Ignition timing is easily the single most important tuning adjustment on an internal combustion engine and yet the concept of ignition curves continues to be elusive for many enthusiasts. Yet all it ...

There's no shortage of opinions in this hobby, and they are usually founded on nothing more than an individual's personal experience. The theory of what makes an engine run is hardly ever applied.

Like much in life, the difference between detonation and pre-ignition, and their effects, comes down to timing. Both refer to a situation when an engine's fuel/air mixture combusts at the wrong time, ...

You just put your new crate engine together and your adrenaline is pumping. Pump the throttle, turn the key, and… the thing runs like a total dog. It idles fine, but as soon as you step on the ...

I have a 1982 El Camino. Two years ago, because it didn't pass the California smog test, I had to take it to a designated repair shop. As part of the repair, the tech told me: "Some fool set the ...

There's a tiny silver can on the side of most distributors that is easily the most misunderstood component of any distributor-based ignition system. Feared by many, and ignored by many more, the ...

DEAR CAR TALK: I have a 1982 El Camino. Two years ago, because it didn't pass the California smog test, I had to take it to a designated repair shop. As part of the repair, the tech told me: "Some ...

Welcome back for Part 2 of tune-up tips for your older Corvette. Last time we talked about tricks of the trade when setting points. This month we will talk about setting ignition timing. The most ...

According to NGK, adding 10 degrees of ignition timing at idle will raise the spark plug temperature anywhere from 180- to 210 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that adding just one degree of ignition ...