition timing control
Please help if you can
Hey anyone running a2 barrel fitech using the timing control side vs having vacuumed advance? I have followed the instructions and spoke to fitech. It runs like crap will barely stay running. Here’s the procedure I used.
-Set engine at 10 degrees
-line up contacts in distributor and lock it
-confirm rotor is in line with # 1 plug wire on cap
-set fitech base timing at 10 degrees and 30
What I would do is get the fitech running properly with a stock vacuum advanced distributor first and then try to get EFI timing control working now that you know EFI in running good with a stock distributor. Personally I wouldn't even bother with timing control with throttle body EFI. Guys I know who are using timing control in theirs cars have constant issues and some in the end go back to a vacuum advanced distributor. Just my two cents
Every install I have ever done uses timing control. No issues, so can't agree with SodaPop.
I do however agree with him on starting with mechanical advance for first install. Once you are comfortable with the fuel side then add features. Keep the complexity down.
The way you explained your process is not correct either. Must lock timing on Fitech and match your timing with a timing light to your locked setting.
Quote from Austin DeHaas on May 26, 2023, 10:13 amEvery install I have ever done uses timing control. No issues, so can't agree with SodaPop.
I do however agree with him on starting with mechanical advance for first install. Once you are comfortable with the fuel side then add features. Keep the complexity down.
The way you explained your process is not correct either. Must lock timing on Fitech and match your timing with a timing light to your locked setting.
Austin, you are correct that timing control is better when working right, but the issue I am and others are finding is alot of performance distributors are mostly or all, made in China, and they are no where as good as when they were made in the USA. Generally at least in my many cases it is car owners who use their car for cruising / car shows and a stock GM HEI distributor works very well with TBI from Fitech and Holly. The fuel and slight performance gain with timing control in my opinion is just not worth it for casual use...
That makes a bit more since SodaPop. Your opinion isn't based off the Fitech, but the distributor quality available.
I use Chinese factory style small cap HEI distributors for my timing control on all my installs. They cost me $50. Already designed for computer controlled timing control. Simply remove module and add harness to magnetic pickup like a person would when using a CDI box. Very simple and very cheap. No issues. One has been on for 7 years. Was a daily driver for 5 of those years.