Too much timing?

crackedback said
Initial timing doesn't kill anything

I agree but too much can hurt power at idle.
People often judge how much initial based on how the engine runs in neutral. (Was plenty guilty of that myself) How well it takes the load when slipped into gear reveals how strong the timing and F/A combo is.
I know you know that but for guys like DartFreak just wanted to put that out there.

crackedback said
Dialing back on timing is a crutch and was done by the factory for one purpose, to meet emissions guidelines. That's why later cars were timed at such crappy initial settings. 68-69 cars barely had sufficient initial timing by the book.

Exactly. Initial brought down 5 degrees or more compared to the same engines without CAP, and the AFR leaned out to 14.2. Idle rpms increased to help compensate for the loss of power.
Unfortunately a lot people, including hot rodders seem to be facinated with lean burning idle mixes.

I agree that a little more initial is often better than a little less. Some guys get carried away though...

Well that my

for this thread.